Vitamin D-3 is a fat-soluble vitamin responsible for maintaining the calcium balance in your body. Most of the vitamin D your body needs is synthesized endogenously in your skin on exposure to UV rays in sunlight. However, your physician may prescribe vitamin D-3 supplements if you have minimal exposure to the sun, are above 60 years of age, are postmenopausal, or suffer from osteoporosis.
Vitamin D-3 Toxicity
Vitamin D-3 toxicity is also known as hypervitaminosis D. It usually occurs due to an overdose of vitamin D supplements. If you take more than 1250 micrograms of vitamin D for a period of several months, you may suffer from hypervitaminosis D, reports the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. Aggressive treatment for hypoparathyroididsm also precipitates vitamin D-3 toxicity.
Symptoms of Vitamin D-3 Toxicity
The major symptoms of vitamin D-3 toxicity are caused due to increased calcium levels in your blood. You should suspect vitamin D-3 toxicity if, while taking vitamin D-3 supplementation, you experience anorexia, nausea and vomiting, followed by an increase in thirst and an increase in urination. More serious symptoms include weakness, severe itching, heart rhythm abnormalities and ultimately, kidney failure.
Diagnosis of Vitamin D-3 Toxicity
Diagnosis of hypervitaminosis D is made on the basis of clinical symptoms of vitamin D toxicity, and is further confirmed by elevated blood calcium and 25 (OH) D levels. Serum calcium levels are usually above 12 mg/dL and serum 25 (OH) D levels greater than 150 ng/mL. A history of prior vitamin D-3 supplementation is valuable in differentiating vitamin D-3 toxicity from other causes of hypercalcemia.
Treatment of Vitamin D-3 Toxicity
Vitamin D-3 toxicity is usually treated by stopping vitamin D-3 intake, administering IV hydration and bisphosphonate injections. Bisphosphonates prevent bone resorption and decrease the plasma calcium levels. Later, steroids are given to further reduce bone resorption. To avoid developing vitamin D toxicity, you should limit your intake of vitamin D to 600 IU a day if you are under 70 years of age, and 800 IU a day if you are older. If you take thiazide diuretics or have liver or kidney dysfunction, always ask your physician before taking vitamin D-3 supplements.
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