If vitamin D is essential in children for bone growth, it is imperative to avoid overdose. Recently, three new cases of severe hypercalcemia – excess calcium in the blood linked to the intake of food supplements – have been reported in infants. A far from trivial phenomenon since a excess vitamin D can impact the health and threaten the vital prognosis of toddlers.
Consequently, ANSES reiterates its recommendations concerning the supplementation of infants with vitamin D. To limit the risk of accidents as much as possible, the Health Agency recommends that parents give priority to taking medication rather than taking food supplements. “Medicines indeed guarantee clear information in terms of doses, precautions for use, risk of adverse effects and overdose”, emphasizes ANSES in a statement.
In addition, she recalls the importance of controlling the doses administered and taking care not to multiply the products containing vitamin D to avoid overdoses which could disrupt her kidney function. Finally, she advises that the intake of this vitamin is only on prescription from a health professional.