What is the danger of an excess of vitamin D, who is actually shown to take it, and what happens to the body in case of an overdose? told about this obstetrician-gynecologist, deputy chief physician for medical work Anastasia Zhdanova.
Vitamin D plays an important role in the body. It strengthens bone tissue, promotes the synthesis of sex hormones, improves reproductive function, affects innate and acquired immunity, prevents the formation of tumors, the development of depression, and Parkinson’s disease.
Since this vitamin is produced in the body when exposed to sunlight, many people are deficient in it, especially in autumn and winter.
There are two modes of vitamin D intake – prophylactic and therapeutic.
A prophylactic regimen may be indicated for people at risk of developing vitamin deficiency and for patients with osteoporosis.
The daily requirement of vitamin D for women and men aged 18 to 50 is at least 600-800 IU.
For people over 50 years old – at least 800-1000 IU.
For pregnant women – 800-1200 IU.
In diseases and conditions that lead to impaired absorption or metabolism of vitamin D (for example, obesity), it is recommended to take it at doses two to three times the daily requirement of your age group. However, before doing this, you should definitely consult with your doctor.
The use of vitamin D in a therapeutic dosage is prescribed after a blood test to identify the degree of deficiency and determine the initial level – in order to calculate the dosage and duration of administration. During treatment, control will be required.
over the edge
When taking vitamin D, it is important not to overdo it. With excessive accumulation of this element, intoxication is possible (it occurs if the level of vitamin in the blood exceeds 150 ng / ml). Since the vitamin is stored in adipose tissue, its release into the bloodstream is slow and the toxicity can persist for several months.
Taking too large doses can lead not only to an increase in its content in the body, but also to an increase in the absorption of calcium by the body. This is fraught with the development of hypercalcemia – an increase in the level of calcium in the blood. Against the background of this violation, digestive disorders, dizziness, increased weakness, confusion are possible.
Another consequence of vitamin D hypervitaminosis is a violation of the activity of vitamin K2, which causes bone loss. Also, an increase in this substance in the body leads to damage to the kidneys.
What symptoms to look out for?
If during the reception there was a headache, disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, impaired renal function (edema, urination disorders) – it is necessary to stop taking and consult a doctor.
With hypersensitivity and overdose, symptoms associated with hypercalcemia and hypercalciuria may also be observed. These are cardiac arrhythmias, nausea, vomiting, headache, weakness, irritability, weight loss, intense thirst, frequent urination, kidney stones, nephrocalcinosis, soft tissue calcification, anorexia, arterial hypertension, constipation, renal failure.
Can you get vitamin D from foods?
The maximum amount of vitamin D found in fish oil is 400-100 IU per 1 tablespoon, it can be used to prevent and treat deficiency. In addition to 448 IU of vitamin D, one teaspoon of fish oil also contains vitamin A and polyunsaturated fatty acids.
Salmon, sardines, mushrooms, mackerel, herring, chicken and quail eggs, cod liver oil, dairy products, caviar are rich in vitamin D.
