A doctor has issued a warning about vitamin D intake after revealing it can cause hypercalcemia if instructions are not followed properly
A medical professional has raised concerns regarding vitamin D supplementation, indicating that improper consumption could be detrimental to one’s health. The expert explained that taking excessive amounts of this widely used vitamin might actually lead to weakened bones.
Many people rely on supplements to fulfill their daily vitamin and mineral needs. Ideally, a well-balanced diet should suffice, but supplements can be essential for filling nutritional gaps. This is especially true for vitamin D, which our bodies synthesize when exposed to sunlight. The NHS suggests that a supplement may be necessary during the fall and winter months when sunlight is scarce.
This vital vitamin helps regulate calcium and phosphate levels, which are important for maintaining strong bones, teeth, and muscles. A lack of vitamin D can result in bone deformities in children or skeletal pain in adults.
However, it’s crucial to remember that all supplements have associated risks. In a TikTok video, Doctor Suraj Kukadia warned about the dangers of “overusing” vitamin D. This could potentially harm your bones. He pointed out, “This is a really important warning about the overuse of vitamin D supplements.” He elaborated that excessive intake can lead to hypercalcemia, meaning elevated calcium levels, which can be harmful.
He went on to explain, “Too much vitamin D can paradoxically weaken your bones, as well as damage your heart and kidneys.” Therefore, unless you’ve received specific guidance from a healthcare professional familiar with your situation, it’s advisable to follow the NHS guidelines for vitamin D intake.
NHS advice
Dr. Kukadia’s warnings align with the NHS’s guidance, which states that prolonged high vitamin D intake can cause excess calcium to accumulate in the body (hypercalcemia), leading to weakened bones and potential kidney and heart damage.
The recommended daily intake is 10 micrograms (mcg) or 40 International Units (IU). Consuming more than 100 mcg daily could be harmful. The NHS also notes that for most people, a daily intake of 10 mcg is sufficient, and no more than 100 mcg (4,000 IU) should be taken to avoid risks.
This guideline applies to adults, including pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as older adults and children aged 11 to 17. Children aged one to ten should not exceed 50 mcg (2,000 IU) daily, while infants under 12 months should have a maximum of 25 mcg (1,000 IU) per day. Some individuals may have medical conditions that require specific adjustments, and consulting a doctor is always a wise course of action. “If your doctor has recommended a different amount of vitamin D, you should follow their advice,” states the NHS.
It’s not possible to overdose on vitamin D solely from sun exposure. Nevertheless, it’s advisable to protect your skin during long periods outdoors to reduce the risk of skin damage and cancer.
Additionally, several foods are sources of vitamin D, including:
- Oily fish such as salmon, sardines, trout, herring, and mackerel
- Red meat
- Egg yolks
- Fortified foods, which may include specific fat spreads and breakfast cereals
- Liver (though pregnant women should avoid this)
For more details, visit the NHS website.
