Definition
Hypervitaminosis D symptoms appear several months after excessive doses of vitamin D are administered.
Alternative Names
Vitamin D toxicityCauses, incidence, and risk factors
An excess of vitamin D causes abnormally high blood concentrations of calcium, which can eventually cause severe damage to the bones, soft tissues, and kidneys. It is almost always associated with forms of vitamin D that require a doctor's prescription.
Symptoms
Signs and tests
- Polydipsia (excessive thirst)
- Polyuria (passing large amounts of urine)
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Hypercalcemia (excess calcium in the blood)
- Hypercalciuria (excess calcium in the urine)
Tests to confirm the diagnosis:
- Calcium - serum
- Phosphorus - serum
- 25-hydroxyVitamin D levels
- 1,25 dihydroxyVitamin D levels
- X-ray of the bone (focusing on the long bones)
Treatment
Stop taking vitamin D. Consult your physician. In severe cases, other treatment may be necessary.
Expectations (prognosis)
Recovery is expected.
Complications
- 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 you have been taking vitamin D in excess of the recommended daily allowance. Also call if you or your child show symptoms and you have been taking a prescription form of vitamin D.
Prevention
To prevent this condition, pay careful attention to the correct vitamin D dose.
| • | Vitamin D |
Reviewed By: Robert Hurd, MD, Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
