Vitamin D overdose can cause kidney problems, while a deficiency can lead to bone disease. Recommended daily intake varies by age, with toxic levels causing hypercalcemia and kidney problems. Medications can also interact with vitamin D, causing negative side effects.
There are generally few or no side effects of vitamin D as long as the amount ingested is within the recommended limits. Vitamin D overdose can have negative side effects such as kidney problems. Conversely, not getting enough can lead to deficiency bone disease. Also, some prescription drugs can interact with vitamin D and cause side effects.
The recommended dosage to avoid vitamin D side effects can vary, but there are some generally agreed upon amounts. Children and adults under 50 should receive between 200 and 400 international units (IU) per day. Those aged 51 to 70 should strive for 400 IU per day, and those older than 70 should get 600 to 1,000 IU. More than 1,000 IU per day can be toxic to children and more than 2,000 IU can be toxic to adults. Toxic levels can lead to overdose and negative side effects of vitamin D.
An overdose of vitamin D can cause heart, bone and kidney problems. Symptoms include loss of appetite, vomiting, constipation and weakness. Additional side effects of vitamin D in large quantities are hypercalcemia and excessive bone loss. Symptoms of hypercalcemia can be nausea and vomiting, frequent urination, excessive thirst and fatigue. Additionally, toxic levels of vitamin D can impair kidney function, leading to kidney stones and calcium deposits throughout the body.
On the other hand, a deficiency can lead to negative side effects of vitamin D. One of the main consequences of a vitamin D deficiency is that it can cause rickets, which is a bone disease characterized by bone tissue that does not mineralize properly. It can also cause soft bones and skeletal deformities. Symptoms of a deficiency include bone pain and muscle weakness. You may need to take a vitamin supplement to prevent the side effects of a deficiency.
Additionally, many medications can cause vitamin D interactions and side effects, such as affecting calcium absorption and the rate at which vitamin D is metabolized by the body. Medications that can interact with the vitamin include steroids, seizure medications, and some weight loss medications. Also, medications used to treat high blood pressure and heart problems can increase your risk of vitamin D side effects. If you are taking any medications, you may need to consult a doctor before taking a vitamin D supplement to see if there are any interactions that could produce negative side effects.
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