Dietary supplements: Hypervitaminosis D is on the rise
Many people take Vitamin D preparations to prevent vitamin D deficiency. But such dietary supplements can become dangerous. Experts warn of aoverdose“ such means.
“Overdosing” on vitamin D supplements is both possible and harmful, medics warn in BMJ Case Reports magazine after treating a man hospitalized for excessive vitamin D intake.
Report of man with serious health problems
Hypervitaminose D is on the rise and linked to a variety of potentially serious health problems, according to the experts, the journal reports “BMJ“.
The case concerns a middle-aged man who was referred by his family doctor to hospital was admitted after complaining of recurrent vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, leg cramps, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), dry mouth, increased thirst, diarrhea and weight loss (12.7 kg).
These symptoms started about three months earlier and began about a month after he was given an intensive diet on the advice of a nutritionist vitamin supplementation had started.
The man had various health problemsincluding tuberculosis, an inner ear tumor (left vestibular schwannoma) that had caused deafness in that ear, accumulation of fluid in the brain (hydrocephalus), bacterial meningitis, and chronic sinusitis.
High doses of dietary supplements
The patient had every day high doses taken by more than 20 over-the-counter dietary supplements that contained:
Vitamin D: 50000 mg – the daily requirement is 600 mg or 400 IU; Vitamin K2: 100 mg (daily requirement 100–300 μg); Vitamin C; Vitamin B9 (folate): 1000 mg (daily requirement 400 μg); Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Vitamin B6, Omega-3: 2000 mg twice daily (Daily requirement 200-500 mg) plus several other vitamins, minerals, nutrients and probiotics dietary supplements.
As symptoms developed, he stopped taking these supplements, but his symptoms did not disappear.
treatment in hospital
The results of blood tests ordered by his GP showed that the patient had very high calcium levels and had slightly elevated magnesium levels. And his vitamin D levels were 7 times the level needed for adequate supplies.
The tests also showed that his Kidneys not working properly (acute kidney damage). The results of various x-rays and scans to check for cancer were unremarkable.
The man stayed in the hospital for eight days, during which time he received intravenous fluids and was diagnosed with Bisphosphonates – medicines normally used to strengthen bones or to lower excessive levels of calcium in the blood.
Two months after being discharged from the hospital, his calcium levels had returned to normal, but his vitamin D levels were still up unusually high.
Symptoms can last for several weeks
“Globally, there is a growing trend in hypervitaminosis D, a clinical condition characterized by elevated serum levels of vitamin D3”with women, children, and surgical patients most likely to be affected, the authors write.
Of the recommended vitamin D levels can be achieved through diet (e.g., wild mushrooms, oily fish), sun exposure, and dietary supplements.
If hypervitaminosis D develops due to excessive intake, the symptoms can several weeks stop, the authors warn.
The symptoms of hypervitaminosis D are varied and are mostly through excess calcium in the blood caused. These include drowsiness, confusion, apathy, psychosis, depression, drowsiness, anorexia, abdominal pain, vomiting, constipation, stomach ulcers, pancreatitis, high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythms, and kidney abnormalities, including kidney failure.
Other associated features such as keratopathy (inflammatory eye disease), joint stiffness (arthralgia) and hearing loss or deafness have also been reported, they add.
Hypervitaminosis D is on the rise, but it is still there kinda rare, according to the authors. However, they caution that the use of supplements is popular and people may not be aware that it is possible to overdose on vitamin D.
“This case report lifts that potential toxicity of dietary supplements that are largely considered safe until taken in unsafe amounts or in unsafe combinations.”, they conclude. (ad)
Author and source information
This text corresponds to the specifications of medical specialist literature, medical guidelines and current studies and has been checked by medical professionals.
Sources:
- BMJ: Vitamin D supplement ‘overdosing’ is possible and harmful, warn doctors, (Abruf: 06.07.2022), BMJ
Important NOTE:
This article contains general advice only and should not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment. He can not substitute a visit at the doctor.