Hypervitaminosis D

Definition

Hypervitaminosis D symptoms appear several months after excessive doses of vitamin D are administered.

Alternative Names

Vitamin D toxicity

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

An excess of vitamin D causes abnormally high blood concentrations of calcium, which can eventually cause severe damage to the bones, soft tissues, and kidneys. It is almost always associated with forms of vitamin D that require a doctor's prescription.

Symptoms

Signs and tests

Tests to confirm the diagnosis:

Treatment

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

Expectations (prognosis)

Recovery is expected.

Complications

  • Kidney damage
  • Kidney stones

Calling your health care provider

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

Prevention

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

Review Date: 2/27/2006
Reviewed By: Robert Hurd, MD, Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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