Side Effects of Too Much Vitamin D
Deficiency and Toxicity
Vitamin D is involved in calcium absorption, immune function and protecting bone, muscle and heart health. It occurs naturally in food and can also be produced by your body when your skin is exposed to sunlight.
Yet aside from fatty fish, there are few foods rich in vitamin D. What’s more, most people don’t get enough sun exposure to produce adequate vitamin D.
Because of this, deficiency is very common. In fact, it’s estimated that about 1 billion people worldwide don’t get enough of this vitamin (1).
1. Elevated Blood Levels
2. Elevated Blood Calcium Levels
Symptoms of hypercalcemia, or high blood calcium levels, include:
- Digestive distress, such as vomiting, nausea and stomach pain
- Fatigue, dizziness and confusion
- Excessive thirst
- Frequent urination
3. Nausea, Vomiting and Poor Appetite
These include nausea, vomiting and poor appetite.
4. Stomach Pain, Constipation or Diarrhea
Stomach pain, constipation and diarrhea are common digestive complaints that are often related to food intolerances or irritable bowel syndrome.
5. Bone Loss
Because vitamin D plays an important role in calcium absorption and bone metabolism, getting enough is crucial for maintaining strong bones.
Although many symptoms of excessive vitamin D are attributed to high blood calcium levels, some researchers suggest that megadoses may lead to low levels of vitamin K2 in the blood (18).
6. Kidney Failure
Kidney failure is treated with oral or intravenous hydration and medication.
The Bottom Line
Vitamin D is extremely important for overall health. Even if you follow a healthy diet, you may require supplements in order to achieve optimal blood levels.