From the Guidelines
There is limited evidence suggesting that vitamin D3 supplements can cause tinnitus, and no strong scientific research has established a direct causal relationship. While some anecdotal reports exist of people experiencing tinnitus after starting vitamin D supplementation, the current evidence does not support a conclusive link between vitamin D3 and tinnitus. However, vitamin D toxicity from excessive supplementation (typically above 4,000 IU daily for extended periods) can potentially cause hypercalcemia, which might indirectly contribute to tinnitus symptoms in some individuals 1, 2, 3.
Key Considerations
- The relationship between vitamin D and ear health is complex, with deficiency linked to some inner ear disorders, and excessive supplementation potentially disrupting calcium regulation, which plays a role in proper auditory function.
- Most adults safely take between 600-2,000 IU of vitamin D3 daily without adverse effects.
- If experiencing tinnitus after starting vitamin D3 supplements, consider reducing the dosage or temporarily discontinuing use to see if symptoms improve.
- If tinnitus persists or worsens, consult a healthcare provider to rule out other causes and determine appropriate vitamin D levels for specific health needs.
Evidence Summary
The provided evidence focuses on the effects of vitamin D supplementation on various health outcomes, including fractures, falls, and mortality, but does not directly address the relationship between vitamin D3 and tinnitus 4, 5, 6. The most recent and highest-quality studies suggest that vitamin D supplementation may have benefits in specific populations, such as older adults at risk for falls, but do not provide evidence on the potential harms or benefits of vitamin D3 supplementation on tinnitus 1, 2, 3.
Recommendation
If you're experiencing tinnitus after starting vitamin D3 supplements, consider reducing your dosage or temporarily discontinuing use to see if symptoms improve, and consult a healthcare provider to rule out other causes and determine appropriate vitamin D levels for your specific health needs.
From the Research
Vitamin D3 Supplementation and Tinnitus
- There is limited research on the specific relationship between Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) supplementation and tinnitus.
- A study published in 2021 7 found that patients with subjective tinnitus had lower serum levels of vitamin D compared to controls, and that vitamin D deficiency was associated with increased tinnitus severity.
- However, this study did not investigate the effects of vitamin D supplementation on tinnitus.
- Another study published in 2017 8 found that high-dose vitamin D supplementation improved nonverbal memory in healthy adults, but did not examine its effects on tinnitus.
- A longitudinal cohort study published in 2024 9 found that lower intakes of zinc and iron were associated with an increased risk of developing tinnitus, but did not examine the relationship between vitamin D intake and tinnitus.
- Two studies published in 2016 10, 11 investigated the effectiveness of dietary supplements, including zinc, in treating tinnitus, but did not specifically examine the effects of vitamin D supplementation.
Adverse Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation
- The study published in 2017 8 found no significant adverse effects of high-dose vitamin D supplementation on cognition in healthy adults.
- However, the study published in 2016 10 reported that 6% of participants taking dietary supplements, including vitamin B12 and zinc, experienced adverse effects such as bleeding, diarrhea, headache, and others.
- It is unclear whether vitamin D supplementation can cause tinnitus as an adverse effect, as there is limited research on this specific topic.