Possible symptoms that may indicate too much vitamin D (often due to high blood calcium levels) include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Excessive thirst and frequent urination
- Weakness, fatigue, or confusion
- Constipation or abdominal pain
More severe cases can lead to kidney problems, including kidney stones or reduced kidney function.
However, there are two important points:
- These symptoms are not specific to vitamin D toxicity. They can be caused by many other medical conditions.
- Most people taking vitamin D at recommended doses do not develop toxicity. It is rare and is usually linked to taking very high doses for a prolonged period.
If someone taking vitamin D develops these symptoms, they should contact a healthcare professional promptly rather than assuming vitamin D is the cause. A clinician may recommend stopping the supplement temporarily and ordering blood tests (such as vitamin D and calcium levels) to determine what’s happening.
In general, don’t stop a vitamin D supplement that was prescribed for a medical reason based solely on a sensational headline. If you’re concerned about your dose or symptoms, discussing them with your healthcare provider is the safest approach.
