Vitamin D is called the sunshine vitamin because the main avenue of obtaining it is through exposure to sunlight. Its main function in the body is to metabolize and maintain healthy blood levels of phosphorus and calcium. Humans absorb sunlight through their skin, which is then converted into the fat-soluble vitamin which is essential to maintaining healthy bones as well as preventing a wide range of other diseases. These conditions include but are not limited to, scleroderma, osteoporosis, parathyroidism, psoriasis, hypertension and thyroiditis. Vitamin D is also available in certain foods such as fish, eggs, cod liver oil and fortified milk, or through supplementation. It may be referred to by other names such as calciferol, ergocalciferol (vitamin D2 ) or cholecalciferol (vitamin D3), according to the Medline Plus website. As with any medication, herb or natural substance, care must be taken when using it to avoid side effects.
General Side Effects
According to the PDR Health website, vitamin D is mostly well tolerated, but excess supplementation may cause weakness, nausea, vomiting, bone pain, headache, loss of appetite, itchiness, reduced libido, weight loss, elevation of cholesterol levels, increased thirst or excess urination. Additional side effects may be seen such as dry mouth, vertigo, ringing in the ears, dry mouth, dizziness and calcium deposits in the organs in those who are susceptible, explains MedlinePlus.com.
Serious Side Effects
Additionally, taking vitamin D may bring on chest pain and tightness, difficulty breathing, hives, rash or swelling, according to the PDR Health website, all which may be signs of a possible allergy and require medical attention immediately.
Contraindications and Warnings
Consult with a doctor before using vitamin D to supplement your diet if you are pregnant, have heart or kidney disease, lupus or are taking the heart medicine, digitalis. Additionally vitamin D may contribute to the aggravation of many diseases in those at risk, according to Medline Plus, including hyperparathyroidism, hypercalemia and kidney disease.
Interactions
There may be interactions with certain drugs, foods or other supplements when using vitamin D, according to the PDR Health website, such as magnesium supplements, antacids containing aluminum, Cholestyramine (Questran), and Orlistat (Xenical). According to Drugs.com, the use of mineral oil, when taken internally, will interfere with the absorption of vitamin D due to its being a fat-soluble vitamin.
Adverse Reactions
According to Drugs.com, vitamin D supplementation can cause several adverse reactions, including renal (kidney) impairment with irreversible symptoms as serious as those that may result in death. In people with central nervous system (CNS) diseases it can contribute to causing mental retardation. Additionally, excess vitamin D can cause calcification throughout the body's tissues including the heart, circulatory system, kidneys and lungs.
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