Vitamin D Toxicity Symptoms – Avoiding the Danger of an Overdose

By Ganda Putra

Too much of a good thing can be almost as dangerous as too little of the same good thing.  Vitamin D is one of those nutrients which must be used in the proper balance to have the highest levels of health and wellness.  If you consume a high quantity of Vitamin D supplements you risk the danger of an overdose, or experiencing Vitamin D toxicity symptoms. In this article we will discuss the symptoms you may see and give you recommendations for proper levels of intake and recommended sources of high quality vitamin D.

Flu like Symptoms with an Added Punch – Vitamin D Toxicity Symptoms

If you are taking extremely high doses of Vitamin D, usually in excess of 50,000IU/day, you may start to experience these symtoms:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Weakness
• General Feeling of Nervousness or Agitation

As you can see, these symptoms closely mimic the flu or a myriad of other diseases.  The underlying problem is much more severe.  A sustained level of Vitamin D overdose or toxicity can lead to:

• Renal Failure
• Kidney Stones
• Kidney Damage
• Anorexia

Now we are talking about levels of physical risk which should frighten you.  The good news, to reach these levels of toxicity is not easy.  You will need to be taking very high dose supplements are a large amount of over-the-counter supplements.  Never use a prescription Vitamin D capsule not intended for you.  The dosage in those capsules are healthy on the short-term for a person with a Vitamin D deficiency, but are very dangerous to a person with normal Vitamin D levels.

Getting Enough Vitamin D Safely

The Institute of Medicine has set some very easy targets for Vitamin D intake.  The recommended levels of intake are as follows:

• Infants – 400IU/Day (Normally achieved in formula or the recommended daily vitamin drops.)
• 1-70 Years Old – 600IU/Day
• 71+ Years Old – 800IU/Day
• Pregnant or Lactating – 600IU/Day

To reach these levels of Vitamin D is very simple.  It can start with getting 15-30 minutes of sunlight every day.  The sun and body work together to produce Vitamin D.  The amazing thing is the body has developed a self-regulating system to prevent the overproduction of Vitamin D from sunlight.   This makes it one of the safest options

The next choice should be eating properly.  Adding a variety of fish to your diet is one of the easiest methods to increase you Vitamin D intake.   For Vegans your choices are a limited.  You can choose irradiated mushrooms or yeasts to get added vitamin D in your diet.

Related articles:vitamin d overdose symptoms, vitamin d deficiency fatigue, vitamin d 50 000 units

Over-the-counter Vitamin D supplements are very safe if taken according the label instructions.  By sticking with a simple supplement, or daily multi-vitamin, you should never risk experiencing Vitamin D toxicity symptoms.  If another family member has been prescribed high dosage Vitamin D the rest of the family should not use it.  The dangers are quite high with sustained use.  Play it safe and get your vitamin D from sunlight, fish, and OTC supplements.