Saturday, March 31, 2012

What are the Side Effects of Excess Intake of Vitamin D?

For optimal function, vitamins A, B, C, D, E, K are the vitamins which are needed daily for normal metabolism and functioning of the body. Vitamin D is also an important vitamin required for our body that protects us from a wide range of health disorders. Vitamin D is available in the two forms that is vitamin D2( ergocalciferol) and vitamin D3( cholecalciferol) respectively.


Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin. The fact that it is stored in the tissues in the form of fat and the body can store it for future use. Unlike other vitamins, we do not need to get vitamin D from the food that we eat but we used to get vitamin D from sunlight. This is a good thing because most foods contain very little vitamin D naturally.

Excess amount of vitamin D or overdose can lead to illness. This may make one susceptible to kidney stones. Besides the formation of kidney stones, an overdose could also lead to excessive production of urine. Taking high doses could lead to nocturia( getting many times at night to pass urine). Increased levels of calcium in blood (hypercalcemia) is one of the most common side effects of vitamin D. Those suffering from hypercalcemia usually experience symptoms such as excessive thirst, nausea, weak muscles, muscle cramps, pain in the abdomen, confusion or lethargy. Vitamin D overdose could also make one prone to heart ailments or high blood pressure. Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, constipation, bone pain, insomnia or frequent urination are some of the problems that may occur due to vitamin D overdose.

Remember, excess of anything is bad which is why people who are taking vitamin D supplements must adhere to the prescribed dosage. It would be best to fulfill the body's requirements by either including dietary sources of vitamin D to your diet or by getting the much-needed supply of sunshine vitamin by spending some time outdoors, basking in the sun.

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