Vitamin D is advertised a lot because of the numerous health benefits you might get from it.
It is known to help stabilize mood, strengthen your immunity, and keep your bones stronger. But taking supplements, such as Vitamin D, isn’t just all about those benefits.
Medical experts said that excessive Vitamin D intake can be harmful to your health. Many people are inattentive to this until their body sends a warning message.
There are 4 symptoms that are linked to excess Vitamin D intake, which experts say it’s time for you to stop taking more.
Here’s what you need to know.
Too Much Vitamin D Isn’t Better
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble supplement. It stays in your body even if it’s excessive enough for your system.
Too much Vitamin D can cause the buildup of calcium in the blood. This led to upset stomach, weakened muscles, stressed kidneys, and affected brain function.
These are all the symptoms of the condition called hypercalcemia.
The risk of having high-dose Vitamin D became prevalent as people are getting it from supplements, instead of the sun or food. It can affect your health if it’s taken without medical advice or if it’s dependent on it for so long.
Symptom #1: Poor Appetite, Vomiting, and Nausea
The first target for Vitamin D overdose is the stomach. High levels of calcium can cause irritation to your digestive system.
Many assumed that having an irritated stomach is due to a food issue or bug, but it’s just because of too much Vitamin D intake.
It gets worse when they take more and more Vitamin D supplements. Resulting to warnings signs such as vomiting, nausea, stomach discomfort, and poor or loss of appetite.
Symptom #2: Always Thirsty and Frequent Urination
Too much Vitamin D supplement intake can make your kidneys work excessively to clear the extra calcium.
Since the supplement is fat-soluble, the kidneys have no choice but to force themselves to process that excess.
That’s why you may feel the need to urinate frequently and be thirsty. Over time, the overworked kidneys may lead to dehydration, having stones, or damage.
Symptom #3: Achy Bones and Weak Muscles
Although Vitamin D supplement is meant to strengthen your bones, excessive amounts of calcium due to abusive intake may also do more harm than good.
It affects your muscles and bones.
Due to the excessive levels of calcium, some of these will be pushed back into the bloodstream. Leading to a physical imbalance.
Many don’t realize that too much bone discomfort, aching joints, and weak muscles are not the signs of Vitamin D deficiency. But the excess of calcium.
Symptom #4: Brain Fog, Confusion, or Fatigue
High calcium intake is not just bad for the body; it also affects your brain function.
Instead of addressing the deficiency, Vitamin D becomes a brain toxin that causes several disruptions, such as concentration problems, frequent confusion, constant fatigue, and mental fog.
If you’re not careful with Vitamin D supplement intake, it can lead to worst-case scenarios related to mental changes and cardiovascular complications.
Too Much Vitamin D
Vitamin D supplements can be dangerous if not taken with proper medical advice. That’s why medical experts have warned about its excessive use.
They recommend taking Vitamin D supplements with 600 to 800 IU daily, depending on your health condition and age.
Some experts may also recommend blood testing to provide you with the proper Vitamin D supplement.
It becomes too much or problematic when you take 4,000 IU or more daily on a long-term basis. Drinking too many supplements that have Vitamin D is also contributing to worse cases.
It’s Not for Everyone
Specific groups of people are exempted or face a higher risk when taking Vitamin D. It is best avoided or take caution by the following people:
- People who already have calcium supplements in their diet.
- People with kidney complications.
- People with parathyroid or thyroid conditions.
- Elderly
Self-dosing is not the best option when taking Vitamin D, as it can cause toxicity even in the healthiest people.
Alternative Recommendation from the Doctors
Here are some recommendations from the medical experts that you should know:
- Take supplements only if prescribed by a doctor.
- Strictly follow the dosage instructions.
- Get tested on your Vitamin D levels.
- Stop Vitamin D if you are experiencing the symptoms discussed above.
Treat as Medicine, Not a Candy
One thing to learn about Vitamin D, or the food supplements in general, is to treat it like a medicine.
Not a candy that is for the nibbling of the mouth.
The reason why doctors warned about Vitamin D is due to its calcium content. Too much is toxic; it is risky and fatal.
Your goal and intention should be limited to addressing the deficiency, not to turn your situation from bad to worse.