Vitamin D Overdose Symptoms

Vitamin D or Calciferol is a fat-soluble vitamin, synthesized by the body from exposure to the Sun. It maintains the level of calcium and phosphorus in the blood, and is essential for healthy bones and teeth. It helps the body absorb calcium, which in turn results in strong teeth and bones. Recent studies have revealed that vitamin D safeguards the body from hypertension, cancer and autoimmune diseases. Vitamin D, though essential for the body, can cause number of problems in case of overdose, although it is rarely seen.

Causes of Vitamin D Overdose

The daily requirement of vitamin D for the body is very low, and once the body makes enough vitamin D the process of manufacturing ceases. A person requires only 15-20 minutes of exposure to the Sun, three times a week to manufacture the required amount of vitamin D. However, when vitamin D supplements are consumed, there is no automatic shutdown mechanism, to prevent overdose of the vitamin. The levels of calcidiol increase in the blood, thereby causing toxicity. Vitamin D overdose can lead to a potentially dangerous condition called hypervitaminosis D.

Excessive ingestion of vitamin D generally takes place as a result of supplement overdose, and not due to high dietary intakes of vitamin D. Vitamin D rich foods contain high concentrations of vitamin D, however, the concentration is not high enough to cause an overdose. Although, cod liver oil is an exception to this. People suffering from rickets, osteoporosis or other conditions caused by vitamin D deficiency, are the ones who are prescribed vitamin D dosage and are most vulnerable to overdose. Moreover, as the body ages, natural synthesis of vitamin D reduces. Thus, old people need to rely on supplements for their daily vitamin D intake.

The daily recommended dosage for children and adults is 600 International Units (IU). For older folks (above 70), the recommended dosage is 800 IU. The risk of vitamin D toxicity is when a person consumes more than 10,000 to 40,000 IU per day. However, the levels vary from person to person, for example; a person consuming 15,000 IU may experience vitamin D toxicity symptoms, while another person consuming the same amount may be perfectly fine.

Symptoms of Vitamin D Overdose

Vtamin D overdose symptoms are primarily caused by the elevated calcium and phosphate levels in the blood. Moreover, the symptoms vary from individual to individual. The symptoms commonly seen are as follows:

Calcification: Abnormally high amounts of calcium and phosphate that are deposited in the soft tissue, such as kidneys, heart and lungs, is called calcification. These deposits can lead to irreversible organ malfunction. Breast calcification is one common type of calcification. Breast calcification is mostly benign, however, sometimes it can be indicative of breast cancer.

Urinary Stones: When hard mineral masses get lodged in the urinary tract region, they are called urinary stones. These stones are actually formed in the kidneys, which then move to the urinary tract. The victim goes through immeasurable pain, and most of the time, surgery is required to remove them. In some cases, a specific diet can dissolve the stones.

Nerve Symptoms: These symptoms comprise particular sensations such as numbness, pain, reflex issues, taste symptoms, hearing impairment, temperature sensitivity, tingling, burning, prickling sensations, etc.

Muscle Symptoms: Muscle weakness, loss of muscle control, muscle pain, cramps, stiffness, decrease in size and bulk of the muscle, called muscle atrophy are the various muscle symptoms occurring due to vitamin D overdose.

Bone Symptoms: Too much calcium in the blood conduces to over calcification of the bones. This results in bone pain and bone loss.

The other symptoms of vitamin D overdose are vomiting, nausea, poor appetite, excessive thirst, excessive urine production, loss of weight, abdominal pain, dehydration, constipation, diarrhea, itchy skin, severe headache, irritability and nervousness. Heart rhythm irregularities, increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure as well as renal failure are also symptoms of the overdose. vitamin D overdose in pregnant women can result in mental or physical retardation in babies.

Vitamin D overdose is not the result of a single large dose, but is the result of a high vitamin D dosage over a period of time. This is because, the body does not excrete the excess levels of vitamin D from the body, like it does with the other essential nutrients. The excess vitamin D is stored in the fat cells of the body, where they accumulate and reach the toxic levels over a period of time. Vitamin D overdose can be treated with steroids, prescribed by a medical professional.

Read More

Facts Causing Vitamin D Deficiency

Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin mainly found in two forms, vitamin D2 or ergocalciferol, and vitamin D3 or cholecalciferol. It is primarily responsible for maintaining the level of calcium and potassium in the body by facilitating their absorption. Therefore, it is crucial for bone growth and repair. It also strengthens the immune system and inhibits the secretion of parathyroid hormone.

It is mainly produced in the skin with the help of ultraviolet radiation of sunlight. So the synthesis of vitamin D in the skin is determined by a number of factors including the weather, geography, smog, cloud cover, and the time of the day, all of which can affect the exposure to sunlight. The liver is the main storage organ for vitamin D.

Causes

• The most common cause of vitamin D deficiency is inadequate exposure to sunlight, as absorption of ultraviolet radiation of sunlight is crucial for synthesis of vitamin D. Such factors include spending most of the time indoors and keeping the whole body covered with thick garments.
• The use of sunscreen products actually prevents sunlight from penetrating the skin, while the presence of excess melanin in the skin, as in the case of dark skin, can also impair the absorption of ultraviolet radiation.
• Insufficient intake of foods like fruits, vegetables and dairy products, which are a rich source of this vitamin. Sometimes, even if you consume a lot of these foods, you may experience a deficiency of vitamin D due to some conditions that affect its proper absorption.
• Certain diseases like Crohn's disease and colitis can damage the lining of the digestive tract and impair the proper absorption of many crucial vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D.

Some hereditary as well as liver and kidney diseases are supposed to be associated with such a condition. In many instances, medications can also cause a deficiency of this vitamin. Such medications include steroids, ulcer medications, drugs to control the level of blood cholesterol, and some sleeping pills. Alcohol can also adversely affect the metabolism of vitamin D.

Symptoms

• Asthma
• Diabetes
• Psoriasis
• Chronic kidney disease
• Cancer (breast cancer)
• Cardiovascular disease (hypertension)
• Schizophrenia and depression
• Rickets (retarded growth mainly in children)
• Osteomalacia (weak bones, muscle pain, bone softening in adults)

Apart from the symptoms mentioned above, vitamin D deficiency can increase the risk of multiple sclerosis periodontal disease, chronic fatigue, irritability, headache, migraine, brittle nails, and dizziness can also be few other symptoms. This deficiency is also associated with high blood pressure, tuberculosis, and depression.

Treatment

Foods that are rich in vitamin D are milk and dairy products, egg yolk, salmon, mackerel, tuna, sardines, fish liver oil, soy, Chinese cabbage, seaweed, broccoli, mustard, molasses, cane sugar, legumes, beans, almonds and oranges. So including them in your daily diet coupled with sufficient exposure to sunlight can help you prevent a deficiency of vitamin D.

To treat this deficiency, supplementation and medications are also available, but make sure you consult your doctor before starting off any medicaments.

Read More

Alternative to Increase Vitamin D Levels

Just a few months back there was a report published which said more than 17% population in the US suffers from vitamin D deficiency. Researchers focused heavily on the fact that Americans are not getting enough vitamin D in their food, and hence are vulnerable to a host of potential health problems caused by its deficiency. Such an alarming number is very shocking and it is essential that people know how to increase vitamin D levels naturally.

Importance of Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin that exists in various forms within the body. The most important sub vitamins of vitamin D are D2 and D3. You will get vitamin D2 mainly from veggies, while vitamin D3 can be consumed from animals. The most important thing to remember is that your body cannot make its own vitamin D, it depends on natural resources like vitamin D foods and sunlight to get the required doses of vitamin D daily. Vitamin D plays a big part in regulating the absorption of calcium and phosphorus from the small intestine. Recent studies have also indicated that having low vitamin D levels increases the risk of various life-threatening diseases.

Increasing Levels of Vitamin D Naturally

There are various vitamin D supplements and medication which help raise its levels in the body quickly. However, there are still an infinite number of people in this world who still believe in solving health problems the natural way, here are some of those ways.

Eggs

One of the healthiest foods in the world, eggs do contain vitamin D in considerable amounts. Eating one egg will provide you 37.0 IU which is at least 10% of daily serving requirements.

Milk

All milk that's made in the United States is Vitamin D fortified which makes it a good addition to your diet. A big glass of milk contains at least 100 IU which is enough to fulfill your daily requirements. If you don't like plain milk, then add milk to your favorite meals or drink with chocolate. Milk is one of the best sources of Vitamin D because it is also a rich source of calcium.

Shiitake Mushrooms

For people who hate mushrooms would be surprised to know that dried shiitake mushrooms are one of the best sources of Vitamin D. It is obvious that mushrooms dwell directly under the sunlight and this causes them to be a vitamin D rich food. To avail the vitamin benefits, it is advised to consume sun dried mushrooms as they are also a rich source of vitamin B.

Fatty Fish

All types of fat fish such as salmon, mackerel, tuna and sardines contain good amounts of vitamin D in them. 3 oz of mackerel contains 360 IU, 3 oz of salmon contains 530 IU, and 3 oz of tuna contains 200 IU vitamin D. Add these different types of fish to your diet to increase the levels of vitamin D in your body. Eat fried fish and use fish in burgers as an alternative to beef. Other sea foods which have high vitamin D levels are oysters, catfish, herring and halibut.

Fortified Cereals

One of the most popular breakfast items in the US, fortified cereals are stuffed with nutrients and vitamins. Make sure you read the ingredients before purchasing a pack and pick brands which have little or no refined sugars and no hydrogenated oils. Having 100 gm of fortified cereals can get you more than 342 IU of vitamin D.

I hope now you know how to increase vitamin D levels naturally. As I've mentioned before, the quickest way to get your vitamin D levels up is by basking in early morning sunlight for just 5 to 10 minutes, but if you are too busy to do that, having these foods will also work.

Read More

Foods Rich in Vitamin D

Sunlight is the best natural source of vitamin D. Daily exposure to sunlight for 10-15 minutes provides all the required vitamin D. However, this may not be possible in cold countries. In that case, people can opt for dietary sources in order to fulfill the daily requirement of this vitamin.

Rich Sources of Vitamin D

It is often argued that the highest amount of vitamin D is obtained from animal based sources. This is true, but, also given here are some vegan options to consider.

• Seafood
  
  Fish oil, specifically the cod liver oil, contains the maximum amount of vitamin D (more than 1000 IU in 3 ounces). Fish oil is easily available in stores, but, it is recommended to take it only after consulting the doctor. Fish liver oil is usually used as a supplement to treat deficiency of vitamin D. Many varieties of fish are also rich sources of this vitamin. Salmon (360IU), mackerel (340IU), herring (1300IU), sardines (250IU), tuna (200IU), etc., contain good amounts of vitamin D. Caviar, halibut, roe, shrimp, pilchards, oysters, etc., are some of the other seafood sources.

• Dairy
  
  Milk and other dairy products rank second among foods containing vitamin D. Plain low-fat milk, fortified milk contains nearly 100IU of vitamin; whereas soy milk is a richer source, with nearly 120IU of vitamin D. Other dairy products like cheese, yogurt, butter, margarine, goat milk, etc., also contain vitamin D, but, in lesser quantity.

• Other Animal Sources
  
  Eggs do not contain as much vitamin D as fish, but, can still provide 40IU of it. Eggs also contain vitamin B12, vitamin A and proteins. It is recommended to have organic and fresh eggs to gain maximum benefits. Egg yolk, specifically, contains more nutrients than egg white. Beef liver, ham, salami, etc., contain little amounts of vitamin D.

• Vegan Sources
  
  You may not be aware, but, button and shiitake mushrooms are also good sources of vitamin D. Sun-dried mushrooms synthesize vitamin D and provide 25-100IU of it. These days, commercially-grown mushrooms are exposed to UV light so that vitamin D production starts in them. Fortified cereals, fortified orange juice, fortified rice, tofu, etc., are some of the other vegan options that can be considered.

Benefits of Vitamin D

Vitamin D, also known as calciferol, is a fat-soluble vitamin that carries out several functions in the body. This vitamin is essential for normal functioning of cells in the body.

• It is required to carry out proper absorption of calcium and phosphorus in the body.
• As it promotes calcium absorption, it aids in proper growth and development of bones.
• It also helps in strengthening teeth and bones.
• Secondly, benefits of vitamin D also include its use in enhancing the immune system, which consequently helps in reducing the risk of several diseases and infections.
• Vitamin D is required in very little amounts in our body. However, it is essential to fulfill the daily requirement of these vitamins to prevent deficiency diseases like rickets.

Vitamin D Dosage

The daily requirement of vitamin D for adults up to 50 years of age is 400-800IU. It is more in case of older people, and in pregnant and breastfeeding women. The doctor may prescribe further higher doses for those who suffer from vitamin D deficiency. All the required amounts can be obtained from the foods mentioned above. These foods are easily available, and hence, can be incorporated in the daily diet easily. Although there are vitamin supplements available in the market, they are to be taken only with the doctor's prescription or recommendation.

You can consult the doctor to check out your daily requirement of vitamin D. Including the aforementioned foods in your diet regularly can help in keeping deficiency diseases at bay. Take care!

Read More

How Vitamin D can Cause Constipation?

Vitamins are required by the human body for carrying out various functions in the body. All vitamins are required in smaller amounts, but, are essential for the prevention of various diseases and disorders. Vitamin D is also one of the most important vitamins required by the body for different purposes. This vitamin is essential for proper absorption of calcium and phosphate. Secondly, vitamin D is also required for maintaining health of bones and teeth. However, if one does not gain sufficient amounts of vitamin D from foods, he is advised to use vitamin D supplements. However, there are several claims that vitamin D causes constipation. Let us know more on it.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is obtained from a variety of foodstuffs like milk, eggs, fish, cheese, mollusks, soy, etc. Secondly, exposure to the direct sunlight also helps in synthesis of vitamin D under the skin. Therefore, a deficiency of vitamin D is a fairly rare condition. However, having improper diet, not getting exposure to sunlight, or suffering from any health condition, etc. are some of the reasons of vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin and mineral supplements are meant usually for people who suffer from deficiency diseases. Secondly, vitamin D supplements may also be prescribed if a person is suffering from any disorder related to calcium deficiency.

Vitamin D Supplements and Constipation

Firstly, it should be noted that most of the vitamin and mineral supplements do not cause side effects, if taken in right amounts. Therefore, it is essential to consult the doctor and take supplements only in prescribed amounts, and for the prescribed duration of time. Therefore, if you are suffering from side effects like constipation, weakness, nausea, vomiting, etc., then this may be because of the excess of vitamin D in your body. It should be noted that an overdose of vitamin D can be dangerous. In order to prevent it, as mentioned above, the vitamin D deficiency should be diagnosed properly and supplements should be taken on consulting the doctor.

Secondly, as aforementioned, vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption in the body. In fact, vitamin D aids the process of calcium absorption in the body. On the other hand, excess calcium in the body can lead to side effects like drowsiness and constipation. A combination of calcium and vitamin D is taken together for treating deficiency of calcium. However, if the level of calcium in the body rises above normal, one can suffer from constipation. Apart from this, building up of calcium and phosphate in the liver is also one of the side effects of vitamin D.

Vitamin D supplements are usually taken in the form of D3. This is a fat soluble vitamin which is easily absorbed in the body. However, when taken in excess, it can lead to toxicity and symptoms like metallic taste in mouth. And as vitamin D is linked to constipation, it is advisable to consult the doctor immediately, if you suffer from constipation or any other side effect associated with vitamin supplements. Although constipation can be treated by medications and home remedies, the doctor will make changes in your supplement's dosage to avoid the side effects.

By summing up the above, we can say that constipation can only occur due to excess of vitamin D or calcium in the body. Lastly, to be on the safer side, inform your doctor about every side effect that you experience on taking supplements. Take care!

Read More