The Mayo Clinic states that vitamin D helps regulate the levels of phosphorous and calcium in the blood, and also aids in calcium absorption in the body. It is an essential vitamin found in eggs, cod liver oil and fish; it is also fortified into dairy products, like milk and butter. Vitamin D also can be absorbed through the skin by way of the sun.
Some people may have a vitamin D allergy or sensitivity that can cause adverse effects. Adverse effects may also occur due to vitamin D overdose, which is rare.
Vitamin D Sensitivity
Some individuals may experience allergies or sensitivities to vitamin D, according to the Mayo Clinic. Individuals who may experience sensitivity to vitamin D include people with kidney disease, tuberculosis, sarcoidosis and hyperparathyroidism. Taking vitamin D while suffering from one of these ailments may cause hypercalcemia, where calcium deposits build up on organs in the body. Side effects of hypercalcemia include nausea, vomiting, weight loss, frequent urination and thirst, dry mouth, metallic taste in the mouth, dizziness, vertigo, ringing in the ears and headache. If you think you may have hypercalcemia, go to the doctor immediately. If diagnosed with hypercalcemia, you will be taken off vitamin D and placed on a limited calcium diet. In severe cases, corticosteroids may be used.
Pregnant Women
Pregnant woman should take the same amount of vitamin D as an adult who is not pregnant, states the Mayo Clinic. Although some doctors may feel it is beneficial to take additional vitamin D, the Mayo Clinic suggests that the pregnant individual speak to her doctor before raising her intake of vitamin D in order to prevent overdose. Taking vitamin D while breastfeeding may reduce rickets and other diseases caused by vitamin deficiency, states the Mayo Clinic. If your child has a deficiency, your doctor may instruct you to take a specific amount of vitamin D while you are breastfeeding to provide your child with the proper nutrients.
Avoiding Vitamin D Toxicity
According to Merck Manual, consuming 50,000 IU (international units) of vitamin D daily for several months can cause toxicity in an adult patient, while consuming 40,000 IU of vitamin D daily for several months can cause toxicity in infants. To avoid vitamin D toxicity, the Mayo Clinic suggests taking 200 IU of vitamin D per day if you are a child or adult under 50, 400 IU if you are between 50 and 70 years old, and 600 IU of vitamin D per day if you are over 70. Individuals with some medical conditions may require a different dosage of vitamin D. Vitamin D toxicity can cause hypercalcemia, which will usually go away after the excess vitamin D has been flushed from the body.
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