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Hypervitaminosis D

Definition

Hypervitaminosis D is a condition that occurs after taking very high doses of vitamin D.

Causes

The cause is excess intake of vitamin D. The doses need to be very high, far above what most health care providers normally prescribe.

There has been a lot of confusion about vitamin D supplementation. The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for vitamin D is between 400 and 800 IU/day, according to age and pregnancy status. Higher doses may be needed for some people, such as those with vitamin D deficiency, hypoparathyroidism, and other conditions. However, most people do not need more than 2,000 IU of vitamin D a day.

For most people, vitamin D toxicity only occurs with vitamin D doses above 10,000 IU per day.

Symptoms

An excess of vitamin D can cause an abnormally high level of calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia). This can severely damage the kidneys, soft tissues, and bones over time.

The symptoms include:

• Constipation

• Decreased appetite (anorexia)

• Dehydration

• Fatigue and confusion

• Frequent urination

• Irritability

• Muscle weakness

• Vomiting

• Excessive thirst (polydipsia)

• High blood pressure

• Passing large amounts of urine (polyuria)

Exams and Tests

Your provider will examine you and ask about your symptoms.

Tests that may be ordered include:

• Calcium level in the blood

• Calcium level in the urine

• 25-hydroxy vitamin D level

• 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D level

• Serum phosphorus level

• X-ray of the bone

Treatment

Your provider will likely tell you to stop taking vitamin D. In severe cases, other treatment may be needed.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Recovery is expected, but permanent kidney damage can occur.

Possible Complications

Health problems that can result from taking too much vitamin D over a long time include:

• Dehydration

• Hypercalcemia

• Kidney damage

• Kidney stones

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact your provider if:

• You or your child shows symptoms of hypervitaminosis D and has been taking more vitamin D than the RDA

• You or your child shows symptoms and has been taking a prescription or over-the-counter form of vitamin D

Prevention

To prevent this condition, pay careful attention to the correct vitamin D dose. Use vitamin D supplements from reliable licensed sources.

Many combination vitamin supplements contain vitamin D, so check the labels of all the supplements you are taking for vitamin D content.

References

Bringhurst FR, Demay MB, Kronenberg HM. Hormones and disorders of mineral metabolism. In: Melmed S, Auchus, RJ, Goldfine AB, Koenig RJ, Rosen CJ, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 29.

Greenbaum LA. Vitamin D deficiency (rickets) and excess. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 64.

National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements website. Vitamin D fact sheet for health professionals. ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-HealthProfessional/. Updated September 18, 2023. Accessed January 19, 2024.

Review Date: 10/29/2023

Reviewed By: Sandeep K. Dhaliwal, MD, board-certified in Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Springfield, VA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.