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A.D.A.M. Medical Encyclopedia [Internet]. Atlanta (GA): A.D.A.M.; 2013.
A.D.A.M. Medical Encyclopedia.
Hypervitaminosis D is a condition that occurs after taking very high doses of vitamin D.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
An excess of vitamin D causes abnormally high levels of calcium in the blood. This can severely damage the bones, soft tissues, and kidneys over time. It is almost always caused by forms of vitamin D that need a doctor's prescription.
Symptoms
- Decreased appetite (anorexia)
Signs and tests
- Excess calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia)
- Excess calcium in the urine (hypercalciuria)
- Excessive thirst (polydipsia)
- Passing large amounts of urine (polyuria)
Tests to confirm the diagnosis:
- 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D levels
Treatment
Stop taking vitamin D. Talk to your health care provider. In severe cases, other treatment may be needed.
Expectations (prognosis)
Recovery is expected.
Complications
- Dehydration
- Hypercalcemia
- Kidney damage
- Kidney stones
Calling your health care provider
Call your health care provider if:
Prevention
To prevent this condition, pay careful attention to the correct vitamin D dose.
Review Date: 12/11/2011.
Reviewed by: Nancy J. Rennert, MD, Chief of Endocrinology & Diabetes, Norwalk Hospital, Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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- Hypervitaminosis DHypervitaminosis DPubMed Health
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