Doctors circle warns of possible overdose with vitamin D supplements

Too high calcium levels due to vitamin D supplements

Vitamin D is important for the body because it performs many functions in our body, such as building and maintaining bones. But if too much of the so-called sun hormone is absorbed, it can even be harmful. This is currently pointed out by the Drug Commission of the German Medical Association (AkdÄ). The expert committee of the German Medical Association reports two cases in which the intake of supposedly harmless vitamin D-containing preparations has led to acute renal failure in pronounced hypercalcaemia.

Vitamin D important for healthy bones

The fat-soluble vitamin D performs many important functions in our organism, for example by strengthening the bones and positively influencing muscle strength. Vitamin D deficiency in adults can lead to osteoporosis and painful bone softening. Accordingly, it is important to avoid a defect.

Vitamin D is found in higher amounts mainly in fatty fish (eg salmon, herring, mackerel) as well as e.g. contained in egg yolk and some edible mushrooms. (Image: bit24 / fotolia.com)

Avoid overdose

However, anyone taking vitamin D-containing supplements or supplements on their own initiative should be very careful. As reported by the Drug Commission of the German medical profession, an overdose of the so-called sun hormone can lead to serious damage to health.

Two patients develop kidney failure

In a recent "Drug Safety Mail," the expert committee of the German Medical Association informs about two cases, which show that the intake of supposedly harmless vitamin D-containing preparations can be harmful. A 78-year-old female patient (A) and a 60-year-old male patient (B) were self-medicated with high daily doses (A: Vitamin D3 10,000 IU / d, B: "Vitamin D" 50,000 IU / d) , As a result, both developed acute renal failure with pronounced hypercalcaemia (A: 3.42 mmol / L; reference range: 2.15-2.58 mmol / L; accurate value for B is absent).

Metabolic processes are disturbed

In hypercalcaemia, there is too much calcium in the blood, which can interfere with various metabolic processes. In most cases, a disease is the reason for the increased calcium levels in the blood. As a result of the increased calcium concentration in the blood, diarrhea or constipation, nausea and vomiting occur.

Added to this are listlessness, muscle weakness, increased urine output (polyuria), excessive thirst and mental changes to confusion, psychosis and coma. In an emergency, too much calcium in the blood can lead to kidney failure and heart failure.

Severe complications in a patient

As the expert committee of the German Medical Association reported, the two patients had no evidence of alternative causes such as primary hyperparathyroidism, sarcoidosis or a tumor disease. The condition of patient A improved accordingly under forced diuretic therapy and the intake of cortisone. Patient B, on the other hand, developed severe complications and had dialysis-related renal insufficiency.

Higher doses only under medical supervision

Due to the mentioned risks, the Drug Commission advises the German medical profession not to take high-dose vitamin D supplements on its own. According to the notification, the European Food Safety Authority has set a tolerable - ie safe - upper limit of 100 μg / d (4000 IU / d) for adolescents and adults for daily intake, inform the experts.

If higher doses are required, this should only be done under medical supervision and regular monitoring of vitamin D status, the recommendation says. In general, patients should contact their doctor or pharmacist if they have questions. (No)