From the Research
Elevated vitamin D levels are not typically associated with causing lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes). Lymphadenopathy is more commonly caused by infections, inflammatory conditions, or malignancies rather than vitamin D toxicity. When vitamin D reaches toxic levels (generally above 150 ng/mL or 375 nmol/L), it typically causes symptoms like nausea, vomiting, weakness, frequent urination, kidney problems, and calcium buildup in the blood (hypercalcemia), but enlarged lymph nodes are not a characteristic feature. The most recent and highest quality study on hypercalcemia, which can be caused by vitamin D toxicity, is from 2022 1. This study discusses the various causes of hypercalcemia, including primary hyperparathyroidism, malignancy, and other conditions, but does not mention lymphadenopathy as a common symptom of vitamin D toxicity. Some studies suggest that vitamin D levels may be associated with certain types of lymphoma, such as non-Hodgkin lymphoma/diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and multiple myeloma 2. However, these studies do not suggest that elevated vitamin D levels cause lymphadenopathy. In fact, a study from 2003 found that hypercalcemia associated with lymphoma may be due to excessive extrarenal production of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 by tumor-adjacent macrophages, rather than by the tumor cells themselves 3. Another study from 2019 discusses the use of bisphosphonates in the treatment of calcitriol-induced hypercalcemia, which can be caused by vitamin D toxicity, but does not mention lymphadenopathy as a symptom of this condition 4. Overall, the evidence suggests that elevated vitamin D levels are not typically associated with causing lymphadenopathy, and that other conditions, such as infections, inflammatory conditions, or malignancies, are more likely to cause swollen lymph nodes. If you're experiencing lymphadenopathy and are concerned about vitamin D levels, it's essential to consult with a healthcare provider for proper evaluation. They can assess your vitamin D status through blood tests and investigate other more likely causes of your lymph node enlargement. While maintaining adequate vitamin D levels (generally 30-50 ng/mL) is crucial for immune function, excessive supplementation should be avoided unless prescribed by a healthcare provider.