Experts have warned of the dangers of taking too much vitamin D after a man in the UK died from hypercalcemia, a rare condition caused by high levels of the vitamin.
David Michener, an 89-year-old retired businessman from the UK, died last year from hypercalcemia, a buildup of calcium in the body as a result of excessive levels of vitamin D. Mr. Michener was hospitalized. east surrey hospital He was confirmed dead on May 10, 2023, and 10 days later. The 89-year-old man’s vitamin D levels were at the highest recordable level, according to a report by Jonathan Stevens, the hospital’s assistant coroner. Vitamin D toxicity has been cited as one of the main contributing factors to Michener’s death, along with congestive heart disease, chronic renal failure, and hypercalcemia.
Photo: Karina Panchenko/Unsplash
Tests before Mr. Michener’s death showed that his vitamin D level was 380 ng/mL, the highest level that the laboratory could record. For reference, a 2010 Institute of Medicine (IOM) report estimated that a vitamin D level of 20 ng/mL is adequate for bone health.
Mr Stevens’ report on David Michener’s death raises concerns that vitamin supplements can pose “potentially very serious risks and side effects if taken in excess”, and current supplement labeling Regulations do not require such risks to be listed on labels, it added.
“There were also no warnings on the packaging detailing the specific risks or side effects of taking vitamin D supplements,” Jonathan Stevens wrote. “In my opinion, if we don’t take action, we risk future deaths.”
Photo: Karina Panchenko/Unsplash
Hypercalcemia, a rare but very serious medical condition that can weaken bones and damage the kidneys and heart, was observed during Michener’s autopsy. This is associated with overconsumption of vitamin D, which has become a more common problem since COVID-19, when intake was encouraged to boost the immune system. Unfortunately, most people don’t understand that too much of a good thing can actually have negative effects on the body.
