Vitamin D can be produced by the body in response to skin’s exposure to sunlight, but can also be obtained through diet and supplements.

Vitamin D deficiency is not so rare in the Indian subcontinent, despite India being a tropical country with ample sun beating down upon the terrain. We all know that Vitamin D can be produced by the body in response to skin’s exposure to sunlight, but can also be obtained through diet and supplements.

If you are not spending enough time outdoors, chances are you are also Vitamin D-deficient. Often a person will overcompensate for this lack by supplementing.

But are you aware that having too much Vitamin D can leave you with a toxicity experience? What are the signs warning of this and what is the recommended dosage of vitamin D to avoid this?

A new study by the University of Chicago Medicine researchers, who published their findings in the medical journal JAMA Open Network, studied 3,000 patients who had their vitamin D levels tested within two weeks before a COVID-19 test.

A new study by the University of Chicago Medicine researchers, who published their findings in the medical journal JAMA Open Network, studied 3,000 patients who had their vitamin D levels tested within two weeks before a COVID-19 test.

Vitamin D can be produced by the body in response to skin’s exposure to sunlight, but can also be obtained through diet and supplements.

Most people don’t get enough vitamin D, so supplements are common.
However, it’s also possible for this vitamin to build up and reach toxic levels in your body which is known as vitamin D toxicity. According to the Mayo Clinic (US), Vitamin D toxicity, also called hypervitaminosis D, is a rare but potentially serious condition that occurs when you have excessive amounts of vitamin D in your body.

How much is the Recommended Daily Allowance?

In India, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) recommends a daily supplement of 400 IU/day of vitamin D for Indians under situations of minimal exposure to sunlight. The US Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for most adults of 600 IU of vitamin D a day, as per Mayo Clinic.In the US, most people need around 10mcg of vitamin D a day, including pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Babies younger than one year old need between 8.5 and 10mcg daily.

Since sunlight is not available all around the year in places where winters are harsh. it is recommended that everyone takes a 10mcg supplement of vitamin D in the winter to protect against a deficiency.
Sometimes the dosage may be referred to in International Units (IU). The equivalent of 10mcg in IU is 40IU.

What are the symptoms of vitamin D toxicity?

Vitamin D toxicity is usually caused by large doses of vitamin D supplements — not by diet or sun exposure. Excessive sun exposure can cause other health problems, not vitamins toxicity. Ingesting Vitamin-D-rich foods also cannot cause toxicity as the body regulates the amount of vitamin D produced by sun exposure, and even fortified foods don't contain large amounts of vitamin D.

A study published in the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health on vitamin D toxicity noted: “Although vitamin D toxicity is rare, the health effects can be serious if it is not promptly identified.

“Confusion, apathy, recurrent vomiting, abdominal pain, polyuria, polydipsia, and dehydration are the most often noted clinical symptoms of vitamin D toxicity.

Vitamin D Toxicity - Additional symptoms:

Nausea
Vomiting
Frequent urination
Appetite loss
Thirst
Dehydration
Constipation
Muscle weakness

Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a professional healthcare provider if you have any specific questions about any medical matter.