-
UCF physicians are Orlando's top docs.
Maintaining balanced levels of vitamin D, to prevent vitamin D deficiency, is crucial for overall health, but excessive vitamin D can lead to toxicity. Discover natural ways to safely lower your vitamin D levels and avoid the risks associated with hypervitaminosis D.
Understanding Vitamin D and Its Importance
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is essential for a wide number of bodily functions. It aids in bone growth and remodeling, improves heart health, supports the immune system and helps prevent and reduce inflammation. Vitamin D is also necessary for muscle function and can aid in insulin regulation and diabetes management.
This important vitamin is produced naturally within the body with exposure to sunlight. Other sources of vitamin D include fatty fish, fortified dairy products and egg yolks, as well as vitamin D supplements.
The Dangers and Effects of Too Much Vitamin D
Hypervitaminosis D, also known as vitamin D toxicity, occurs when vitamin D levels in the body are too high. This rare but serious condition is most commonly caused by taking high doses of vitamin D supplements over an extended period of time. Overconsumption of vitamin D-enriched foods can also be a contributing factor.
Many of the signs of vitamin D toxicity are related to hypercalcemia, or elevated levels of calcium in the blood, as vitamin D promotes calcium absorption. Common symptoms of hypervitaminosis D include weakness and fatigue, nausea and vomiting, kidney stones, kidney failure, frequent urination, dehydration, bone pain and impaired cognition. Toxicity is diagnosed through either blood or urine tests.
It is also important to understand the difference between Vitamin D2 and D3, as the two can often be confused.
How to Naturally Lower Your Vitamin D Level
If you find yourself experiencing symptoms of vitamin D toxicity, it is highly important to immediately stop taking vitamin D supplements. It is also wise to limit sun exposure, as sunlight inhibits vitamin D synthesis.
Diet and hydration are two key components of naturally reducing vitamin D levels. Consider making swaps for the vitamin D rich foods in your diet. Opt for egg whites instead of egg yolks and fish with lower fat content like tuna instead of fatty fish like salmon.
You can also swap your dairy intake for alternatives like almond or soy-based products. Maintaining adequate hydration is also of utmost importance. Drinking plenty of water helps to support kidney function, allowing your body to naturally flush out excess vitamin D.
Timeframe and Expectations
Resolving a vitamin D overdose and its side effects does not happen overnight. The time it takes for vitamin D levels to return to normal depends on a wide variety of factors including the level of toxicity, how quickly excessive intake is stopped and reduction measures are started and the individual’s overall health. Generally, more mild cases of vitamin D toxicity may resolve within a few weeks while more severe cases may take up to 6 months to fully resolve.
Though many of the effects of vitamin D toxicity are reversible, others can lead to permanent damage. Long-term complications include kidney and blood vessel damage related to calcium deposits, bone demineralization, persistent GI issues and lasting muscle weakness.
Prevention Measures To Avoid Vitamin D Toxicity
Vitamin D toxicity is a rare condition that can easily be prevented. It is important to stick to the recommended daily allowance of vitamin D, which is 600-800 IU or 15-20 micrograms per day for most adults. Aim to get most, if not all, of your vitamin D from natural sources like regular sun exposure and consumption of vitamin D rich foods.
If you do decide to take vitamin D supplements, be sure to read the label and follow the listed dosing instructions. It is also a best practice to consult with a healthcare provider prior to starting any supplement regimen. Primary care providers may also order regular blood tests to ensure all of your vitamin levels remain within the recommended range.
Consideration of Vitamin D Supplements
Prior to starting a vitamin D supplement, it is important to assess whether or not it is actually necessary. Consider discussing a supplement regimen with your primary care provider and address any factors that may impact your vitamin D needs. If it is decided that a vitamin D supplement would be beneficial, choose one from a reputable brand and adhere to the recommended dosages.
While taking vitamin D supplements, it is important to be aware of the amount of vitamin D in your diet as well. It is very possible to have excess vitamin D, leading to overdose, so be sure to have your levels checked regularly and to adjust your dosage accordingly.
Manage Vitamin D Toxicity With Lifestyle Medicine
Lifestyle Medicine services provided by UCF Health can aid in managing vitamin D toxicity.
Lifestyle medicine focuses on natural methods of treating and preventing chronic diseases and other conditions. It goes beyond medication alone and incorporates lifestyle modification strategies to improve your current health and prevent future issues. A
Lifestyle medicine approach can aid in both prevention and recovery from vitamin D toxicity by providing education, implementing regular monitoring and promoting physical activity and a balanced diet.
When to Seek Medical Help for Suspected Vitamin D Toxicity
Managing a vitamin D overdose is best done under the guidance of a licensed healthcare professional. If you begin experiencing symptoms of vitamin D toxicity or notice other unexplained health changes, it is important to seek medical help.
This holds particularly true for those in high-risk groups, such as people who are taking high-dose vitamin D supplements or people with conditions that may impact vitamin D levels, such as kidney disease or hyperparathyroidism.
Final Thoughts on Managing Vitamin D Levels
Vitamin D toxicity is a rare phenomenon but it can have harmful impacts when left untreated. If you worry that you may be experiencing symptoms of hypervitaminosis D, implementing natural strategies to flush vitamin D from your system can be incredibly effective. To prevent vitamin D toxicity from occurring, it is best to practice moderation when it comes to vitamin D intake and to engage in healthy lifestyle practices.