5 horrible things that happen when you take too much vitamin D

Hold your horses ladies, before you hog on vitamin D supplements. Because you need to know about these vitamin D side-effects, reveals a top nutritionist.
vitamin D for immunity
Don't underestimate the importance of the sunshine vitamin. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Nikita Bhardwaj Updated: 7 Jan 2021, 11:59 am IST
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It’s been a year, since we’ve been hearing about immunity. Vitamin D has always been considered a godsend, and its importance has only grown during this time. The best way to consume this vitamin is by exposing ourselves to the sun, but if we talk realistically, we hardly get any of it. That’s what makes us all dependent on vitamin D supplements, and that’s where the trouble begins.

There’s no denying that vitamin D is critical for our bodies. Basically, it is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps in the better absorption of calcium and phosphorus. So, when it comes to building and strengthening bones, it is a necessity. In addition, it is required to treat bone disorders such as rickets. It keeps the cells healthy and contributes to its proper functioning. 

Unfortunately, most of us knowingly or unknowingly opt for over-the-counter supplement brands without understanding the science behind consuming it. That’s a big reason why we end up bearing its side effects. 

You know why? That’s because when you consume more than the stipulated amount, then it leads to the build-up of toxins in your body.

Here are five side-effects of overdosing on vitamin D supplements according to nutritionist, Ms Manisha Chopra
1. Vomiting, nausea, and loss of appetite

Consuming excess amounts of vitamin D supplements increases calcium levels in the blood, which can cause side-effects like nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite.

side effects of vitamin D
We might have been underestimating vitamin D all this while. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
2. Stomach and constipation

Elevated calcium levels also cause digestive problems. Consuming vitamin D supplements in high quantities can cause stomach ache, diarrhea and constipation, due to excessive calcium in the blood.

3. Bone loss

Vitamin D is essential to maintain bone health, and it plays an important role in the absorption of calcium in the body and bone metabolism. However, too much vitamin D can cause a threat to bone health, as it lowers the vitamin K2 level in the blood, which keeps calcium in the bone and blood. Hence, excessive consumption of vitamin D supplements can cause bone loss. To avoid this, one can include foods rich in vitamin K2 in the diet,” suggests Ms Chopra.

4. Hypercalcemia

It can lead to hypercalcemia, which means calcium levels get elevated in the blood. Excessive intake of vitamin D can increase the calcium level in the blood, and can cause harmful effects like fatigue, dizziness, excessive thirst, frequent urination, etc.

side effects of vitamin D
Don’t underestimate the importance of vitamin D but don’t overrule the possibility of its side-effects. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
5. Kidney damage

An overdose of vitamin D can result in kidney injury in people who have healthy kidneys. It is even more harmful for those who suffer from an existing kidney problem.

So ladies, whether you are popping supplements to stay immune from covid-19 or because you are pregnant, just be sure that you don’t take them without proper prescription.

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Six-pack abs are all that Nikita needs, along with her daily dose of green tea. At Health Shots, she produces videos, podcasts, stories, and other kick-ass content. ...Read More

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