Vitamin D3 is receiving a lot of attention in the hope that its use can help fight many different types of diseases. It is being credited with possibly having an effect on a reduction in cancer rates, diabetes, hypertension, MS and other conditions. Vitamin D is well known in the prevention of rickets and management of osteoporosis but there is a down side as well. Too much vitamin D can lead to health complications including certain dangers to your heart.
Considerations
Toxic levels of vitamin D appear to be result from the consumption of between 10,000 to 40,000 IU per day. If you are concerned about your levels, ask your health care provider to test your blood and measure your vitamin D level. A toxic blood vitamin D level was believed to be in the range of 200-240 ng/ml. Further studies have indicated that a range over 50-60 ng/ml should be avoided. Interestingly, toxic levels of the vitamin do not occur from sun exposure but only from vitamin D supplementation.
Vascular Complications
Excessive vitamin D intake in the form of supplements can raise your blood calcium levels. Elevated calcium levels can lead to vascular and tissue calcification. When this occurs, your heart is at risk for damage as are your blood vessels which can accumulate excess calcium deposits. If you have atherosclerosis, taking too much vitamin D could make your condition worse. Check with your doctor before beginning supplementation.
Arrhythmias and Hypertension
Some individuals taking higher dose vitamin D supplements have experienced arrhythmia or abnormal heart beats. Vitamin D is involved in elevated arterial blood pressure and atherogenesis. However, there are contradictory findings regarding the effect vitamin D may have on your arteries. The study calls for urgent scientific investigation of the anti inflammatory effect vitamin D may have on your cardiovascular system.
Medicaiton Interactions
If you have high cholesterol or triglycerides levels and take atorvastation, brand name Lipitor, vitamin D supplements might reduce the amount of the medication that is absorbed by your body. This is dangerous because your cholesterol levels could rise. This effect applies to any of the cholesterol lowering medications or statins. Too much vitamin D may also interfere with calcium channel blockers taken for high blood pressure and other heart conditions. If you take Procardia, Calan, Cardene, Cardizem, Dilacor or Norvasic, do not take vitamin D supplements without checking with your health care provider first.
Member Comments