Risks of Excessive Vitamin D Intake: A Case Study of a Middle-Aged Man Hospitalized for Side Effects

2023-07-29 07:11:25

Excessive vitamin D… A middle-aged man who lost 13 kg and was hospitalized for 3 months due to diarrhea, vomiting, tinnitus, etc.

Enter 2023.07.29 16:10 Modify 2023.07.29 18:21 Hits 1,602 Enter 2023.07.29 16:10 Modify 2023.07.29 18:21 Hits 1,602

Vitamin D, which is mainly absorbed from sunlight, can also be consumed through food. Unlike sunlight and food, excessive intake of vitamin D through supplements (health functional foods) can cause serious side effects. [사진=게티이미지뱅크]Excessive intake of vitamin D, which is said to be good for middle-aged and elderly people, can cause serious problems. In particular, absorbing too much vitamin D from supplements (health supplements) can cause various side effects. US health portal ‘Thehealthy’ drew attention to the risk of ‘vitamin D overdose’ by citing a case in which a middle-aged man was hospitalized for three months due to various side effects from taking too many vitamin D supplements.

It turned out that this man was overconfident in the efficacy of vitamin D and ate 250 times the daily requirement (recommended amount). He was hospitalized and treated following suffering from diarrhea and weight loss (12.7kg), vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, leg cramps, tinnitus, dry mouth and extreme thirst. This is a good example of the old adage, ‘Excess of anything is as bad as lack of it (excess is not enough)’.

In the case of dietary sources of vitamin D, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the daily recommended amount (RDA) of vitamin D intake as food or supplement is 600 IU (international unit) for those under 70 years of age and 800 IU for those over 70 years of age.

Vitamin D is mainly absorbed into the body through sunlight. It is desirable to absorb vitamin D into the skin by exposure to direct sunlight for 5 to 30 minutes at least twice a week. You can also get vitamin D from salmon, eggs, mushrooms, and dairy products.

Since the body regulates its own production of vitamin D, toxicity does not appear when vitamin D is absorbed through sunlight or food. However, taking too many supplements can cause various side effects. Long-term vitamin D toxicity can lead to elevated blood calcium levels. It damages various tissues and blood vessels and can cause various symptoms such as nausea, weakness, vomiting, and frequent urination.

Elderly people over 70 years of age especially need to take enough vitamin D. Vitamin D is related to calcium intake, which helps build bones. Bone density decreases rapidly following the age of 50, so it is necessary to consume enough calcium-rich foods. Vitamin D is converted to calcium in the liver. Doctors may recommend taking vitamin D supplements for older people in the winter when outdoor activities are difficult or sunlight is difficult during the day. The maximum daily intake (UL) of vitamin D for most people over the age of 9 is 4000 IU.

Most vitamin D supplements provide a dose between the recommended daily intake and the maximum daily intake. Some supplements even provide 5000 IU. It is for those who do not absorb vitamins and minerals well. Such a person must consult a doctor before taking vitamin D supplements.

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