There have been several pharmacist warnings about vitamin D, but they generally focus on safe use rather than advising people to avoid it altogether.
Common warnings include:
- Don’t exceed the recommended dose unless advised by a healthcare professional. Taking high doses (for example, 4,000 IU/day or more for extended periods without medical supervision) can lead to excessive vitamin D levels.
- Too much vitamin D can cause high calcium levels (called Hypercalcemia). Symptoms may include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation
- Excessive thirst and frequent urination
- Weakness and fatigue
- Confusion
- Kidney stones
- Check for vitamin D in multiple supplements. Some multivitamins, calcium supplements, and standalone vitamin D products all contain vitamin D, so it’s easy to accidentally take more than intended.
- Some people should consult a healthcare professional before taking vitamin D, including those with:
- Kidney disease
- A history of kidney stones
- High calcium levels
- Certain conditions that increase vitamin D sensitivity, such as Sarcoidosis
- Vitamin D can interact with some medications, including certain steroids, some weight-loss medications, some anti-seizure medications, and some diuretics.
For most healthy adults, the recommended dietary allowance is:
- Ages 1–70 years: 600 IU (15 micrograms) per day
- Ages over 70 years: 800 IU (20 micrograms) per day
The tolerable upper intake level for most adults is 4,000 IU (100 micrograms) per day, unless a healthcare professional prescribes a higher dose for a specific medical reason.
If you’re referring to a specific news article or social media post about a pharmacist’s warning, share the link or headline and I can explain what it means and whether the claims are accurate.
