Vitamin D overdose. Expert opinion. Check it out!

Interest in vitamin D is growing. We supplement it because "there is not enough sunshine in Poland". Consuming it on our own without control can have unpleasant health and... financial consequences.

Together with nutritionist Marta Kaczorek, we will explain to you what a vitamin D overdose is, how to prevent it and what a healthy, sensible supplementation is.

 See also:

• Vitamin D3 [action, dosage, supplementation]
• Vitamin D3 drops [ranking + application + expert opinion]
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• Vitamin D3 [ranking + expert opinion]
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• Vitamin D [dosage + standards and recommendations]
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• Vitamin D3 K2 [whether you need to combine them + expert opinion]
• What is vitamin D? [sources, table, examples]
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• Vitamin D deficiency [symptoms + treatment]
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• Vitamin D overdose [symptoms + effects + what to do]
• Maximum dose of vitamin D [what + expert opinion]

Can you overdose on vitamin D?

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Yes, it is possible to overdose on vitamin Dand. Overdosing occurs due to over-supplementation. However, let me reassure you - this is a very rare situation. Studies show that taking 60 000 international units (IU) vitamin D daily for several months can cause toxicityand.

An overdose is also referred to as vitamin D hypervitaminosis, vitamin D toxicity or vitamin D poisoning. While it is difficult to get to this critical state, it does not mean that we can supplement this vitamin without common sense. 

Can you overdose on vitamin D from the sun?

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You cannot overdose on vitamin D from intense exposure to the sunand. Phew! Remember to protect your skin with screen creams. You'll reduce the risk of skin damage and cancer and prevent wrinkles.

Best for the immune system

Natu.Care Vitamin D 2000 UI

5.0

• Vitamin D content: 50 µg
• Additional active ingredients: none
• Form: capsules
• Dosage: Adults - 2000 IU (1 capsule)
  Overweight individuals - up to 4000 IU (2 capsules)
  Elderly individuals - up to 4000 IU (2 capsules)
• Number of capsules: 90

See price

Product description

Vitamin D plays a crucial role in our health and well-being. It affects calcium and phosphate metabolism, which translates to healthy bones and teeth. It also helps regulate the immune system, and studies indicate its influence on the functioning of the nervous system.

Vitamin D, although called a “vitamin,” is actually a prohormone that our body produces on its own, primarily under the influence of sunlight. Unfortunately, our modern lifestyle contributes to deficiencies of this essential vitamin. Working in enclosed office buildings, using (necessary!) SPF creams, and covering the body with clothing all make it very difficult, if not impossible, to obtain adequate levels of vitamin D from sunlight. This is why appropriate, year-round supplementation is so crucial.

Vitamin D from Natu.Care is a well-tested vitamin D3 suspended in safflower oil, a plant known for its numerous health benefits. The convenient, easy-to-swallow capsule will make supplementation a part of your daily, healthy routine, improving your overall well-being.

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Ensures proper functioning of the immune system
• Supports the maintenance of healthy bones and teeth
• Maintains proper heart, kidney, and muscle function
• Tested by an independent, certified laboratory
• Convenient and easy-to-swallow capsule
• Clean composition - free from added sugar, gluten, GMOs, lactose, and without preservatives or colorants

Cons:

• None.

Additional Information

Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers should consult a doctor before using the product. This dietary supplement is intended for a healthy adult population up to the age of 75.

Very high dose

OstroVit Vitamin D 4000 IU

4.8

• Content vitamin D3: 4000 IU
• Form: capsules
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• Dose: 1 capsule per day
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• Sufficient for: 120 days
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See price

Product description

OstroVit Vitamin D 4000 IU is a dietary supplement in the form of soft capsules, specially designed for peopleóing vitamin D deficiency, and especially recommended for seniorsów. 

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Contains 4,000 IU of vitamin D per capsule, enabling effective dietary supplementation. The olive oil contained in the formula enhances the absorption of vitamin D, further enriching the supplement with healthy fats. 

The supplement contains a wide range of vitamins and minerals.

The pack contains 120 capsules, allowing for four months of supplementation when taken with one capsule per day.

Pros and cons

OstroVit Vitamin D 4000 IU is a dietary supplement in the form of soft capsules, specially designed for peopleóing vitamin D deficiency, and especially recommended for seniorsów. 

.

Contains 4,000 IU of vitamin D per capsule, enabling effective dietary supplementation. The olive oil contained in the formula enhances the absorption of vitamin D, further enriching the supplement with healthy fats. 

The supplement contains a wide range of vitamins and minerals.

The pack contains 120 capsules, allowing for four months of supplementation when taken with one capsule per day.

Additional information

OstroVit Vitamin D 4000 IU is a dietary supplement in the form of soft capsules, specially designed for peopleóing vitamin D deficiency, and especially recommended for seniorsów. 

.

Contains 4,000 IU of vitamin D per capsule, enabling effective dietary supplementation. The olive oil contained in the formula enhances the absorption of vitamin D, further enriching the supplement with healthy fats. 

The supplement contains a wide range of vitamins and minerals.

The pack contains 120 capsules, allowing for four months of supplementation when taken with one capsule per day.

Tasteless

Dr. Jacob's Vitamin D3 drops

4.8

• Content vitamin D3: 800/1600 IU
• Form: drops
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• Dose: 1 or 2 drops daily
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• Sufficient for: 320–640 drops
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See price

Product description

Sunshine Vitamin D3 FORTE is a dietary supplement containing a high dose of vitamin D3. Each drop of the product provides 800 IU of this essential vitamin for the proper functioning of the organism, whichóra supports the proper absorption of calcium and the maintenance of healthy bones, teethóra and muscles.

Pros and cons

Sunshine Vitamin D3 FORTE is a dietary supplement containing a high dose of vitamin D3. Each drop of the product provides 800 IU of this essential vitamin for the proper functioning of the organism, whichóra supports the proper absorption of calcium and the maintenance of healthy bones, teethóra and muscles.

Additional information

Sunshine Vitamin D3 FORTE is a dietary supplement containing a high dose of vitamin D3. Each drop of the product provides 800 IU of this essential vitamin for the proper functioning of the organism, whichóra supports the proper absorption of calcium and the maintenance of healthy bones, teethóra and muscles.

OTC medication

Vigantol witamina D3

• Type: non-prescription medicine
• Volume: 10 ml
• One drop contains: 500 IU vitamin D3
• Daily dose: 4 drops
• Dosage: dropper 

See price

Product description

Vigantol has been trusted by Poles for years. It is an over-the-counter medicine that you can buy at a good price at any pharmacy. It has a simple composition, without unnecessary additives and a small package that will fit into any home medicine cabinet.

Why is it worth it?

• The status of the medicine guarantees us the highest quality of the active ingredients, certainty about the dose and the effect of the preparation until the expiry date.
• Vigantol has an advantage over other over-the-counter vitamin D3 medicines because of the form of the drops.
• The drops are better absorbed by the body and do not need to be taken with a meal (unlike, for example, Vigantoletten, which is in tablet form and is recommended to be taken with a fatty meal).

Take note

• The bottle does not have a convenient dispenser. To measure the four recommended daily drops, turn the bottle upside down. The drops dispense slowly. When the liquid runs out, it is difficult to empty the bottle "dry" - a little is left inside.
• If the dispenser becomes clogged, gently tap the bottom of the bottle against the surface (tabletop, table) and then dispense the drops.
• You can use Vigantol for children, bearing in mind that 1 drop is 500 IU, and this is the requirement from the age of 3.

Editor's choice

D-vitum

4.8

• Active ingredients: High-oleic flax seed oil, cholecalciferol
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• Form: capsules
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• Packaging: 150 capsules
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• Dose: 1 capsule per day
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• Sufficient for: 150 days

See price

Product description

Oleofarm D-Vitum Forte Max 4000 IU is a dietary supplement in the form of capsules with high vitamin D content. The preparation is designed to supplement the diet of healthy adults over 75 years of age with this valuable active ingredient.

Pros and cons

Oleofarm D-Vitum Forte Max 4000 IU is a dietary supplement in the form of capsules with high vitamin D content. The preparation is designed to supplement the diet of healthy adults over 75 years of age with this valuable active ingredient.

Additional information

Oleofarm D-Vitum Forte Max 4000 IU is a dietary supplement in the form of capsules with high vitamin D content. The preparation is designed to supplement the diet of healthy adults over 75 years of age with this valuable active ingredient.

Expert opinion

Editor's choice

OstroVit Vitamin D3 4000 + K2

4.6

• Active ingredients: vitamin K, vitamin D
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• Form: tablets
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• Packaging:100 tablets
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• Dose: 1/2 tablets
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• Sufficient for: 200 days
.

See price

Product description

A dietary supplement in tablets supplementing the diet with vitamin D and K. Vitamin D helps in the proper absorption and utilisation of calcium and phosphorus, and in maintaining a normal level of calcium in the blood. Vitamin K contributes to normal blood clotting and helps maintain healthy bones.

Pros and cons

A dietary supplement in tablets supplementing the diet with vitamin D and K. Vitamin D helps in the proper absorption and utilisation of calcium and phosphorus, and in maintaining a normal level of calcium in the blood. Vitamin K contributes to normal blood clotting and helps maintain healthy bones.

Additional information

A dietary supplement in tablets supplementing the diet with vitamin D and K. Vitamin D helps in the proper absorption and utilisation of calcium and phosphorus, and in maintaining a normal level of calcium in the blood. Vitamin K contributes to normal blood clotting and helps maintain healthy bones.

Expert opinion

Symptoms of overdose

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Did you take too many drops or want to strengthen your child after an infection by giving them a little more capsule than it says on the leaflet? Are you nervously looking for symptoms - what could be wrong?"

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Symptoms of vitamin D overdoseand:

• nausea, vomiting,

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• loss of appetite,

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• abdominal pains,

• lack of appetite

• diarrhoea, constipation,

• diarrhoea.

• increased thirst,

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• excessive sweating,

• excessive sweating.

• frequent urination,

• excessive sweating,

   

• excessive urination.
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• increased calcium levels in the blood,

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• Calcium accumulation in the arteries,

• .

Further complications of untreated hypervitaminosis D also includeand:

• kidney stones,

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• gallbladder stones,

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• kidney failure,

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• kidney failure

• bone damage,

• bone damage.

• calcification (hardening) of arteries and soft tissues.

• .

Symptoms of vitamin D poisoning are primarily associated with hypercalcaemia, meaning excessively high levels of calcium in the bloodand.

Vitamin D overdose in pregnancy

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The symptoms of an overdose will be the same as for any person. I found no studies on the effects of high doses of vitamin D on the foetus - however, it is better to be cautious and follow the doses recommendedand by the Polish Society of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians.

Vitamin D overdose in children

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You already know the symptoms of excess vitamin D, but as you can see - it's difficult to overdose on it. If you haven't been eating it in large quantities non-stop, you can breathe a sigh of relief. Read the article further to understand why more is not better.

Cause of vitamin D overdose

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An overdose can occur withand:

• accidental overdose,

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• prescription error,

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• accidental overdose,

•  
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• abuse of supplements,

• .

Remember to consume the dosage prescribed by the doctor who ordered your supplementation, knowing your medical history, other medications you are taking, and the purpose of your vitamin D supplementand.

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Diagnosis

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The doctor will check your medical history, medications and supplements you are taking. He or she should take a thorough medical history and may carry out a physical examination. 

If he or she suspects that you may have vitamin D hypervitaminosis, he or she may order tests, includingand:

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• blood tests to check vitamin D, calcium and phosphorus levels (will determine if there is kidney damage),

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• urine tests (will check the amount of calcium in the urine),

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• bone x-rays (will determine if there is bone damage),

• .

You may be interested in:

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• Blood tests [how often to perform + how to prepare] 
• Cortisol testing [standards + price]
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• Thyroid tests [which ones to perform + norms + results]

Treatment

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If a vitamin D overdose is suspected or confirmed by tests, see your doctor immediately. Typically, depending on the patient's condition, treatment includes consultation, discontinuation of vitamin D supplementation and restriction of dietary calciumand. 

The doctor may also prescribe intravenous fluids and medications such as corticosteroids or bisphosphonates. Patients should review their list of medications, supplements to adjust future vitamin D doses and avoid excessand.

How to prevent an overdose? Advice from a nutritionist

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As nutritionist Marta Kaczorek says, it is the quality of supplementation that matters, not the quantity of supplement taken. We understand quality by:

• selecting a supplement in the best possible form of absorption for us,

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• Taking an individual dose for our needs with a doctor or pharmacist,

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• systematic supplementation,

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Safe supplementation - that is, how much?

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For vitamin D to reach toxic or dangerous levels in the body, it must exceed 100 nanograms (ng) per mland. Fortunately, toxicity is unlikely if you control your daily intake and avoid excessive supplementation. Experts recommend that people with typical vitamin D levels should not exceed 2000 IU per day .

Did you know that in spring and summer, 15 minutes of sun exposure, between 10am and 3pm with arms and legs uncovered, will give you as much as supplementation with 2000 IU of vitamin D ?

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I'll take more... yes in case you need it!

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"Another source of vitamin D for young children is breast milk or modified milk. Modified milk of about 500 ml/day already covers the child's daily requirement. And this can already be the 3rd source of vitamin D for our baby", adds the nutritionist.

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Parents should be alert to any supplementation in their child, as well as their diet. We have more and more vitamin D-fortified products on the market (drinks, snacks) and we can lose track of the daily dose. If we do not overdose, we are simply throwing money down the drain on unnecessary supplementation.

There is no sunshine in Poland

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Listening to many stories among family and friends, I have noticed that we like to experiment with the dosage of medicines and supplements on our own. "Vitamin D? You have to take a lot because there is no sunshine in Poland!" - I once heard from a close friend. It's true that we have a problem with lack of sunshine in autumn and winter, but that doesn't mean that four drops or one more tablet will be a good choice.

"Supplements don't work anyway, so I take, as a rule, times two so that anything gets absorbed" - another quote, also heard at a social gathering.

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Vitamin D for animals...for humans? 

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In July 2022, a woman overdosed on vitamin D by using excessive amounts of a dietary supplement intended for horses.

She was using vitamin D in a combination formulation with K2 MK7 at a dose of 50,000 IU per day. She added fuel to the fire by also supplementing with large amounts of calcium. She survived, but was in very poor condition.

Reading about this unfortunate event, I came across many articles and comments from people who ridiculed vitamin D overdosing. And this is still the case for horses! As the above case and many others show - you can.

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This case may seem ridiculous and funny to some, but the victims of hypervitaminosis are often older people. Such as our parents or grandparents. We should educate each other and explain what healthy supplementation is all about. 

Today, ask your loved ones what they are supplementing and in what dose. Perhaps unnecessarily? Maybe too much?

 See also:

• Omega acids [types + properties + deficiency]
.
• Omega-3 fatty acids [effects + types]
.
• Omega-3 in tablets [ranking + expert opinion]
.
• Tran [what it is + action + dosage]
.
• DHA [what it is + properties and sources]
• Black cumin oil [properties + contraindications]

We hope you can see from this article on vitamin D overdose that it is just one of many vitamins we can overuse. Take care of yourself. Get yourself examined. Do a review of medications, supplements, enrich your diet. Spend time being active, outside. Let the sunshine bathe you.

Are you supplementing with vitamin D? Or do you know someone who likes horse doses of vitamin D? Write me in the comments, I'm curious.

Summary

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