Unconscious use of vitamin D threatens health

Internal Medicine Specialist Dr. Semiha Ayaydın Kaplan emphasized that vitamin D use outside of a doctor's supervision can lead to serious health problems, saying, "The widespread use of vitamin D supplements alongside treatments for managing chronic diseases, and taking them in incorrect doses, can lead to serious risks such as hypercalcemia, kidney stone formation, and heart rhythm disorders."

Drawing attention to current information shared by international research, Specialist Dr. Ayaydın Kaplan stated, "Consuming more than 4,000 IU of vitamin D per day can cause such health problems in the long term. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has set the daily upper tolerance limit for adults at 100 micrograms (4,000 IU). The UK National Health Service (NHS) is also drawing attention to the side effects reported, particularly from unprescribed and uncontrolled high-dose use."

It poses a risk to kidney and heart health.

Specialist Dr. Ayaydın Kaplan, referring to the fact that excessive vitamin D intake causes hypercalcemia, said, "This is a condition characterized by elevated blood calcium levels caused by excessive vitamin D intake. Nausea, vomiting, frequent urination, muscle weakness, and heart rhythm disturbances are frequently observed in this condition. High calcium levels trigger kidney stone formation in the long term and pave the way for complications such as nephrocalcinosis. This can lead to a significant decrease in kidney function tests."

Dr. Ayaydın Kaplan warned against using the wrong dose and stated:

"Supplements exceeding 4,000 IU daily, especially when taken without a doctor's supervision, may improve bone health while also negatively affecting kidney and heart functions. Long-term high-dose use may disrupt calcium balance and cause systemic complications."

According to Specialist Dr. Ayaydın Kaplan, he listed the following points to consider to prevent such health problems:

"The blood vitamin D (25-OH-D) and serum calcium levels of individuals using vitamin D should be monitored regularly. Supplemental dosing should be done under the supervision of a physician. Total vitamin D levels should be calculated by taking into account diet and sun exposure."

Vitamin D treatment should be managed under the supervision of a physician.

Specialist Dr. Ayaydın Kaplan emphasized the importance of discontinuing vitamin D supplements in individuals diagnosed with excessive doses, saying, "If necessary, fluid supplements should be initiated. In cases of severe hypercalcemia, medications containing active ingredients such as diuretics, corticosteroids, or bisphosphonates may be preferred. These treatment protocols should be implemented with a physician's approval. Vitamin D deficiency is a common health problem that needs to be addressed. However, the dosage of supplements taken for support should be carefully evaluated from a health perspective. Taking vitamin D under a doctor's supervision helps prevent long-term complications that may occur in the kidneys, heart, and skeletal system."