Vitamin D is vital for the absorption of calcium by the body. People often take vitamin D and calcium supplements together to complement each other's action and achieve maximum benefit. However, too much vitamin D can trigger symptoms such as light-headedness by increasing the calcium levels in the body.
Vitamin D and Light-headedness Connection
Our bodies require vitamin D to absorb calcium. We get most of our vitamin D from sun exposure or supplementation in foods. Some people may require extra doses of vitamin D due to health issues or deficiency. Vitamin D in large doses can cause the body to absorb too much calcium. When the calcium levels rise too high in the bloodstream, the symptoms of hypercalcemia develop. One of the symptoms of high calcium levels is light-headedness. Other neurological symptoms include nausea and confusion. This can affect the digestive system, too, with symptoms such as vomiting, constipation, loss of appetite and excessive thirst. Light-headedness is a minor symptom, but can also signal severe complications of hypercalcemia such as heart or kidney disorders. Dr. Katherine Zetrasky of MayoClinic.com confirms that the symptom of light-headedness and other symptoms result from the increased calcium levels that arise from taking higher doses of vitamin D. Although these side effects are rare, they are possible.
Light-headedness
On MayoClinic.com, doctors characterize light-headedness as a balance disorder. It is mainly a feeling of floating, faintness or a weightlessness in the head -- a feeling like you are about to faint. Except for elevated calcium levels, inner ear disorders, dehydration or a sudden drop in blood pressure, can all cause light-headedness. If you are on vitamin D supplements and you experience light-headedness, you can find fast relief by stopping vitamin D supplements and restricting calcium intake. Hospitalization may be necessary only in severe cases.
Recommended Dose
To prevent neurological complications such as light-headedness from elevated calcium, stay within the guidelines for recommended daily doses of vitamin D. Although you cannot overdose on vitamin D itself, studies have shown that it can cause increased cases of increased falls, pancreatic cancer and cardiac events. Any of these conditions could account for the relationship between vitamin D and light-headedness. Experts from the Linus Pauling Institute recommend up to 2,000 mg of vitamin D for healthy adults as a maintenance dose. Dr. Mark Hyman, a practicing physician, prescribes up to 10,000 mg to his deficient patients until they fill their vitamin D storage, but only under his supervision.
Sources
When considering using vitamin D supplements, it is also important to account for sun exposure and food intake. If you get a lot of sun and eat food rich in vitamin D, you might not need the entire daily allowance from a supplement. Some of vitamin D-rich foods are cod liver oil, salmon, mackerel and tuna. Manufacturers fortify many foods with vitamin D, including milk, orange juice and yogurt. It might be entirely possible that you can resolve the symptom of light-headedness with slightly less vitamin D intake.
References
- MayoClinic.com;What Is Vitamin D Toxicity, and Should I Worry About It Since I Take Supplements?;K. Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.; December 2010
- Pubmed Health; Hypervitaminosis D; Novemeber 23,2009
- MedlinePlus; Dizziness; August 2, 2011
- John Hopkins Medicine; Vitamin D and Colorectal Cancer;
- MayoClinic.com; Balance Problems
- Huffington Post; Vitamin D: Why You Are Probably NOT Getting Enough and How That Makes You Sick; Mark Hyman MD.; May 22, 2010
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