Hypervitaminosis D

Answer 1

Definition

Hypervitaminosis D is a condition that occurs after taking excessive doses of vitamin D.

Alternative Names

Vitamin D toxicity

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

An excess of vitamin D causes abnormally high levels of calcium in the blood, which can eventually severely damage the bones, soft tissues, and kidneys. It is almost always caused by forms of vitamin D that require a doctor's prescription.

Symptoms

• Constipation
• Decreased appetite (anorexia)
• Dehydration
• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Muscle weakness
• Vomiting

Signs and tests

• Excess calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia)
• Excess calcium in the urine (hypercalciuria)
• Excessive thirst (polydipsia)
• High blood pressure
• Passing large amounts of urine (polyuria)

Tests to confirm the diagnosis:

• 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D levels
• 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels
• Serum calcium
• Serum phosphorus
• X-ray of the bone

Treatment

Stop taking vitamin D. Consult your physician. In severe cases, other treatment may be necessary.

Expectations (prognosis)

Recovery is expected.

Complications

• Dehydration
• Hypercalcemia
• Kidney damage
• Kidney stones

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if:

• You or your child shows symptoms of hypervitaminosis D and has been taking more vitamin D than the recommended daily allowance
• You or your child shows symptoms and has been taking a prescription form of vitamin D

Prevention

To prevent this condition, pay careful attention to the correct vitamin D dose.

Answer 2

Definition

Hypervitaminosis D is a condition that occurs after taking very high doses of vitamin D.

Alternative Names

Vitamin D toxicity

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

An excess of vitamin D causes abnormally high levels of calcium in the blood. This can severely damage the bones, soft tissues, and kidneys over time. It is almost always caused by forms of vitamin D that need a doctor's prescription.

Symptoms

• Constipation
• Decreased appetite (anorexia)
• Dehydration
• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Muscle weakness
• Vomiting

Signs and tests

• Excess calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia)
• Excess calcium in the urine (hypercalciuria)
• Excessive thirst (polydipsia)
• High blood pressure
• Passing large amounts of urine (polyuria)

Tests to confirm the diagnosis:

• 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D levels
• 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels
• Serum calcium
• Serum phosphorus
• X-ray of the bone

Treatment

Stop taking vitamin D. Talk to your health care provider. In severe cases, other treatment may be needed.

Expectations (prognosis)

Recovery is expected.

Complications

• Dehydration
• Hypercalcemia
• Kidney damage
• Kidney stones

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if:

• You or your child shows symptoms of hypervitaminosis D and has been taking more vitamin D than the recommended daily allowance
• You or your child shows symptoms and has been taking a prescription form of vitamin D

Prevention

To prevent this condition, pay careful attention to the correct vitamin D dose.

Reviewed By

Review Date: 12/11/2011

Nancy J. Rennert, MD, Chief of Endocrinology & Diabetes, Norwalk Hospital, Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.