- Nausea and loss of appetite
- Excessive thirst and frequent urination
- Weakness and fatigue
- Constipation and stomach pain
- Confusion and headache
- Bone and muscle pain
- High blood pressure
- Heart rhythm disorders.
These symptoms are easily attributed to fatigue, stress, or other illnesses. Meanwhile, the toxic effects of vitamin D continue and irreversible changes in the organs intensify. By the time the diagnosis is clear, damage to the kidneys and blood vessels may already be critical.
Excess vitamin D can damage the kidneys. Photo: Sebastian Kaulitzki / Alamy / Alamy / Profimedia
How do we find the measure?
The physiological requirement for vitamin D in adults is approximately 600-800 international units (IU) per day. The upper tolerable dose established by medical organizations should not exceed 4,000 IU per day for long-term use. However, supplements with doses of 5,000, 10,000, and even 50,000 IU are readily available in pharmacies.
The problem is exacerbated by the trend of “megadoses” of vitamin D, which are actively promoted by some bloggers and alternative medicine practitioners. People take 10,000-20,000 IU per day, believing that this will strengthen their immune systems and protect them from disease. In reality, they are slowly poisoning their bodies.
The path to balance
The wisdom is not in giving up vitamin D, but in using it wisely. Before you start taking any supplements, it is necessary to have a blood test for the levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D – this form reflects the true state of the body. Only after receiving the results and consulting a doctor can the appropriate dosage be determined.
For most people, the optimal source of vitamin D remains natural: moderate sun exposure, oily fish, eggs, and fortified foods. If vitamin D supplementation is necessary, it should be strictly measured and controlled.
