Supplements can be a massive boost to your health, when taken responsibly.
You should always consult your doctor before making any serious changes to your diet, especially adding supplements to it.
Many contain strong doses of the desired vitamins, so it is crucial to understand how much you need and when to take them.
The same is true for vitamin D, which has seen a surge in sales since Covid-19 swept across the UK 2020.
As cases soar once again in July 2022, people are dosing up on vitamin D - but if taken incorrectly, it could spell danger for your health.
Dangers of vitamin D supplements
Taking too much vitamin D can cause hypervitaminosis D, a condition that has been liked to a host of dangerous health issues.
This can particularly affect women, children and people with pre-existing health concerns.
It is essential to check the type of vitamin D supplement you have and its dose.
Some contain more levels of vitamin D than others, so many don’t require you to take them daily.
What are the symptoms of overdosing on vitamin D?
Hypervitaminosis D can be caught early as it shows through various symptoms that can affect you for months
According to a study conducted by the national Library of Medicine, symptoms include confusion, apathy, recurrent vomiting, abdominal pain, polyuria (excess peeing), polydipsia (feeling extra-thirsty) and dehydration.
These are not the only symptoms as drowsiness, psychosis, depression, stupor, coma, anorexia, chest pain, constipation, stomach ulcers, pancreatitis, high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythm and kidney abnormalities, inflammatory eye disease, joint stiffness, and hearing loss and deafness have also been noted.
These symptoms are part of what is known as vitamin D toxicity and if you are showing some of them it is essential you see a doctor as soon as possible.
Researchers from BMJ Case Reports said: “Globally, there is a growing trend of hypervitaminosis D, a clinical condition characterised by elevated serum vitamin D3 levels.
“This case report further highlights the potential toxicity of supplements that are largely considered safe until taken in unsafe amounts or in unsafe combinations.”
