Recently, an 89-year-old man in the UK died from hypercalcemia, and a study suggests that vitamin D supplements may have been the cause.
Hypercalcemia can cause heart and kidney problems and weaken bones. Because vitamin D helps with calcium absorption, taking too much vitamin D can cause calcium to build up, raising blood calcium levels and increasing the risk of hypercalcemia. Reports say the man had been taking vitamin D supplements for at least nine months before his death. According to Business Insider, the coroner said the vitamin D supplements were not properly labeled for the risks of overdose.[]
This case suggests that patients may not be adequately educated about the risks of common vitamin supplements, and that these supplements may be more dangerous than we think. It is important to educate patients about the risks of these vitamins and discourage them from purchasing supplements they do not need.
Consider whether vitamins would benefit the patient
Many vitamins provide positive health benefits, but these benefits do not apply to all patients or at all doses. When discussing the risks of vitamin supplementation with patients, it is best to first discuss the benefits they are looking for and whether they apply to them personally.
For example, a patient with a vitamin deficiency may benefit from supplementation with a particular vitamin, but if the patient is already getting enough of that vitamin through a healthy diet or other sources, supplementation may not be beneficial.
One example would be someone taking vitamin B12 supplements. Patients who follow a strict vegetarian or vegan diet are at risk for vitamin B12 deficiency and would benefit from vitamin B12 supplementation. For patients who eat an equally generous amount of meat and vegetables, vitamin B12 deficiency is less common and supplementation would not be as helpful.[]
Risks of Water-Soluble and Fat-Soluble Vitamins
There are two main categories of vitamins: water-soluble and fat-soluble, which refer to how they are absorbed or excreted by the body. Water-soluble vitamins are filtered more quickly by the kidneys. The body does not store these vitamins for long periods of time, so people need to get them regularly from food, or take supplements if they are deficient in the diet. Water-soluble vitamin supplements are quickly eliminated from the body, so serious side effects from overdosing are less likely.[]
Fat-soluble vitamins, on the other hand, dissolve in fat and are stored in the body for long periods of time. They don’t need to be replenished immediately, and taking too much of them is more likely to cause vitamin toxicity and other unwanted side effects.
Vitamin D, which has been blamed for a recent fatality in the UK, is a fat-soluble vitamin.
“Taking too much of vitamins such as A, D, E, K and iron supplements can have serious health effects, including nausea, dizziness and, in severe cases, organ damage,” the doctor said. Raj Dasgupta, MD He is a quadruple board-certified physician specializing in internal medicine, respiratory medicine, critical care and sleep medicine, and is the Chief Medical Advisor for Sleep Advisor.
Dr Dasgupta urges patients to consult their doctor before “drastically increasing” their vitamin or supplement intake. [their] Own.”
Risks and Benefits of Fat-Soluble Vitamins
It is important to educate patients about how fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the body so they understand why supplements are or are not needed and what the risks are.
Fat-soluble vitamins include vitamins A, D, E, and K.
Risks and Benefits of Vitamin A
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that supports bodily mechanisms such as white blood cell formation, cell growth, bone health, eye health, etc. Most people in the United States do not experience vitamin A deficiency and do not need to take vitamin A supplements, but exceptions do exist.[]
If someone who has never had a vitamin A deficiency consumes too much vitamin A, they are at risk of vitamin A toxicity, which can cause the following symptoms:[]
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Changes in vision
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Bone pain
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Nausea and vomiting
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Dry skin
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Sensitivity to light
Dr Dasgupta says taking too much vitamin A can also affect the liver.
Vitamin D Risks and Benefits
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that aids in calcium and phosphorus absorption and supports bone health. Among vitamin deficiencies, vitamin D deficiency is more common than other vitamins and can cause symptoms such as muscle and bone weakness, fatigue, loss of hair or brittle hair, depression, loss of appetite, and pale skin. However, vitamin D toxicity can cause serious problems such as hypercalcemia, which can lead to symptoms such as:[]
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Nausea and vomiting
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Weaknesses
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Frequent urination
“Too much vitamin D can be harmful to your kidneys,” says Dr. Dasgupta, “so make sure you stick to the recommended amount.” [and] It is very important to develop a treatment plan and consult with your doctor before deciding whether to increase your vitamin or supplement intake.”
Both vitamin D deficiency and toxicity are of concern, making it important to check a patient’s vitamin D levels to guide treatment.
Risks and Benefits of Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps protect cells. In the United States, vitamin E deficiency or toxicity is rare and doesn’t usually cause symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they may include:[]
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bleeding
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Muscle weakness
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Malaise
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nausea
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diarrhea
Vitamin K Risks and Benefits
Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that aids in blood clotting and bone growth. Deficiency and toxicity are rare but can be serious. It is important to discuss vitamin K interactions with patients, especially those taking blood thinners. Some blood thinners can inhibit vitamin K, and vitamin K intake may need to be altered to keep patients healthy. This may not necessarily be related to supplements, but may be related to dietary choices. It is wise to evaluate each case and medication individually.[]
Water-soluble vitamins can also pose risks. For example, niacin, or vitamin B3, has been linked to vascular inflammation. Either way, staying aware of the risks and benefits and encouraging patients to be vigilant and ask questions can help keep you and your patients safe and informed.
