Vitamin D is a vital nutrient essential for the proper functioning of muscles, the heart, lungs, and brain. It aids the body in absorbing minerals like calcium and phosphorus, which are crucial for healthy bone formation.
Consuming vitamin D through foods or supplements offers numerous health benefits, such as supporting bone health, aiding weight loss, reducing depression, and lowering the risk of heart disease.
However, excessive intake of vitamin D can have harmful effects on the body. Below are some side effects of over consumption:
# Hypercalcemia Vitamin D toxicity can lead to hypercalcemia, a condition where calcium levels in the blood become abnormally high. This can result in complications like loss of appetite, confusion, and high blood pressure.
Symptoms: Chest pain, high blood pressure, irritability, and anxiety.
# Kidney Damage Excess vitamin D increases calcium levels, which can damage the kidneys. Studies have shown that vitamin D toxicity may result in acute kidney injury.
Symptoms: Fever, nausea, vomiting, or severe stomach pain.
# Weak Bones Too much vitamin D can reduce vitamin K2 levels, which is essential for retaining calcium in the bones. This can lead to bone loss and brittleness.
Symptoms: Painful bones, severe back or joint pain, fractures, and instability.
# Irregular Heartbeat High levels of vitamin D can disrupt heart cell function due to hypercalcemia, leading to irregular heart rhythms. Calcium deposits in heart arteries can increase the risk of heart attacks.
Symptoms: Chest pain, exhaustion, and dizziness.
# Lung Damage Excess calcium and phosphate in the blood can form crystals that accumulate in the lungs, impairing their function and causing lung damage.
Symptoms: Coughing, difficulty breathing, and chest pain.
# Dehydration Elevated calcium levels from vitamin D toxicity can affect kidney function, leading to excessive urination and dehydration.
# Nausea and Vomiting Increased calcium levels may cause nausea and vomiting, common side effects of vitamin D overconsumption.
# Stomach Pain Excess vitamin D can lead to severe abdominal pain and other digestive issues, such as constipation and diarrhea.
# Pancreatitis High vitamin D levels may trigger acute pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas.
Symptoms: Upper abdominal pain, fever, and unintentional weight loss.