Vitamin D Toxicity Symptoms

Vitamin D has many sub-groups like vitamin D1, vitamin D2, vitamin D3, vitamin D4 and vitamin D5. Vitamin D2 is scientifically known as Ergocalciferol and vitamin D3 as Cholecalciferol. It is collectively known as Calciferol. Vitamin D toxicity symptoms are indicator of lack of vitamin D rich diet.

Vitamin D (Calciferol) has several health benefits. Our bones are made of a compound called as Calcium Phosphate. Vitamin D helps in absorption of calcium and bone resorption. It increases the density of bones preventing the occurrence of Osteoporosis. It helps in proper functioning of parathyroid hormone that maintains serum calcium levels. It enhances the immunity system. Active vitamin D hormone boosts the secretion of Cathelicidin, an antimicrobial peptide. Calciferol also has the potential to fight against cancer. It possesses broad range of cellular mechanisms that are related to cancer. Consumption of vitamin D daily in right amount reduces the risk of colon cancer by 50% and breast and ovarian cancer by 30%. It also helps in combating influenza and flu virus that affects especially in the winter. It has also been reported that vitamin D3 is effective in treating Tuberculosis. Lack of vitamin D gives rise to cardiovascular diseases like high blood pressure. Vitamin D helps in reducing mortality rate.

• Sources of vitamin D:

Plant sources: legumes, soybeans, baked beans, kidney beans, navy beans, lima beans, turnip greens, lentils, tofu, almonds, sesame seeds, cornbread, sweet potato, raisins and tahini
Animal sources: Fatty fish such as Salmon, Tuna and Mackerel, cow’s milk, cheese, beef liver, egg yolks and cod liver oil
One of the easiest and cheapest ways to get vitamin D is exposure to morning sun. Our skin has bacteria that synthesize vitamin D. Be sure that you don’t over-expose yourself to the sun as the rays contain Ultra-violet (UV) particles that cause skin cancer. Exposure to early morning sun for few minutes is quite safe.

• The recommended daily allowance of vitamin D as suggested is 400IU (International Units). Overdose of vitamin D is observed when one continuously intakes more than 77,000IU per day. Acute overdose is between 6,00,000IU to 16,80,000IU. Intake of 10,000IU per day is considered to be safe.
• Vitamin D toxicity is hazardous. One must take care that these vitamins are not consumed in excess. Since, vitamin D is fat-soluble vitamin, it is stored inside our body. Unlike water-soluble vitamins like vitamin B-Complex group and vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid), these fat-soluble vitamins invite danger when consumed in excess.
• Following are vitamin D toxicity symptoms:Hypercalcuria i.e passage of extra calcium through urine

1. Hypercalcemia (blood containing high level of calcium)
2. Hypercalcemia can during pregnancy can lead to retarded mental health syndrome and facial deformities of the foetus
3. Hyperparathyroidism
4. Vomiting
5. Nausea
6. Pigmentation of skin when exposed to sunlight for a long time
7. Nervousness
8. Weakness
9. Abdominal cramps
10. Prolonged overdose of vitamin D can cause anorexia
11. Proteinurea, azotemia, metastatic calcification and urinary casts may develop
12. Constipation
13. Abnormalities of heart rhythms
14. Confusion
15. Tingling sensation in the mouth
16. Polyurea
17. Polydipsia
18. Pruritus
19. Renal failure

If you come across any of these vitamin D toxicity symptoms, consult your physician as early as possible. Vitamin D toxicity can prove hazardous to kidneys, as their damage is irreversible. Vitamin D toxicity symptoms can be controlled by restricting the intake of oral vitamin D tablets and limiting the amount of vitamin D in your diet. Generally, people who have healthy diet and do not take any artificial supplements are at lesser risk of vitamin D toxicity.

Follow healthy diet and hygienic conditions, exercise regularly, live stress-less life and
be happy.
Take care

Related posts:

• Vitamin Toxicity Symptoms
• Vitamin A Toxicity Symptoms
• Vitamin B Toxicity Symptoms
• Vitamin E Deficiency Symptoms