High Vitamin D Levels Or Vitamin D Toxicity - What It Means, Symptoms, And Treatment?
Medically Reviewed By
Dr. Ragiinii Sharma
Written By Meenakshi
on May 2, 2023
Last Edit Made By Meenakshi
on Mar 17, 2024
Too much of anything, even if it is good, can be bad, and so is the case with Vitamin D. Many of us have been taught to believe since our childhood that Vitamin D, aka Sunshine Vitamin, is good for our bones and health, and it indeed is, but only, if it is within limits. It is not just Vitamin D but necessarily a case for any nutrient. There is always a thin line between getting enough or overdoing it. While Vitamin D is essential for its endless health benefits, excessive intake can also lead to toxicity. Since you must have heard or read about Vitamin D deficiency, but very few people know that too much vitamin D is equally bad for your health as its deficiency.
Now, you must wonder how vitamin toxicity or too much vitamin D can impact your health. Well, we’ve got you here. In this blog, we’ll explore elevated Vitamin D levels, its symptoms, & the right treatment to help you strike a balance between soaking up the sun and staying safe. So, scroll down to dive into the world of Vitamin D.
High Vitamin D – What Is It?
High Vitamin D Levels, also known as Vitamin D Toxicity, is a condition where levels of Vitamin D in the body exceed the normal range. Getting too much Vitamin D from supplements or too much exposure to the sun for an extended period can lead to the condition. Vitamin D is a critical nutrient that our body needs for various purposes. From helping the body absorb calcium to maintaining healthy bones, muscles, and immune function, Vitamin D serves many purposes. However, too much of this nutrient accumulates in the body and can harm health.
Symptoms Of High Vitamin D Levels:
Human Body is a wonder in all ways. However, the best part is that it knows how to communicate. Whenever something is off with our health, it starts sending out signals. And it is up to us whether we choose to act upon those symptoms or ignore them. Since it directly impacts health, action should be prompt. These symptoms can vary depending on age, gender, health condition & severity of the disease. However, some of the common signs that almost every individual with excessive vitamin D may experience are:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Poor appetite
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Excessive thirst
- Frequent urination
- Fatigue
- Muscle weakness
- Joint pain
- Headaches
- Confusion or disorientation
If left unaddressed or turned severe, high vitamin D levels can also lead to kidney damage, calcification of soft tissues such as the heart and lungs, and more complex health conditions. Thus, it is essential to identify the signs early and seek immediate medical attention.
Elevated Vitamin D Levels Can Cause:
- Hypercalcemia: Hypercalcemia is a condition in which your body has too much calcium. And yes, Vitamin D can be responsible for it. Vitamin D is vital for helping the body absorb calcium, but when its levels exceed, it can interrupt the calcium absorption function and lead to hypercalcemia. If left unaddressed, this can cause kidney stones, bone pain, and other complications.
- Cardiovascular Diseases: Yes, an overdose of your favorite sunshine vitamin can increase your risk of developing several cardiovascular diseases.
- Kidney Complications: In some cases, too much Vitamin D levels can also cause kidney injury & kidney failure.
It's important to understand that Vitamin D is key to good health, but excessive amounts can be harmful. If you are concerned about your Vitamin D level status, don’t just guess & book a Vitamin D Test. Getting tested is the only way to detect deficiency or toxicity.
Common Factors Responsible For Elevated Vitamin D Levels:
Several factors can lead to Vitamin D toxicity. Some common causes of the problem are:
- Diet: Having too much Vitamin D in your diet can also cause vitamin D toxicity.
- Excessive Supplementation: Additional Vitamin D supplements can increase Vitamin D accumulation in the body, which can be problematic in the long run.
- Overexposure To Sunlight: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight not just gives you tan but toxicity too. So, be very careful of the same.
Tips To Balance Vitamin D Levels In The Body:
Worried about excessive vitamin D levels? Well, not anymore! If you have been diagnosed with Vitamin D Toxicity, the list of tips jotted below can help you bring balance. So, let’s dig into the information.
- Keep Yourself Hydrated: Maintaining hydration is the foremost thing that can balance your Vitamin D levels. It helps your body flushes out the excess Vitamin D from your system and aids you to live a healthy life.
- Limit Sun Exposure: Even if you love sunshine, if your body has too much of it, it is advised to reduce your exposure to direct sun or keep your skin covered to prevent further spikes of the levels.
- Stop Vitamin D Supplements: If you are taking Vitamin D supplements as an addition to your normal diet, stop taking them immediately after being diagnosed with the disease.
- Monitor Blood Levels: Keeping a tab on your vitamin levels is essential to track where your health stands and what can be done to manage this imbalance.
- Switch To A Low Calcium Diet: High Vitamin D is responsible for causing high calcium in the blood, which can put your health at risk. Hence, switching to a low-calcium diet would support balance and improve health.
- Get Tested: Lastly, getting routinely tested is essential to monitor your levels. It also helps your doctor understand whether the prescribed treatment is working fine for your health or may need alteration.
It may take some time for your vitamin D levels to return to normal, so be patient, follow all the instructions given by your healthcare professional, and take medication as prescribed. Furthermore, prioritize the Vitamin D test, as it is essential for helping you measure Vitamin D Levels and act accordingly.
Vitamin D Toxicity - Diagnose, Detect, And Deal!
Whether your doctor has suspected you have symptoms of elevated Vitamin D levels or you have already been diagnosed with Vitamin D toxicity, getting tested as suggested by your healthcare professional is crucial. It will help you measure, monitor and manage your Vitamin D levels while keeping your overall wellness in check. So, skip the stress, and book a Vitamin D Test. Redcliffe Labs is your diagnostic partner that you can rely on. From routine to prescription-based, we offer many diagnostic tests to meet your diverse demands.