What Happens When You Consume Too Much Vitamin D?

Like many important nutrients, vitamins, and other essentials, vitamin D is also an essential for a variety of body functions. The super source is sunlight, which is why vitamin D is also known as the Sunshine Vitamin, but can be found in other foods included fish, eggs, read meat, mushrooms and many other foods. It helps with muscle growth and development, supports the immune system, and keeps your bones strong. Many people turn to vitamin D supplements to ensure they’re getting enough, but as with anything, too much of it can lead to health problems.

So, what happens when you consume too much vitamin D?

While vitamin D is crucial for health, taking too much can have negative effects. It’s important to stay within safe limits to avoid complications.

Elevated Blood Levels

Vitamin D toxicity happens when blood levels exceed 100 ng/mL. Anything above 150 ng/mL is considered hypervitaminosis D, which can cause significant health issues. Most people won’t reach these levels unless they take high doses of supplements for extended periods, especially without professional guidance.

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Elevated Calcium Levels

Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, but too much vitamin D can cause calcium levels to spike, which leads to hypercalcemia (excess calcium in the blood). This can cause symptoms like:

• Digestive issues (nausea, vomiting, constipation, stomach pain)
• Fatigue and dizziness
• Muscle weakness
• Dehydration and excessive urination
• Kidney stones and even kidney failure
• High blood pressure and abnormal heart rhythms
• Gastrointestinal and Mental Health Symptoms

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Excess vitamin D can cause several uncomfortable symptoms:

Gastrointestinal distress: nausea, constipation, diarrhea, and poor appetite.

Mental confusion: People with high calcium levels often experience confusion, depression, and in severe cases, psychosis or even coma.

In one instance, a 64-year-old man who took too much vitamin D was confused and agitated for nearly two weeks until his calcium levels were corrected.

Kidney Problems

Vitamin D toxicity can also harm the kidneys. High calcium levels can lead to dehydration, kidney injury, or even kidney failure. This happens because excess calcium causes the kidneys to work harder, and over time, they may begin to fail.

Who’s at Risk?

While vitamin D toxicity is rare, it can happen if someone takes excessively high doses for long periods. People with certain medical conditions—like granulomatous disorders, some cancers, or issues with vitamin D metabolism—are at higher risk. Overuse of supplements or prescription errors can also cause toxicity.

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How to Safely Manage Vitamin D

Although vitamin D toxicity is uncommon, it's important to take the correct dosage. For those who are deficient, healthcare professionals may recommend higher doses temporarily, followed by a maintenance dose. Always check with a doctor before starting high-dose vitamin D supplements, especially if you are already taking other medications or have underlying health conditions.