Warning: Brits Urged to Avoid Overusing Popular Vitamin D Supplements

A Spanish hospital has raised concerns about a rise in patients suffering from vitamin D poisoning. The cases are due to prolonged and uncontrolled use of supplements, often from self-medication or not following guidelines.

Son Espases Hospital in Palma de Mallorca reported an increase in severe vitamin D poisoning cases, some requiring hospitalization. These instances are often linked to unsupervised supplement use, either through self-medication or not following guidelines correctly.

UK holidaymakers sunbathing while taking strong supplements could also be at risk.

The hospital's Clinical Analysis Laboratory recorded about a hundred cases of vitamin D overdose in 2024. They've also seen a rise in severe cases with hypercalcemia and acute kidney failure requiring hospital admission in recent months.

The trend is attributed to consuming supplements not prescribed by medical professionals. The most affected demographic were young people and athletes, many taking supplements based on advice from social media or podcasts.

Endocrinologist Mercedes Codina and lab analyst Cristina Gómez explained that excess vitamin D can lead to poisoning as it accumulates in the body. Unlike vitamins C or B, the body does not eliminate excess vitamin D, which can have serious consequences for the kidneys or heart.

To reduce unnecessary supplement demands and tests, the Clinical Analysis Service and Primary Care initiated an educational campaign. They are raising awareness through talks at health centers and informative materials for patients and healthcare workers.

For healthy individuals, routine tests or supplement intake are not usually recommended. Vitamin D is primarily obtained through sunlight exposure. Just ten minutes of sun exposure two or three times a week is enough to maintain adequate levels.

Given the UK's northern location, there may be a greater need for supplements. From October to March, the NHS suggests sourcing vitamin D from food and supplements as few foods contain it.

The NHS recommends a daily intake of 10 micrograms (mcg or μg) or 400 international units (IU) of vitamin D for individuals above 1 year old. Consuming more than this amount could be harmful over time.

Symptoms of vitamin D overdose include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and confusion, linked to excess calcium in the bloodstream.

According to the source: North Wales Live.