Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for the bones, immune system and mental health but it is also a double-edged sword. Unnecessary consumption of vitamin D supplements can be detrimental to your health, say health experts. The death of 89-year-old Britisher David Mitchener, who passed away a while ago due to a health condition caused by high levels of vitamin D, points to the perils of its overdose. He died of hypercalcemia, a condition in which there is excessive presence of calcium in the blood due to higher-than-normal levels of vitamin D. Mitchener had a vitamin D level of 380 against the normal range between 30 and 50.
Mitchener started to pop vitamin D supplement tablets nine months before his death. Excessive use of vitamin D supplements without proper medical advice, high consumption of fortified food, unrestrained use of cod liver oil and diseases that affect the metabolism of vitamin D can result in hypervitaminosis, a condition in which the levels of vitamin D are abnormally high.
The symptoms of hypervitaminosis are nausea and vomiting, lack of appetite, constipation, general weakness and weight loss. The high presence of calcium in the blood causes a feeling of confusion or tiredness, increased thirst, frequent urination and kidney damage. If these symptoms pop up, it is better to stop the intake of vitamin tablets and consult a doctor. A blood test would reveal the level of vitamin D and calcium in the body. X-rays and scans to find out the density of bones are also advised to diagnose hypercalcemia.
