4 minute learnnew delhiJuly 22, 2026 05:56 PM (IST)
An Instagram submit by dietary endocrinologist Dr. Shanti has reignited the controversy in regards to the dangers of self-prescribing vitamin D dietary supplements. “A 34-year-old lady who was affected by fatigue, hair loss, physique aches, and low temper started taking high-dose vitamin D dietary supplements (60,000 IU) after being instructed that ‘everyone seems to be poor,'” Dr. Shanthi wrote.
Based on the submit, the lady continued to take excessive doses of the dietary supplements for a number of months with out present process additional blood checks or medical follow-up. She then developed vomiting, extreme weak spot, constipation, extreme thirst, frequent urination, and confusion. Checks revealed vitamin D toxicity, dangerously excessive calcium ranges, and worsening kidney perform, and dialysis was thought-about.
Disclaimer: This text relies on data from the general public area and/or from consultants we spoke to. Make sure to seek the advice of your physician earlier than beginning your day by day life.
“This lawsuit emphasizes that whereas vitamin D deficiency should be handled, high-dose dietary supplements ought to solely be taken beneath medical supervision with common monitoring as a result of extra vitamin D can accumulate within the physique, enhance calcium ranges, and enhance vitamin D ranges.” It causes extreme injury to the kidneys,” Dr. Shanti identified.
However how widespread is vitamin D toxicity, and who really wants high-dose dietary supplements? Based on Dr. Aashish Chaudhry, Managing Director of Aakash Healthcare, “Vitamin D toxicity is comparatively uncommon, however the variety of circumstances has elevated lately as extra folks take dietary supplements with out medical supervision.”
Though vitamin D deficiency is widespread, we warning towards assuming that everybody wants high-dose therapy. “Many individuals consider that if a bit is sweet, extra should be higher. That’s merely not the case with vitamin D,” he says.
Dr. Chowdhury explains that toxicity sometimes happens when very excessive doses (typically 60,000 IU or extra) are taken for weeks or months with out monitoring blood ranges.
“Daylight and regular weight loss plan are unlikely to trigger vitamin D toxicity. The true danger lies in utilizing excessive doses of dietary supplements for lengthy durations of time with out supervision,” he added.
What are the warning indicators of vitamin D toxicity?
“Early indicators embody nausea, vomiting, lack of urge for food, constipation, elevated thirst, frequent urination, weak spot, fatigue, and protracted complications,” says Dr. Chowdhury.
If calcium ranges proceed to rise, signs can turn out to be extra extreme. “Sufferers turn out to be confused and might develop muscle weak spot, dehydration and irregular coronary heart rhythms. In extreme circumstances, kidney injury can happen,” he explains.
How does extra vitamin D injury the kidneys?
Dr. Chowdhury explains that vitamin D will increase the absorption of calcium from the intestines. Subsequently, extra vitamin D causes abnormally excessive calcium ranges (hypercalcemia), which places nice stress on the kidneys. “Excessive calcium ranges trigger calcium deposits within the kidneys, which may have an effect on their potential to filter waste and regulate physique fluids. This situation, often called hypercalcemia-induced kidney damage, can progress to acute kidney failure if not handled promptly.”
Who really wants excessive doses of vitamin D?
Dr. Chowdhury stresses that high-dose vitamin D dietary supplements will not be appropriate for everybody.
“They’re sometimes solely really helpful for folks with confirmed vitamin D deficiency primarily based on blood checks,” he says.
Different teams that want supplementation Individuals beneath a health care provider’s supervision embody:
* Osteoporosis
* Osteomalacia
*Persistent kidney illness
* Malabsorption issues
* Restricted daylight publicity
* Aged folks at excessive danger of deficiency
Why monitoring is as essential as therapy
Earlier than prescribing vitamin D, medical doctors often advocate testing 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), serum calcium, phosphate, and kidney perform.
“Dosage and therapy period ought to all the time be tailor-made to the person’s deficiencies and general well being,” says Dr. Chaudhry. Comply with-up is equally essential.
“Sometimes, blood checks are repeated after eight to 12 weeks to verify that calcium ranges stay regular and vitamin D ranges have improved. As soon as the deficiency is corrected, most sufferers are moved to a decrease upkeep dose fairly than persevering with on high-dose therapy.” He emphasizes that vitamin D supplementation is protected and efficient when supervised by a health care provider, however unsupervised use can have probably life-threatening penalties.
Disclaimer: This text relies on data from the general public area and/or from consultants we spoke to. Make sure to seek the advice of your physician earlier than beginning your day by day life.
