From the Guidelines
High vitamin D levels can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, weakness, frequent urination, kidney problems, bone pain, and excessive thirst due to hypercalcemia. These symptoms occur because vitamin D increases calcium absorption in the intestines, leading to excess calcium in the blood, which can deposit in soft tissues, cause kidney stones, and disrupt normal nerve and muscle function 1. The symptoms of high vitamin D levels can be severe and may lead to confusion, heart rhythm abnormalities, and even kidney failure, emphasizing the need for prompt medical attention if suspected 1. Key symptoms to watch out for include:
- Polyuria
- Polydipsia
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Myalgia
- Severe dehydration and acute renal failure in more severe cases 1. It is crucial to stop taking vitamin D supplements immediately if toxicity is suspected and consult a healthcare provider for blood tests to check vitamin D and calcium levels 1. Treatment typically involves discontinuing vitamin D supplements, limiting dietary calcium, increasing fluid intake, and in severe cases, medications to lower blood calcium levels, such as bisphosphonates, glucocorticoids, or loop diuretics 1.
From the Research
Symptoms of High Vitamin D
- High levels of vitamin D can lead to hypercalcemia, which is characterized by elevated serum calcium levels 2, 3, 4, 5
- Hypercalcemia can cause a range of symptoms, including:
- In some cases, high vitamin D levels can lead to hypervitaminosis D, which can cause:
- However, not all cases of high vitamin D levels lead to toxicity, and some individuals may have high levels without experiencing any adverse effects 6
Biochemical Markers of Vitamin D Toxicity
- Serum 25-OH-vitamin D levels >160 nmol/L are considered indicative of hypervitaminosis D 2
- Hypercalcemia is often associated with elevated serum 1,25(OH)2D levels 4, 5
- Other biochemical markers of vitamin D toxicity include: