It may not be as widely associated with strong bones as calcium is, but vitamin D is a nutritional “silent partner” that supports calcium’s role in skeletal health. Some people take vitamin D supplements to decrease their risk of osteoporosis and other bone disorders, as well as to prevent health problems such as hypertension and diabetes. But too much of the supplement can lead to side effects. A range of causes exists for both hair and weight loss, including hormonal fluctuations, medications, health disorders and poor diet. Always check with your doctor before taking any nutritional supplements.
Recommended Doses and Limits
Children, teens and adults under age 71 need about 600 international units of vitamin D each day, according to current recommendations. Adults over 70 should get 800 IUs each day. The tolerable upper intake limit for vitamin D for anyone over 9 is 4,000 IUs, notes the Office of Dietary Supplements at the National Institutes of Health.
Toxicity Risks
By themselves, sunlight and food do not contribute dangerous levels of the vitamin. D-rich foods like salmon only contain about 900 IUs of the nutrient in a hefty 6-ounce portion. But if you take too much vitamin D in the form of cod liver oil or vitamin D capsules, you could be at the risk for side effects.
Weight Loss
Unexplained weight loss is a potential side effect of excessive vitamin D intake, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Additionally, some weight loss can occur as a secondary symptom. Potential consequences of excess vitamin D affecting how much food you feel up to eating each day include fatigue, a metallic taste in your mouth and a decreased appetite. Additional toxicity symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea can also lead to weight loss.
Hair Loss
Excess vitamin D is not a generally mentioned cause of hair loss. In fact, vitamin deficiencies notoriously result in hair loss, MayoClinic.com notes. On the other hand, extreme diets and nutritional imbalances also lead to hair loss. Hair loss can result as a secondary symptom to side effects frequently attributed to too much vitamin D, including weight loss and an itchy, irritated scalp.
Considerations
Always ask your doctor for her opinion about whether a vitamin D supplement is right for you, and how much you should take each day. If you experience hair and weight loss while taking vitamin D, ask your physician to confirm the link between the supplements and the side effects.
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