Besides vitamin D deficiency can cause some diseases, we are also should know that vitamin D toxicity also caused several health problems. Vitamin D is beneficial to health, such as preventing diabetes, bone disorders or muscle disturbances. However, excessive intake of vitamin D, it also can lead to health problems. It is based on a study from John Hopkins University shows that consume excess vitamin D will not gives any benefit to the body, in fact, can cause problems. The study published in the American Journal Of Medicine, which recommends that vitamin D should not be excessive, because it can increase the risk of cardiovascular disorders.
Can we overdose on vitamin D?
Consuming vitamin D as much as 10 times the recommended daily dose, for several months, can cause poisoning, which resulted in high levels of calcium in the blood. The first symptoms of vitamin D toxicity are loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, followed by an incredible thirst, increased urination, weakness, anxiety and high blood pressure. Calcium can be deposited throughout the body, especially in the kidneys, which can cause permanent damage. Renal function is impaired, causing protein in the urine discarded and urea levels in the blood increase.
Vitamin D Overdose Symptoms
Symptoms of vitamin D overdose can vary from mild to serious. Some of these symptoms for example nervousness, irritability, and emotional. While the physical signs that can arise include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and weight loss. In addition, increased thirst and dehydration, as well as severe headaches can occur. Along with the development of symptoms, nerves and muscles begin to be affected, which causes itching in the skin, fatigue, and weakness.
A more serious concern due to the toxicity of vitamin D in the body are elevated levels of calcium in the blood and soft tissues (such as the lungs, heart, and kidney). At this point, bone pain or bone loss can occur. Symptoms can also affect the urinary tract, ranging from excessive urine production by the kidney stones, and even kidney failure. High blood pressure and increased risk of heart disease to be one of the feared condition occurs.
Diagnosis of Vitamin D Overdose
An overdose of vitamin D are rare and only showed slight specific symptoms, making diagnosis difficult. If you are worried about experiencing vitamin D toxicity, consult with a physician or other health care related to examine and recommend treatment if necessary.
Excess Vitamin D Increase Risk of Death
The researchers cautioned that, excess vitamin D levels in the blood increase the risk of death. Too much and too little vitamin D had the same result against body. A study conducted by researchers at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark, found the mortality rate increases to 40% in people with vitamin D in the blood is very high. This study is based on tests of blood samples from 247 574 patients from Copenhagen General Practitioners Laboratory, as reported by Dailymail.
The results showed, when the blood contains less than 10 nanomoles (nmol) of vitamin D per liter of serum, the risk of death doubled to 2.31 times higher than average. However, if the blood contains more than 140 nmol of vitamin D per liter of serum, the risk of death rose 1.42 times, or approximately 40% higher. While the lowest mortality rate if blood containing 50 nmol of vitamin D, according to a report in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism.
Vitamin D is essential for the immune system, healthy bones and strong teeth, as well as the absorption of calcium. If a lack of vitamin D, you could be at risk for heart disease, type 2 diabetes, some types of cancer, autoimmune, and osteomalacia. Darshana Durup researchers from the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences at the University of Copenhagen said, many studies have been conducted to determine the risk of vitamin D deficiency, however, proved too much vitamin D is also not good. So, if you want to take supplements of vitamin D to meet the daily needs, it is advisable to consult a doctor.