Vitamin D is important for bone health, muscles, and immune function, but too much vitamin D (usually from high-dose supplements rather than normal sun exposure or food) can cause a buildup of calcium in the blood, called hypercalcemia.
Doctors may advise stopping or reducing a vitamin D supplement and getting medical advice if you develop symptoms such as:
- Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
- High calcium levels can upset the digestive system.
- Unusual thirst and frequent urination
- Excess vitamin D can affect the kidneys by increasing calcium levels.
- Weakness, fatigue, confusion, or dizziness
- These can occur when calcium levels become too high.
- Kidney-related symptoms
- Such as flank pain, kidney stones, or changes in urination.
Do not stop a prescribed vitamin D treatment without speaking with your healthcare professional, especially if it was recommended for a deficiency or a medical condition. If you take vitamin D, the dose matters: many people take standard daily amounts safely, while problems are more likely with very high doses taken for long periods.
If you tell me your vitamin D dose (for example, 1,000 IU, 5,000 IU, or 50,000 IU), how often you take it, and why you take it, I can help put the risk in context.
