Vitamin D Precautions Urged by GP
A general practitioner is advising individuals considering vitamin D supplementation to get a blood test first to avoid the risks associated with overdosing, which can lead to heart and kidney damage.
In a video that has garnered over 52,000 views, Dr. Asif Ahmed discussed the dangers of consuming excessively high doses of vitamin D. He has observed various cases where such high intake can lead to abnormal heart rhythms, kidney failure, and even bone pain.
Currently, it’s believed that about one in six adults in the UK lacks sufficient vitamin D, while some are taking too much, according to Dr. Ahmed.
Commonly referred to as the “sunshine vitamin,” vitamin D primarily comes from sunlight exposure, along with sources like oily fish, red meat, and egg yolks.
The NHS recommends vitamin D supplementation during winter months when sunlight is less abundant. However, Dr. Ahmed cautioned that excessive intake could be hazardous.
“Long-term high doses of vitamin D can lead to hypercalcemia,” Dr. Ahmed explained. This condition results from excess calcium in the bloodstream, increasing the risk of heart and kidney issues.
Unlike other supplements that the body easily expels through urine, vitamin D is fat-soluble, meaning it accumulates rather than getting flushed out.
Dr. Ahmed noted that most vitamins are not harmful at high doses because they are water-soluble. “But with fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin D, the body can’t eliminate excess effectively, leading to accumulation,” he added.
This accumulation risks weakening bones and harming the kidneys and heart. “I’ve seen individuals taking alarming doses, like 10,000 international units, which I wouldn’t recommend for anyone,” he warned.
The NHS advises against taking more than 4,000 units of vitamin D daily for adults, including pregnant and breastfeeding women, older adults, and adolescents aged 11 to 17.
Dr. Ahmed suggests that most individuals need only about 10 micrograms, or 400 units, of vitamin D.
He agreed with NHS guidelines recommending a maximum daily supplement dose of 100 micrograms for those requiring it. “This particularly applies to patients with very low vitamin D levels,” he pointed out.
The US has established a minimum vitamin D threshold of 20 ng/ml, whereas the UK’s threshold for deficiency is criticized for being low at 12 ng/ml.
“Your required supplement amount can vary based on symptoms, ethnicity, skin color, and blood test results,” Dr. Ahmed cautioned. Therefore, he strongly recommends those taking vitamin D supplements to regularly check their levels.
“It’s vital to take it safely and not exceed recommended doses,” he emphasized.
This isn’t the first time health professionals have highlighted the risks of high vitamin D consumption. NHS surgeon Dr. Karan Rajan previously advised looking for supplements with vitamin K2 to help mitigate the calcium buildup risk.
While supplements can improve vitamin D levels, experts advocate for sufficient sunlight exposure and a balanced diet rich in oily fish, red meat, and fortified foods as optimal sources.
