Vitamin D supplements can cause unpleasant side effects. These may include frequent urination, dizziness, headaches, excessive thirst, vomiting and nausea. Diarrhea and cramping are not typical symptoms of taking too much vitamin D, but supplements may be beneficial in treating symptoms caused by a vitamin D deficiency.
Common Side Effects
Treating a deficiency with supplements is a common way to raise vitamin D levels. A maximum of 2,000 IU per day is safe for people age 12 and up and 1,000 IU per day is OK for children under 12, according to the National Institutes of Health. Unfortunately, you might still experience side effects to vitamin D supplements, including diarrhea. A metal taste in the mouth, poor appetite, bone pain, fatigue, constipation, sore eyes, itchy skin, and vomiting are other common side effects. You might also experience muscle problems after taking vitamin D supplements. Ask your doctor to test your vitamin D levels to see if you are deficient before taking supplements.
Osteomalacia
Muscle problems such as cramps are possible side effects of taking vitamin D supplements, but a vitamin D deficiency can also cause them. Osteomalacia is a condition sometimes caused by a vitamin D deficiency that affects your muscles and bones. Symptoms of osteomalacia include muscle weakness, widespread bone pain and bones that fracture easily. Vitamin D supplements, as well as calcium and phosphorus, might treat osteomalacia. Blood tests to determine if you have enough of these nutrients in your body are part of the diagnostic process for osteomalacia. Your doctor may also biopsy your bones or take x-rays to see if you have any fractures, softening or bone loss.
Children and Cramps
Children are more likely to experience muscle cramps from a vitamin D deficiency than from supplements. Babies with a severe deficiency in vitamin D may develop muscle cramps or spasms, seizures and have trouble breathing. These symptoms relate to low amounts of calcium in the blood. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium. Thus, not having enough vitamin D can make it harder for the body to get sufficient calcium. Children with vitamin D deficiencies are also more likely to get infections, which could make them more vulnerable to a variety of illnesses that might lead to diarrhea.
Vitamin D Supplements
Vitamin D supplements come in more than one form. Injections are an option for a quick infusion of a large amount of vitamin D lasting about six months. Tablets or liquids are another way to get a large dose of vitamin D, but you must take them as recommended. These may be the right choice for children or anyone needing to correct a deficiency quickly. Tablets, liquid and powder vitamin D supplements with standard doses are also available to replace lost vitamin D slowly. You might need to take these daily for a year.
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