Hypervitaminosis D

Information, Symptoms, Treatments and Resources

Blank
Previous | Next
Definition

Hypervitaminosis D is a condition that occurs after taking excessive doses of vitamin D.

Alternative Names

Vitamin D toxicity

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

An excess of vitamin D causes abnormally high levels of calcium in the blood, which can eventually severely damage the bones, soft tissues, and kidneys. It is almost always caused by forms of vitamin D that require a doctor's prescription.

Signs and tests

Tests to confirm the diagnosis:

Treatment

Stop taking vitamin D. Consult your physician. In severe cases, other treatment may be necessary.

Expectations (prognosis)

Recovery is expected.

Complications

  • Dehydration
  • Hypercalcemia
  • Kidney damage
  • Kidney stones

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if you or your child show symptoms of hypervitaminosis D and you have been taking vitamin D in excess of the recommended daily allowance. Also call if you or your child show symptoms and you have been taking a prescription form of vitamin D.

Prevention

To prevent this condition, pay careful attention to the correct vitamin D dose.

Previous | Next
Review date: December 06, 2007
Reviewed by: Nancy J. Rennert, M.D., 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.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. � 1997- 2008 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

MedHelp Health Answers
Submit