How does an overdose of vitamin D manifest? Excess of vitamin D in the body, possible complications and prevention of hypervitaminosis

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The site provides reference information for informational purposes only. Diagnosis and treatment of diseases must be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. All drugs have contraindications. Consultation with a specialist is required!

General characteristics of vitamin D

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble compound - a cyclic unsaturated high-molecular alcohol ergosterol, which has antirachitic activity. Vitamin D is often called simply an antirachitic factor, since this compound is necessary for proper growth and bone formation.

Since vitamin D is fat-soluble, it can accumulate in the human body in the cells of various organs. The largest amount of vitamin D accumulates in subcutaneous fatty tissue and liver. Due to the ability to accumulate in the human body, there is always some depot of vitamin D, from which this compound is consumed in case of insufficient intake from food. That is, against the background of insufficient dietary intake, vitamin D deficiency develops over a long period of time until its reserves in the depot are used up.

The ability to dissolve in fats makes it possible for vitamin A to accumulate excessively when it enters the human body in large quantities. When a high concentration of vitamin D accumulates in the blood and tissues of the body, hypervitaminosis develops, which, like hypovitaminosis, leads to dysfunction of various organs and tissues.

This means that vitamin D must be supplied to the body in strictly defined, optimal doses, since both its excess and its deficiency are harmful. You should not take vitamin D in large quantities, as this will lead to hypervitaminosis. And you should also not consume small amounts of vitamin D, as this will cause deficiency or hypovitaminosis.

Vitamin D also prevents muscle weakness, improves immunity, ensures normal blood clotting and optimal functioning of the thyroid gland. According to experimental studies, calciferol helps restore nerve cells and nerve fibers, thereby reducing the rate of progression of multiple sclerosis. In addition, vitamin D is involved in regulating blood pressure and heart rate.

When used externally, vitamin D preparations reduce scaly skin in people suffering from psoriasis.

Vitamin D norm for consumption and maintenance in the body

The recommended daily dosage of vitamin D for people of different ages is as follows:

Adult women and men over 15 years of age – 2.5 – 5.0 mcg (100 – 200 IU);
Pregnant women – 10 mcg (400 IU);
Nursing mothers – 10 mcg (400 IU);
Elderly people over 60 years old – 10 – 15 mcg (400 – 600 IU);
Infants under one year of age - 7.5 - 10.0 mcg (300 - 400 IU);
Children 1 – 5 years old – 10 mcg (400 IU);
Children 5 – 13 years old – 2.5 mcg (100 IU).

Currently, micrograms (mcg) or international units (IU) are used to indicate the vitamin D content of food. In this case, one international unit corresponds to 0.025 μg. Accordingly, 1 mcg of vitamin D is equal to 40 IU. These ratios can be used to convert units of measurement to each other.

The list shows the optimal dosages of daily vitamin D intake, which replenish its reserves and are not capable of causing hypervitaminosis. From the point of view of developing hypervitaminosis, it is safe to consume no more than 15 mcg of vitamin D per day. This means that the maximum allowable dosage of vitamin D that will not lead to hypervitaminosis is 15 mcg per day.

It is necessary to increase the dose beyond the given optimal values for people who have an increased need for vitamin D, such as:

Living in northern latitudes with short daylight hours or polar night;
Living in regions with a highly polluted atmosphere;
Night shift work;
Bedridden patients who do not go outside;
People suffering from chronic diseases of the intestines, liver, gallbladder and kidneys;
Pregnant and nursing mothers.

In the blood, the normal content of vitamin D 2 is 10–40 mcg/l and D 3 is also 10–40 mcg/l.

Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency and excess

Due to the possibility of accumulation of vitamin D in the human body, both its deficiency and excess may occur. A lack of vitamin D is called hypovitaminosis or deficiency, and an excess is called hypervitaminosis or overdose. Both hypovitaminosis and hypervitaminosis D cause disruption of the functioning of various tissue organs, provoking a number of diseases. Therefore, vitamin D should not be consumed in large quantities, so as not to provoke an overdose.

Vitamin D deficiency

A lack of vitamin D leads to a decrease in the absorption of calcium from food, as a result of which it is washed out of the bones and stimulates the production of parathyroid hormone by the parathyroid glands. Against this background, hyperparathyroidism is formed, in which the leaching of calcium from the bones increases. Bones lose strength, bend, unable to withstand the load, and a person develops various violations of the normal structure of the skeleton, which are manifestations of rickets. That is, a lack of vitamin D is manifested by rickets.

Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency (rickets) in children:

Delayed teething;
Delayed closure of fontanelles;
Softening of the bones of the skull, against the background of which there is a flattening of the occipital lobes with the simultaneous formation of bone growths in the area of the frontal and parietal tubercles. As a result of such processes, a person’s head becomes square, which persists for life and is a sign of rickets suffered in childhood;
Deformation of the facial bones, which can result in the formation of a saddle nose and a high Gothic palate;
Curvature of the legs in the shape of the letter “O” (popularly this condition is called “wheel legs”);
Deformation of the pelvic bones;
Thickening of the ends of the tubular bones, as a result of which the knee, elbow, shoulder, ankle and finger joints become large and protruding. Such protruding joints are called rachitic bracelets;
Thickening of the ends of the ribs, resulting in large protruding joints where the rib bones connect to the sternum and spine. These protruding junctions of the ribs with the sternum and spine are called rachitic rosaries;
Chest deformity (chicken breast);
Sleep disturbance;

After eliminating vitamin D deficiency, sleep disturbances, irritability and sweating disappear, bone strength is restored, and the level of calcium and phosphorus in the blood gradually returns to normal. However, bone deformations (for example, saddle nose, chicken breast, bowed legs, square skull shape, etc.), which have already formed during the period of vitamin D deficiency, will not be corrected when the vitamin deficiency is eliminated, but will remain for life and will be a sign rickets suffered in childhood.

Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency (rickets) in adults are:

The development of osteomalacia, that is, liquefaction of the bone, from which calcium salts are washed out, giving strength;
Osteoporosis;
Burning sensation in the mouth and throat;

All disorders that occur in adults due to vitamin D deficiency completely disappear after normalization of the intake of calciferol in the body.

Vitamin D overdose

An overdose of vitamin D is a very dangerous condition, since this results in intense absorption of calcium from food, which is sent to all organs and tissues, deposited in them in the form of solid salts. The deposition of salts causes calcification of organs and tissues, which cease to function normally. In addition, excess calcium in the blood provokes severe disturbances in the functioning of the heart and nervous system, manifested by micronecrosis and arrhythmias. Clinical symptoms of vitamin D overdose depend on its degree. Currently, there are three degrees of vitamin D overdose, characterized by the following clinical manifestations:

I degree of hypervitaminosis D– mild poisoning without toxicosis:

Sweating;
Irritability;
Sleep disturbance;
Delayed weight gain;
Thirst (polydipsia);
Large amounts of urine, more than 2.5 liters per day (polyuria);
Pain in joints and muscles.

II degree of hypervitaminosis D– moderate poisoning with moderate toxicosis:

Anorexia;
Periodic vomiting;
Loss of body weight;
Tachycardia (palpitations);
Muffled heart sounds;
Systolic murmur;
Increased levels of calcium, phosphates, citrates, cholesterol and total protein in the blood (hypercalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, hypercholesterolemia, hyperproteinemia);
Decreased alkaline phosphatase activity in the blood (ALP).

III degree of hypervitaminosis D– severe poisoning with severe toxicosis:

Persistent vomiting;
Severe weight loss;
Low muscle mass (hypotrophy);
Lethargy;
Low mobility (hypodynamia);
Periods of severe anxiety;
Periodic seizures;
High blood pressure;
Muffled heart sounds;
Systolic murmur;
Enlargement of the heart;
Attacks of arrhythmia;
ECG abnormalities (widening of the QRS complex and shortening of the ST interval);
Paleness of the skin and mucous membranes;
Cold hands and feet;
Dyspnea;
Pulsation of blood vessels in the neck and stomach area;
Increased levels of calcium, phosphates, citrates, cholesterol and total protein in the blood (hypercalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, hypercholesterolemia, hyperproteinemia);
Decreased magnesium levels in the blood (hypomagnesemia);
Decreased alkaline phosphatase activity in the blood (ALP);
Complications in the form of bacterial infections (for example, pneumonia, pyelonephritis, myocarditis, pancreatitis);
Central nervous system depression up to coma.

Treatment of vitamin D overdose

If signs of an overdose of vitamin D appear, you should immediately begin measures to accelerate the elimination of the substance from the body. The process of eliminating excess vitamin D is considered the treatment of hypervitaminosis D, which consists of the following:
1. In case of mild poisoning, give the person orally Vaseline oil, which will reduce the absorption of vitamin D residues present in the intestines. To quickly restore the normal structure of cells and reduce the penetration of calcium into tissues, a person is given vitamin E and A. To accelerate the removal of excess calcium, Furosemide is used, and to compensate for the loss of potassium and magnesium, Asparkam or Panangin is used;
2. In case of moderate poisoning, a person is given petroleum jelly, vitamins E and A, Furosemide, Asparkam or Panangin. Verapamil (eliminates excess calcium deposition in tissues), Etidronate (reduces calcium absorption from the intestine), Phenobarbital (accelerates the conversion of vitamin D into inactive forms) are added to these drugs;
3. In case of severe overdose of vitamin D, all drugs used to treat moderate poisoning are administered intravenously. In addition to these drugs, glucocorticoids, saline, Calcitrin and Trisamine are administered if necessary.

In case of disturbances of the heart (arrhythmia, shortness of breath, palpitations, etc.) or central nervous system (lethargy, coma, convulsions, etc.) against the background of an overdose of vitamin D, it is necessary to administer preparations of phosphate salts, for example, In-phos, Hyper-phosph-K, etc. .

Overdose and deficiency of vitamin D (rickets) in children: causes, symptoms, treatment, answers to questions - video

Vitamin D - indications for use

Vitamin D is indicated for use for therapeutic or prophylactic purposes. Preventive intake of vitamin D is to prevent rickets in children and vitamin deficiency in adults. Therapeutic intake of vitamin D is carried out as part of complex therapy for various diseases accompanied by impaired bone structure and low levels of calcium in the blood. Preventive and therapeutic intake of vitamin D differs only in dosage; otherwise, it is carried out according to the same rules. Thus, for prevention, calciferol preparations should be taken at 400–500 IU (10–12 mcg) per day, and for treatment at 5000–10,000 IU (120–250 mcg) per day.

Vitamin D is indicated for use in the following conditions and diseases:

Hypovitaminosis D (rickets) in children and adults;
Bone fracture;
Slow bone healing;
Osteoporosis;
Low levels of calcium and phosphate in the blood;
Osteomyelitis (inflammation of the bone marrow);
Osteomalacia (softening of bones);
Hypoparathyroidism or hyperparathyroidism (insufficient or excessive amounts of parathyroid hormones);
Systemic lupus erythematosus;
Chronic atrophic gastritis;
Chronic enteritis of any etiology, including celiac enteropathy, Whipple's disease, Crohn's disease, radiation enteritis;
Chronic pancreatitis;
Tuberculosis;
Hemorrhagic diathesis;
Psoriasis;
Muscle tetany;
Menopausal syndrome in women.

Vitamin D for a newborn – should I give it?

Currently, the question of whether to give vitamin D to a newborn baby is causing widespread debate in society. Some believe that this is necessary, citing the long experience of mothers, grandmothers and “experienced” pediatricians who have been working for more than one year. But some say that this is not necessary, since the child receives all the necessary vitamins from milk. In fact, these are two radical, completely opposite positions, neither of which is correct. Let's consider in what cases a child needs to be given vitamin D to prevent rickets.

If the child spends at least 0.5 - 1 hour a day on the street and is exposed to direct sunlight, and is fully breastfed, and the mother eats well, then there is no need to give vitamin D. In this case, the child will receive part of the vitamin D from the mother’s milk, and the missing amount is synthesized in his skin under the influence of ultraviolet radiation. It should be remembered that adequate nutrition for the mother means a diet in which she necessarily consumes vegetables and fruits every day, and meat, fish, eggs and dairy products at least one day a week. And by a child’s walk we mean his being on the street, in the sun, and not several hours spent in a closed stroller, walled up from the outside world.

If the child is on mixed feeding, regularly goes outside, and the mother eats well, then he also does not need to be given vitamin D, since modern baby food contains all the necessary vitamins and microelements in the right quantities.

If a child is completely bottle-fed using modern formulas, then he does not need to be given vitamin D under any circumstances, even if he practically does not walk. This is due to the fact that modern formulas contain all the vitamins and microelements necessary for the growth and development of a child in sufficient quantities.

If the child is breastfed or mixed-fed, rarely goes outside without being exposed to sunlight, and the mother is not eating adequately, then vitamin D should be given. You also need to give vitamin D if the child is bottle-fed not with modern formulas, but, for example, cow, goat or donor milk, etc.

Thus, vitamin D should be given to newborns only in the following cases:
1. The nursing mother is not eating well.
2. Artificial feeding is carried out not with modern formulas, but with donor milk of various origins.
3. The child is outside for less than half an hour a day.

In principle, in modern conditions of a temperate climate, the need for additional vitamin D intake in newborn children under one year of age arises very rarely, since the nutrition of nursing mothers and the availability of modern infant formulas enriched with various nutrients have completely eliminated the problem of calciferol deficiency. It should be remembered that the mandatory intake of vitamin D by newborns to prevent rickets was introduced more than 40 years ago, when nursing mothers did not always eat well, worked overtime in difficult conditions of factory floors, and there was simply no infant formula, and “artificial babies” were fed donor milk, which was necessarily boiled, which means the vitamins in it were destroyed. Therefore, under the conditions that existed at that time, vitamin D was a necessity for almost all newborns. Today, conditions have changed, and all babies do not need the vitamin. Therefore, it should be taken only when needed.

Vitamin D for children

Vitamin D should be given to children if they are not in the sun for at least one hour a day, do not eat meat at least twice a week and do not eat animal products (butter, sour cream, milk, cheeses, etc.) daily. You can also give vitamin D if it is noticed that the child has an O- or X-shaped curvature of the legs and a saddle nose is formed. In all other cases, the child does not need to take vitamin D, with the exception of serious illnesses, when it is prescribed by a doctor as part of complex therapy.

Vitamin D in summer

In the summer, if a person is in the sun and consumes animal products at least once a week, then there is no need to take vitamin D, regardless of age. At the same time, exposure to the sun means being outside in a small amount of clothing (open T-shirts, short shorts, skirts, dresses, swimsuits, etc.) under direct sunlight. Such a stay on the street for half an hour in the summer is quite enough for the endogenous production of the required amount of vitamin D to occur in the skin. Therefore, if a person spends at least half an hour a day on the street in the summer, then he does not need to take vitamin D.

If a person does not go outside in the summer, for some reason is constantly indoors, or does not undress, leaving most of the skin covered, then he needs to take vitamin D prophylactically.

Vitamin D in foods – where is it found?

Vitamin D is found in the following foods:

Marine fish liver;
Fatty fish, such as salmon, herring, mackerel, tuna, perch, etc.;
Beef, pork liver;
Fatty meats, for example, pork, duck, etc.;
Fish roe;
Eggs;
Milk cream;
Sour cream;
Vegetable oil;
Seaweed;
Forest chanterelle mushrooms;
Yeast.

Vitamin D preparations

The following forms are used in pharmacological preparations of vitamin D:

Ergocalciferol – natural vitamin D 2;
Cholecalciferol – natural vitamin D 3;
Calcitriol is an active form of vitamin D 3 obtained from natural products;
Calcipotriol (Psorkutan) is a synthetic analogue of calcitriol;
Alfacalcidol (alpha D 3) is a synthetic analogue of vitamin D 2 (ergocalciferol);
Natural fish oil is a source of various forms of vitamin D.

All of the listed forms are highly active and can be used without any restrictions.

Pharmacological preparations can be single-component, that is, containing only forms of vitamin D, or multicomponent, which include vitamin D and various minerals, most often calcium. Both types of drugs can be used to eliminate vitamin D deficiency. However, multicomponent drugs are the best option because they simultaneously eliminate the deficiency of vitamin D and some other elements.

All forms of vitamin D

Currently, the following drugs containing vitamin D are available on the pharmaceutical market:

Aquadetrim vitamin D 3 (cholecalciferol);
Alphabet “Our Baby” (vitamins A, D, E, C, PP, B 1, B 2, B 12);
Alphabet "Kindergarten" (vitamins A, E, D, C, B 1);
Alfadol (alfacalcidol);
Alfadol-Ca (calcium carbonate, alfacalcidol);
Alpha-D 3-Teva (alfacalcidol);
Van Alpha (alfacalcidol);
Vigantol (cholecalciferol);
Videhol (various forms and derivatives of vitamin D);
Vita bears (vitamins A, E, D, C, B 1, B 2, B 6, B 12);
Vitrum
Vitrum Calcium + Vitamin D 3 (calcium carbonate, cholecalciferol);
Vittri (vitamins E, D 3, A);
Calcemin Advance (calcium carbonate, calcium citrate, cholecalciferol, magnesium oxide, zinc oxide, copper oxide, manganese sulfate, borate);
Calcium D 3 Nycomed and Calcium D 3 Nycomed forte (calcium carbonate, cholecalciferol);
Complivit Calcium D 3 (calcium carbonate, cholecalciferol);
Multi-Tabs (vitamins A, E, D, C, B 1, B 2, B 6, B 12);
Natekal D 3 (calcium carbonate, cholecalciferol);
Oksidevit (alfacalcidol);
Osteotriol (calcitriol);
Pikovit (vitamins A, PP, D, C, B 1, B 2, B 6, B 12);
Polivit (vitamins A, E, D, C, B 1, B 2, B 6, B 12);
Rocaltrol (calcitriol);
Sana-Sol (vitamins A, E, D, C, B 1, B 2, B 6, B 12);
Centrum (vitamins A, E, D, C, K, B 1, B 2, B 6, B 12);
Ergocalciferol (ergocalciferol);
Etfa (alfacalcidol).

Vitamin D oil solution

Vitamin D oil solution can be used orally or administered intramuscularly and intravenously if necessary. The following preparations are available in the form of oil solutions of vitamin D:

Vigantol;
Vitamin D 3 solution for oral administration in oil;
Videohol;
Oksidevit;
Ergocalciferol;
Etalfa.

Calcium with vitamin D

Calcium with vitamin D is a vitamin-mineral complex often used to prevent various diseases associated with bone destruction, such as osteoporosis, osteomalacia, bone tuberculosis, etc. Currently, the following preparations are available that contain calcium and vitamin D at the same time:

Alfadol-Sa;
Vitrum Calcium + Vitamin D 3;
Calcemin Advance;
Calcium D 3 Nycomed and Calcium D 3 Nycomed forte;
Complivit Calcium D 3;
Natekal D 3.

Vitamin D ointment or cream

Vitamin D ointment or cream is used to treat psoriasis. The following ointments and creams containing vitamin D are currently available:

Glenriase (calcipotriol);
Daivobet (calcipotriol);
Daivonex (calcipotriol);
Xamiol (calcitriol);
Curatoderm (tacalcitol);
Psorcutan (calcipotriol);
Silkis (calcitriol).

Vitamin D – which one is better?

When applied to any group of drugs, the term “best” is incorrect and inherently incorrect, since in medical practice there is the concept of “optimal”. This means that for each specific case, the best will be a strictly defined drug, which doctors call optimal. This fully applies to vitamin D preparations.

That is, complex vitamin-mineral complexes containing vitamins D are optimal for the prevention of osteoporosis, osteomalacia and other bone diseases. Oil solutions of vitamin D are well suited for the prevention and treatment of rickets in children and adults, since they can be administered not only orally, but also intravenously or intramuscularly. And external creams and ointments with vitamin D are the optimal drugs for the treatment of psoriasis.

Thus, if a person just wants to take a course of vitamin D for prevention, then complex vitamin-mineral complexes, for example, Vittri, Alfadol-Sa, etc., will be optimal for him. If it is necessary to prevent rickets in a child, then oil solutions of vitamin D are best suited for this purpose. To eliminate vitamin deficiency and treat various diseases, oil solutions of vitamin D are also the optimal form.

Vitamin D instructions for use - how to give medications

Vitamin D is recommended to be used simultaneously with vitamins A, E, C, B1, B2 and B6, as well as pantothenic acid and calcium and magnesium salts, since these compounds improve the absorption of each other.

Vitamin D tablets, drops and tablets should be taken during or immediately after meals. The oil solution can be poured onto a small piece of black bread and eaten.

To prevent rickets, vitamin D is taken in the following dosages, depending on age:

Full-term newborns from 0 to 3 years old – take 500 – 1000 IU (12 – 25 mcg) per day;
Premature newborns from 0 to 3 years old - take 1000 - 1500 IU (25 - 37 mcg) per day;
Pregnant women - take 500 IU (12 mcg) per day during the entire period of pregnancy;
Nursing mothers - take 500 - 1000 IU (12 - 25 mcg) per day;
Women in menopause - take 500 - 1000 IU (12 - 25 mcg) per day;
Men of reproductive age take vitamin D 500–1000 IU (12–25 mcg) per day to improve sperm quality.

Prophylactic use of vitamin D can be continued for several years, alternating 3-4 week courses with 1-2 month intervals between them.

To treat rickets and other diseases of the skeletal system, it is necessary to take vitamin D 2000–5000 IU (50–125 mcg) for 4–6 weeks. Then you need to take a week's break, after which you will repeat the course of taking vitamin D.

Vitamin D test

Currently, there is a laboratory analysis for the concentration of two forms of vitamin D in the blood - D 2 (ergocalciferol) and D 3 (cholecalciferol). This analysis allows you to accurately determine the presence of vitamin deficiency or hypervitaminosis, and, in accordance with its results, make the necessary decision on stopping or, on the contrary, taking vitamin D supplements. The concentration of these two forms is determined in venous blood donated in the morning on an empty stomach. The normal concentration of both D2 and D3 is 10–40 μg/l. Before use, you should consult a specialist.

Excess vitamin D can manifest itself in a wide range of symptoms: vomiting, stomach upset, hypercalcemia, which manifests itself in increased concentrations of calcium in the blood. This condition is no less dangerous than. What to do if there is an excess of vitamin D in the body? Let's find out together.

Based on the method of formation, calciferol is usually divided into natural and synthetic. The first variety is found in food of animal origin (D3), the second - in biological additives (D2).

If acute symptoms worsen within a few hours, you should call a doctor. In this case, the patient must be provided with plenty of fluids. Children under one year of age are required to be hospitalized. After hospitalization, visits to doctors do not end for the baby: the child must be observed for another three years. Under the supervision of physicians, the little patient’s heart function, urine and blood composition will be regularly checked.

However, as a rule, to eliminate the signs of hypervitaminosis, it is enough to simply stop taking the vitamin complex.

Possible complications and their prevention

The body cannot always fully compensate for the vitamin “blow” on its own. The patient may develop acidosis, a phenomenon of hyperacidity, and cardiac arrhythmia. Manifestations of hypervitaminosis D are especially dangerous during the hot season.

You should not prescribe medications and vitamins to yourself. Try to spend your time in the sun wisely, avoiding direct sunlight between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.

By neglecting treatment after the appearance of obvious symptoms, the patient dooms himself to toxic damage to internal organs and the central nervous system, and deterioration in the permeability of the body’s cells. All this leads to premature aging.

You should always remember the “golden rule” that it is better to prevent a disease than to treat it.

Vitamin D is an essential element of the digestive system. Purpose – processing of calcium and phosphorus in the small intestine. D is the collective name for a group of elements, the most important being cholecalciferol, D3, and ergocalciferol, D2. Some researchers call them hormones for their participation in metabolism, hormone production, and regulation of division at the cellular level. But, like any substance taken in excess, it is harmful. An excess of vitamin D provokes disruption of the functioning of organs and systems.

Daily requirement for vitamin D

Provitamin D3 is synthesized in the skin under the influence of the sun. It becomes cholecalciferol after warming up with the temperature of the human body. At the same time supplied with food products:

milk, eggs, cottage cheese, sour cream;
beef liver, meat, fatty fish, fish oil;
wild mushrooms, yeast.

The daily intake of this fat-soluble vitamin depends on the age group:

in an adult – 400IU;
pregnant women – 600IU;
elderly people – 600IU;
children up to four years of age – 600IU;
for children from four to ten years old - 100 IU.

UNIT CONVERTER: VITAMIN D

Cholecalciferol (D3)/ergocalciferol (D2)

Form of substance

IU mg µg g mg µg g

Decimal places as a result:

Convert

Conversion of IU ⇄ g/mg/mcg (developed by pharmacists and doctors based on reliable data)

Lack of D3 concentration leads to the development of diseases such as rickets in children and secondary hyperparathyroidism in adults.

Secondary hyperparathyroidism develops due to calcium deficiency. The parathyroid gland produces a surge of hormones that cause hypercalcemia as a response to deficiency. But excess vitamin D also poses a threat.

Causes of calciferol overdose

Excess vitamin D occurs due to an overdose of drugs containing calciferol. Occurs when a high dose is taken once or continuously exceeded for a long time. Hypervitaminosis in the body of vitamin D is caused by:

if drugs are taken during long walks with high solar activity, an overdose occurs;
if calcium sources are consumed at the same time;
if taking calciferol is accompanied by a seafood diet;
acute overdose is possible when drinking an alcohol solution in a dosage of 20 drops for a month;
chronic excess occurs when taking alcohol drops in a dosage of 5 drops for two months;
An overdose is possible due to individual sensitivity, even if the normalization is observed.

The video talks about the causes and dangers of overdose:

Symptoms of vitamin D overdose

Symptoms of vitamin D excess vary between acute and chronic conditions.

Signs of acute poisoning

An excess of calciferol in adults leads to:

nausea, vomiting;
increased thirst;
sudden changes in weight;
the appearance of seizures;
arterial hypertension, heart rhythm disturbance;
violation of sleep and rest patterns, asthenic syndrome;
frequent urination.

An acute excess of vitamin D levels in a child’s body is characterized by the following signs:

regurgitation after feeding, vomiting;
lethargy, moodiness;
loose stools with a strong unpleasant odor;
convulsive syndrome;
frequent excessive urination;
the skin is dry and covered with a rash.

Signs of chronic overdose

An excess of vitamin D in the body of adults is characterized by symptoms:

decreased appetite;
increased fatigue, irritability;
unmotivated weight loss;
disorder of the digestive tract;
swelling, pain in the lumbar region;
aching bones, convulsive manifestations in the calf muscles;
insomnia.

Manifestations of excess vitamin D3 levels in children:

accelerated closure of the large fontanel;
decreased skin turgor, pallor;
poor weight gain, fasting;
poor hair growth;
heart rhythm disturbances.

Hypervitaminosis in a woman’s body of vitamin D manifests itself:

nervousness, hysteria;
anorexia;
unstable stool;
unmotivated fever;
convulsive syndrome;
dizziness, fainting;
lack of fluid.

Consequences and danger of overdose

Hypervitaminosis of vitamin D is dangerous due to its consequences. An excess of calciferol leads to serious changes in organs:

calcium deposition in the kidneys, resulting in the formation of stones;
liver pathology – lack of bile secretion into the ducts;
endocrine disorders;
calcium deposition on the walls of blood vessels, the result is atherosclerosis;
changes in skeletal density, pathological fractures;
muscle and joint pain;
osteochondrosis, postural disorders;
opacities of the lens, cornea;
osteoporosis;
decreased urine density, polyuria.

Why is hypervitaminosis of vitamin D level dangerous for a child?

High calciferol provokes a baby to lag in physical development from peers, delayed mental development, decreased memory and attention. Inflammatory diseases of the iris occur due to nutritional deficiency of the corneal vessels. There is a high risk of pathological changes in the spine leading to scoliotic deformities.

Risk of overdose in pregnant women

The main danger is the threat of spontaneous abortion. Failures of the excretory system lead to a high risk of eclampsia. Excess calciferol causes harm to the fetus - delayed formation of systems, pathological formation of bones, heart, excretory system.

Consequences of overdose during breastfeeding

Breastfeeding mothers have a high risk of emotional disturbances - depression, mood swings, exhaustion. Immunity is reduced and the risk of infectious diseases is increased. Excess calcium is deposited in the mammary glands, which causes mastitis, congestion, and loss of milk.

Therapeutic measures

The decision on treatment methods is made by the doctor based on diagnosis. It is necessary to differentiate hyperparathyroidism from an overdose of vitamin D - in both cases, an excess of calcium levels in the blood is observed. If the dosage is exceeded, a deficiency of potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, and parathyroid hormone is noted. Increased excretion of calcium and phosphates in urine. The Sulkowicz screening test using oxalic acid for calcium gives a positive result.

X-ray images show calcium deposition in the epiphyses - the end parts of the bones that form the joint. The diaphyses of the bones, the middle part, are porous in the photographs; normally this should not be the case. A biopsy shows calcium deposits in the internal systems.

Therapy depends on the severity of the condition. In case of acute poisoning:

gastric lavage with induction of the gag reflex;
taking laxatives, sorbents;
calling an ambulance.

Inpatient treatment includes:

infusion therapy - drip administration of an isotonic solution of sodium chloride, Ringer's solution, the goal is to thin the blood to reduce the concentration of calciferol;
administration of diuretics to remove excess fluid;
glucocorticosteroids - prednisolone, hydrocortisone, to reduce the effect on bone tissue;
ammonium chloride solution - to reduce the risk of stone formation.

For any type of overdose, antagonist drugs are prescribed:

retinol, in a dosage of six to eight thousand international units;
ascorbic acid, daily dose is 500 milligrams;
cholestyramine – has the property of binding calciferol, used twice a day at a dosage of 500 milligrams per kilogram of body weight.

It is mandatory to prescribe a diet in which the following foods are excluded:

fish, fish liver;
chicken eggs;
beef liver;
milk, sour cream, butter.

Folk remedies are aimed at eliminating irritation and insomnia. Use chamomile, valerian, dill water, tea with lemon balm. If anyone knows any interesting recipes, please share the information you have.

Prevention methods

To prevent an overdose of dietary supplements with calciferol, you should take the drug exactly in the quantities prescribed by your doctor.

When treating a small child, monitor the condition so as not to miss the appearance of threatening symptoms. Do not consume foods rich in calcium and calciferol at the same time as dietary supplements. Limit the influence of solar insolation during therapy.

When using dietary supplements, it is recommended to regularly check urine tests for the Sulkovich test - the first signs of an overdose are detected in the urine. Monitoring every two weeks will help you notice the problem in time.

Excess vitamin D in the blood is what uncontrolled use of dietary supplements leads to. An overdose of calciferol is more dangerous than a deficiency. The dosage must be agreed with the treating doctors - pediatricians, therapists, gynecologists. You shouldn’t prescribe vitamins for yourself, even useful ones like calciferol.

And the substances that our body needs for its proper functioning. It is important to receive the prescribed daily dose of this substance so as not to suffer from its deficiency later. How much calciferol does a person need per day? It is enough for adults to receive from three hundred to six hundred IU, and children under twelve years of age need from four hundred to five hundred IU. From infancy, babies are saturated with vitamin D through mother's milk, and it is also important to walk with the child in the sun, because calciferol, in addition to food, enters our body through the sun's rays. Calciferol deficiency at an early age threatens such a serious and dangerous disease as rickets.

But this does not mean at all that you need to oversaturate the body with this substance, because otherwise hypervitaminosis of vitamin D may occur, which is no less dangerous than its deficiency. In this article we will look at the reasons why this phenomenon may occur and the symptoms that are worth paying close attention to. We will also talk about methods of treatment and prevention.

Why does overdose occur?

Above we wrote the permissible daily norm of calciferol; an excess occurs when this norm is exceeded. How is it possible to exceed the dose? It may arise
if you take medications containing calcium, at the same time take “ultraviolet baths” and fish oil in order to strengthen the immune system in a similar way. But remember that everything is good in moderation. three to five drops, you may also experience an overdose of vitamin D.
Alcohol solution in large doses also provokes a state of acute hypervitaminosis. We are talking about a period of three to four weeks, in a dosage of ten to twenty drops.
For an excess of this substance Hypersensitivity to this element may affect this, and this can also happen when taking a small dose.
Remember things to consider and individual intolerance to the drug, because the symptoms will be similar to hypervitaminosis.

It is important to understand that taking any drug is highly not recommended without the supervision and control of a doctor, even taking seemingly harmless vitamin D. But without the advice of a specialist, you can easily go overboard with the dosage, initially determining it incorrectly for yourself. Do not think that if nothing happened after taking the drug two or three times, then everything is under control, this is not the case. Calciferol has a cumulative property, so symptoms appear with long-term use of the medicine, the period can be even six months. In order not to eliminate the consequences of uncontrolled use of the drug, it is better to discuss the dosage with your doctor; it will be individual for each person.

About symptoms

An overdose of calciferol, as it can be, can be either acute or chronic. It is acute in babies up to the age of six months; it is enough to use the drug for two to three weeks, and this also applies to people who have increased sensitivity to the components of this substance. Symptoms of acute hypervitaminosis manifest themselves differently in adults and children.

Infants may suffer from hypervitaminosis due to parental carelessness in maintaining doses, as well as due to thin adipose tissue, where excess substances accumulate. So, what symptoms should you pay attention to?

The baby will have trouble sleeping he will fall asleep for a long time, and often cry at night.
He will burp frequently Vomiting may also occur.
Hair will grow slower.
The child will often feel thirsty At the same time, urine will begin to be released in large quantities.
In addition to sleep, your appetite will also worsen and be reduced.
A newborn may suffer from cramps and constipation.
Lethargy, weakness and apathy will appear.
The color of the skin takes on a grayish-yellow tint, becomes dry.
The baby is losing weight.
Bone tissue becomes dense.

In older children, the symptoms largely coincide with adults, but there are also individual signs, some of which are extremely dangerous to health:

The child is losing weight.
The skin becomes less elastic.
Body temperature rises.
Spasms and cramps appear in the muscles.
The liver and spleen become enlarged.
There is a slowing of the pulse.
And two more serious violations, which can lead to serious consequences. If calcium is deposited in the cornea, it can lead to blindness, and if it is deposited in the heart, it can be fatal.

The famous children's doctor Evgeniy Olegovich Komarovsky in his program answered the question of how not to cause an overdose of calciferol at an early age in a child. To avoid rickets, while maintaining a normal level of vitamin D in the body, you just need to walk with your child in the sun, with enough rays on the face and hands. You shouldn’t overdo it with walks either; they should total no more than two hours a week.

As for adults, you should pay attention to the following signs that indicate an overdose of the drug:

The digestion process is disrupted.
Nausea and vomiting appear.
Urine is released frequently and has a cloudy tint.
Hypertension is observed.
Toothache may occur.
There is lethargy in the joints and drowsiness.
The eyes become inflamed.
Cholesterol increases.
It becomes difficult to breathe.
You might even lose consciousness.

Chronic intoxication is characterized by: muscle pain, sleep disturbances, weakness and regular fatigue, bowel dysfunction, lower back pain, urination problems, muscle spasms, weight loss, weakened immunity.

About treatment methods

So, we talked about what is an overdose of vitamin D in infants, older children and adults, why it occurs, and what signs appear. It is important to understand how to treat this problem. Firstly, it is worth noting that treatment is carried out only under the supervision of a doctor; self-medication is unacceptable here. At the first signs of intoxication in the body, immediately seek help from a specialist. You will immediately need to exclude from your diet some foods that contain more vitamin D3. We are talking about cottage cheese, milk, chicken eggs and fish oil. Of course, treatment will not be possible without special additional therapy, in which vitamins B and C are prescribed.

Sometimes hospitalization occurs where doctors administer a solution of sodium chloride with glucose to restore lost fluid and reduce intoxication of the body. In addition, antibiotics are prescribed to prevent bacterial infection. Various drugs are also prescribed to eliminate disorders in the heart, blood vessels, and kidneys.

It is important to start treatment immediately otherwise, an overdose threatens you with kidney failure, atherosclerosis, damage to the thyroid gland and other dangerous diseases. All these are very serious consequences that can be avoided with timely help from a doctor. If you have been taking vitamin D for a short time in the wrong doses, then after stopping this drug or reducing the dosage, the symptoms will go away on their own without any medical intervention.

A few words about prevention

As we said above, be sure to consult with a specialist before taking this or that drug containing, you can also familiarize yourself with it in general.

An important point is that you need to take it only in case of acute deficiency; if there is none, then it will be enough to be in the sun more often and eat the right foods rich in vitamin D.

We are talking about meat, fish, dairy products, mushrooms, butter, eggs (especially yolks). This rule applies to both adults and children. Sometimes taking this drug is necessary in winter, when there is little solar heat outside. But for this you also need a doctor’s recommendation; never self-medicate yourself, much less your child. At the first signs of hypervitaminosis, the medicine is discontinued or prescribed in a lower dosage.

Always remember that this is your health and it is important to take it seriously, avoiding taking certain medications on your own. An experienced doctor will always be able to help you in these matters and at the same time avoid unpleasant consequences. Be healthy!

Vitamin D is a unified name for a whole group of fat-soluble biologically active substances formed under the influence of ultraviolet radiation in animal and plant tissues. Some vitamins of this group are synthesized in the cells of the human body, some come exclusively from the outside.

Source: depositphotos.com

Vitamins of group D include:

vitamin D 2 - ergocalciferol;
vitamin D 3 - cholecalciferol;
vitamin D 4 - dihydroergocalciferol;
vitamin D 5 - sitocalciferol;
vitamin D 6 - stigma-calciferol.

Currently, the term “Vitamin D” refers to two forms - D 2 and D 3, colorless, odorless crystals that are resistant to high temperatures. The activity of vitamin D preparations is expressed in international units (IU): 1 IU contains 0.000025 mg (0.025 mcg) of chemically pure vitamin D.

Food sources of the vitamin are some types of algae, fatty fish, and fish oil. To a lesser extent - butter, cheese and other fatty dairy products, egg yolk, caviar, forest (not grown in artificial conditions) mushrooms, yeast.

Vitamin D is a unique biologically active substance that combines the functions of a vitamin and a hormone, in which it affects intestinal cells, stimulating the production of carrier protein necessary for calcium transport, as well as the kidneys and muscles, where it enhances the reabsorption of Ca 2+. The main task of vitamin D is to ensure the absorption of calcium and phosphorus from the small intestine into the systemic bloodstream. The absorption of these trace elements in the intestine (maximum in the duodenum) is carried out due to active transport against an electrochemical gradient; this transition through cell membranes becomes possible only with the help of calcium-binding protein, dependent on vitamin D.

Other functions of vitamin D:

stimulates cell proliferation and development (often used externally in dermatology to reduce skin manifestations of diseases);
participates in the synthesis of monocytes;
prevents the growth of cancer cells, which makes it effective in the prevention and treatment of certain types of tumors, including malignant blood diseases;
affects the level of insulin, thereby affecting the level of glucose in the blood;
ensures adequate neuromuscular interaction.

The therapeutic dose of the vitamin is 100–4000 IU, depending on the age and functional state of the body. Exceeding this threshold provokes symptoms of overdose, so-called D-vitamin intoxication.

Some researchers indicate a much larger dose of the vitamin as toxic - about 1 million IU per day.

Signs of overdose

An overdose of vitamin D can be both acute and chronic.

Acute overdose usually develops in children in the first six months of life when taking unreasonably high doses of vitamin D preparations for 2–3 weeks, or in persons with individual hypersensitivity to the substance. Acute vitamin intoxication is characterized by violent symptoms, with signs of dehydration coming to the fore:

a sharp decrease in appetite up to its complete absence;
drowsiness, lethargy;
excruciating thirst;
dry skin and mucous membranes;
increased blood pressure;
decreased heart rate;
nausea, frequent vomiting;
increased urination;
unstable stool: diarrhea alternating with constipation;
possible appearance of clonic-tonic convulsions, muscle rigidity;
short-term loss of consciousness.

Source: depositphotos.com

Chronic intoxication develops over a long period of time (6 months or more) with regular intake of doses of the vitamin that slightly exceed the therapeutic dose. Its symptoms:

irritability;
increased fatigue;
sleep disorders;
muscle and bone pain, cramps, muscle twitching;
weight loss;
dyspeptic disorders (decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, stool disorders);
enlarged liver and spleen;
dull aching pain in the lumbar region, increased urination, swelling (mainly on the face) - signs of kidney damage;
decreased immunity, manifested by susceptibility to colds and other infectious and inflammatory diseases.

As a result of chronic overdose, there is a toxic effect of vitamin D on cell membranes, metabolic disorders with an increase in the content of Ca 2+ ions in the blood and urine, acidification of the internal environments of the body, and the deposition of calcium salts in organs and tissues.

First aid for overdose

When taking an ultra-high dose of vitamin D at once, you must:

Rinse the stomach (drink 1-1.5 liters of water or a weak solution of potassium permanganate and induce a gag reflex).
Take a saline laxative (Magnesium sulfate).
Take an adsorbent (Enterosgel, Polysorb, Polyphepan according to the scheme or Activated Carbon at the rate of 1 tablet per 10 kg of body weight).

If symptoms of intoxication develop during systematic use, you must immediately stop the drug and consult a doctor.

Antidote

There are no specific antidotes for vitamin D.

According to some data, it is advisable to take antioxidant drugs, for example, vitamin E (tocopherol), which prevent the damaging effects of vitamin D.

When is medical attention required?

Medical attention is needed if:

a child, pregnant woman or elderly person was injured;
uncontrollable vomiting or diarrhea;
neurological symptoms (convulsions, intense headache);
symptoms of dehydration (severe thirst, dry skin and mucous membranes, decreased amount of urine excreted, changes in its concentration, decreased blood pressure, tachycardia);
there are traces of blood in the vomit or stool;
the victim has limited contact or is unconscious.

The victim, depending on the severity of the condition, receives outpatient treatment or is hospitalized in a specialized department of the hospital, where further pharmacotherapy of D-vitamin intoxication is carried out:

therapeutic diet with restriction of foods containing calcium and vitamin D;
parenteral administration of an isotonic solution of 0.9% sodium chloride and 5% glucose to restore lost fluid and reduce symptoms of intoxication;
administration of 4% sodium bicarbonate solution to eliminate acidosis;
forced diuresis;
oxygen therapy;
vitamins A and B, ascorbic and pantothenic acid to neutralize the side effects of vitamin D;
antibiotic therapy (penicillins, cephalosporins) to prevent the addition of a secondary bacterial infection;
glucocorticosteroids (Prednisolone) for a short course to normalize intracellular processes;
therapy for associated complications (cardiac glycosides, adrenoblockers, metabolites are used to correct cardiovascular disorders; nitrofuran drugs and nalidixic acid derivatives for the treatment of renal pathology; neuroprotectors for neurological symptoms, etc.).

Possible consequences

An overdose of vitamin D can cause the following complications:

renal failure;
addition of a secondary infection;
deposition of calcium crystals in the kidneys with subsequent development of renal failure;
toxic hepatitis;
toxic damage to the myocardium;
vascular calcification, early atherosclerosis;
damage to the thyroid and parathyroid glands.

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