From the Guidelines
Elevated vitamin D and vitamin B12 levels are typically caused by excessive supplementation or certain medical conditions, and it is essential to discontinue any supplements containing them and consult with a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause. The causes of elevated vitamin D levels include overconsumption of supplements, especially doses exceeding 4,000 IU daily for extended periods, excessive sun exposure, certain granulomatous disorders like sarcoidosis, and some lymphomas 1. On the other hand, vitamin B12 elevations commonly result from taking high-dose supplements, consuming excessive fortified foods, or receiving B12 injections. Certain liver diseases, myeloproliferative disorders like chronic myelogenous leukemia, and some forms of leukemia can also cause B12 levels to rise, as noted in the study published in the Journal of Clinical Nutrition 1. Additionally, kidney dysfunction may elevate both vitamins as they are not properly cleared from the body. Some key points to consider include:
- Discontinuing any supplements containing vitamin D or B12 if elevated levels are discovered
- Consulting with a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause of elevated levels
- Being aware of the potential adverse effects of persistently high levels, such as hypercalcemia with vitamin D toxicity or masking of other deficiencies with high B12
- Considering the role of oxidative stress in the neurodegenerative process and the potential benefits of supplementation with certain vitamins, as discussed in the study published in the Journal of Clinical Nutrition 1. It is crucial to prioritize the single most recent and highest quality study, which in this case is the 2018 study published in the Journal of Clinical Nutrition 1, to guide clinical decision-making and ensure the best possible outcomes for patients.
From the Research
Causes of Elevated Vitamin D and Vitamin B12 Levels
- Elevated vitamin B12 levels can be caused by various factors, including:
- Solid neoplasia (primary or metastatic) and acute or chronic hematological diseases 2
- Liver disorders, monoclonal gammapathy of undetermined significance, renal failure, and excess of vitamin B12 intake 2
- Inflammatory or autoimmune diseases, and transient hematological disorders (neutrophilia and secondary eosinophilia) 2
- Elevated vitamin D levels can be caused by:
- No direct evidence is available in the provided studies to suggest common causes of elevated vitamin D levels
- It is essential to note that while vitamin B12 deficiency has been linked to various health issues, such as peripheral neuropathy in patients with diabetes mellitus on metformin therapy 3, the causes of elevated vitamin B12 levels are distinct and may be associated with a higher risk of cancer 4
- Vitamin D deficiency, on the other hand, has been linked to the development and progression of diabetic neuropathy, and therapeutic vitamin D supplementation may improve this condition 5
Vitamin B12 Level Elevation and Health Implications
- Elevated vitamin B12 levels have been associated with a higher risk of cancer, with risk ratios ranging from 1.88 to 5.9 4
- The evidence linking vitamin B12 and mortality is less consistent 4
- Patients on long-term metformin therapy are at a high risk for vitamin B12 deficiency and peripheral neuropathy, highlighting the need for interval screening 3
Vitamin D Level Elevation and Health Implications
- No direct evidence is available in the provided studies to suggest health implications of elevated vitamin D levels
- However, vitamin D deficiency has been linked to various health issues, such as diabetic neuropathy, and therapeutic vitamin D supplementation may improve these conditions 5