The role of Vitamin D and what happens when you get too much of it?
Vitamin D, also known as the 'sunshine' vitamin, plays an important role in taking care of our overall health. Not only does it ensure the proper functioning of our immune system, but it also looks after the development of our muscle cells.
Exposure to sunlight is the best and the most natural way to increase Vitamin D levels in your body. However, eating highly nutritious foods and/or taking supplements can also help you attain the required amount of vitamin D in the body.
Also read: Vitamin D deficiency: Beware of these unusual signs this winter
Signs of Vitamin D deficiency
Vitamin D provides you with wide-ranging benefits, which is why certain health problems may arise if you're suffering from Vitamin D deficiency. Especially during the winters, when the weather could be highly unpredictable, fog-ridden and smoggy, one may find it difficult to get themselves sufficient sunlight. This may lead to fatigue and weakness, bone pain, muscle weakness, muscle aches, or muscle cramps, along with extreme mood swings.
When do you need Vitamin D supplements?
Vitamin D is very different from other vitamins. It is said to be a kind of hormone, in fact a steroid hormone secreted from the skin when it is exposed to sunlight.
Given that a very few foods can provide you with this essential nutrient, in the absence of sufficient sunlight, in cold winter weathers, it could become difficult to get enough vitamin D, leading to vitamin D deficiency.
This is when supplements come into play. Taking Vitamin D supplements is an effective way to meet your nutritional needs and prevent deficiency. It is easy to take and most often safe to consume. However, too much of it can also lead to various side effects and complications. Read on to find out all about them.
What is Vitamin D toxicity and when should you stop taking your supplements?
Vitamin D toxicity or hypervitaminosis D is a very rare condition that signals elevated levels of vitamin D in the body. It is usually an outcome of excess intake of vitamin D supplements, which is hardly ever the case with sun exposure or eating vitamin D-rich foods.
As per experts, supplements should be taken only when extremely necessary. People living under extremely cold weather, with no access to sunlight, are recommended to take vitamin D supplements. Ideally, your foods can also be a great source of essential nutrients, but at times, you may need an extra dose of the sunshine vitamin, which is okay.
However, much to everyone's surprise, too much Vitamin D in the body can cause many health problems. Before it gets more complicated, you must stop taking any more supplements. That said, here are some signs that can tell you that you need to stop your supplementation.
Hypercalcemia is a common sign of too much Vitamin D in the body
Vitamin D allows your body to absorb calcium, which is important for building strong healthy bones. However, excess amounts of Vitamin D in the body can lead to a condition called hypercalcemia, which indicates elevated levels of blood calcium, which can cause discomforting and potentially dangerous symptoms.
Normally, the level of calcium in the body is between 8.5 to 10.8 mg/dL. When it exceeds the normal level, it could trigger gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea and vomiting, weakness, and frequent urination.
Bone pain
When there is excess calcium in the bloodstream due to high levels of vitamin D in the body, it may become difficult for the hormones to knit together the nutrient to the bones. This may lead to aching or painful bones, an increased risk of bone fractures and injuries and additionally, can cause certain changes to the posture.
Kidney problems
Hypercalcemia due to Vitamin D toxicity can also lead to kidney complications. Elevated levels of blood calcium levels can also harm the organ's ability to concentrate urine, resulting in unusually large quantities of urination, a condition known as polyuria.