It is unusual for a person to get too much vitamin D, but decreased appetite is a possible result. Most people do not get enough vitamin D. Although the body makes vitamin D from sunlight, people living in northern climates or who do not get outside frequently do not typically get enough of this important vitamin. Therefore, vitamin D supplements are sometimes useful and healthy, but too high of dosages from these supplements can cause appetite loss indicative of a more serious condition.
Vitamin D Toxicity
Anorexia, defined as decreased appetite and possibly weight loss, is a symptom of vitamin D toxicity, which is what happens when you consistently take too much of this vitamin. A toxic intake of vitamin D can actually cause a condition known as hypercalceima, of which decreased appetite is an early symptom. Other early symptoms include nausea and vomiting. After these symtptoms comes excessive urination, excessive thirst, fatigue, weakness, headaches, dry mouth, vertigo, and a metallic taste in the mouth, as well as a conditoin known as tinnitus characterized by ear rinning and ataxia, or unsteadiness. Hypercalcemia may eventually lead to life-threatening complications. It is imperative that you see your physician if you have any of these symptomsm.
Diagnosis
Hypercalcemia causes decreased appetite and other symptoms of vitamin D toxicity, but too much vitamin D is not always the cause of hypercalcemia. Decreased appetite may have other causes as well. Your doctor can best diagnosis whether vitamin D is the actual cause. A history of excessive vitamin D intake is typically the clue that hypercalcemia did indeed develop from vitamin D intake. When you have taken toxic levels of vitamin D, your serum Ca levels are elevated to around 12 to 16 md/dL. This is a constant finding indicating the occurrence of toxic symptoms. A weekly and then monthly testing of the levels of serum Ca should be taken whenever a person takes large dosages of vitamin D, according to "The Merck Manual." There may also be an elevation of serum 25(OH)D levels to greater than 150 ng/mL (>375 nmol/L).
Prevention
As toxicity may lead to irreversible damage, it is best to prevent developing toxic levels all together, which should also prevent problems with your appetite. You accomplish this by paying careful attention to how much vitamin D you take. Adults and children require different amounts of vitamin D. A generally safe dosage of 5 mcg or 200 IU, international units, is advisable for all adults under 50 years of age, including pregnant women. The U.S. Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences suggests that adults between 50 and 70 years of age take 10 mcg or 400 IU of vitamin D. Adults 70 years of age and older may take 15 mcg or 600 IU.
Diet and Treatment
If you do develop a vitamin D toxicity, adopting a low-calcium diet and the cessation of taking vitamin D supplements may be beneficial, though you should speak with your doctor. You may need medication, such as steroids or diuretics and hydration with ample fluids if you develop severe hypercalcemia.
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