A severe intolerance to vitamin D can cause allergic reactions similar to those experienced by other triggers. Because the symptoms of an allergic reaction to vitamin D are the same as those to other allergies, you need to discuss your symptoms with your doctor to obtain know for sure what is causing your reaction.
Sources of Vitamin D
Vitamin D comes from several sources. It is often added to milk. Vitamin D is also common in many multivitamins. Foods such as seafood and eggs are rich in vitamin D. Also, spending as little as 15 to 30 minutes out in the sun daily generally allows the body to make sufficient amounts of vitamin D. If you live in northern locations, the sun might not be strong enough during winter for the production of vitamin D. Situations such as not being able to get enough sunlight each day or a lack of vitamin D in the diet are reasons many people turn to vitamin D supplements. It is uncommon to experience side effects from taking supplements.
Allergic Reactions
Although nut, pet and pollen are what normally come to mind when thinking of allergies, you can in fact be allergic to vitamins. An allergic reaction happens when your immune system detects a substance, such as pollen or vitamin D, that your body thinks is an invader, causing the immune system to then release antibodies to to fight off the supposed infection. These antibodies cause cells to release chemicals that cause an allergic reaction. It is still somewhat of a mystery why people are allergic to some people have allergic reactions and other do not, or why the things that trigger allergies even do so in the first place. If other people in your family are allergic to vitamin D, you are more likely to be allergic as well. A severe reaction is possible if you are allergic to vitamin D. Symptoms include, but are not limited to, difficulty breathing, itching, rash, swelling on your face or tongue and severe dizziness.
Reactions to Vitamin D and Calcium
Taking high amounts of vitamin D and calcium together can also cause serious adverse effects even if you are not allergic to either. Side effects include changes in your mood of mental state, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, constipation and excessive thirst. These vitamins are often taken together because vitamin D helps you use calcium and prevents the loss of calcium from your bones.
Warnings
You should not take vitamin D if you experience allergic reactions or side effects. These are not the only reasons to avoid these supplements, however. Drugs.com recommends that you do not take vitamin D supplements if you already have high levels of calcium or vitamin D in your body. Doing so could cause the symptoms previously mentioned. You should also not take supplements if you have a condition that makes it difficult to absorb nutrients from food, kidney disease, an electrolyte imbalance, heart disease or coronary artery disease unless told to by your doctor.
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