Vitamin D is recognized as one of the most effective drugs for the prevention of coronavirus. In this regard, many take the “sunshine vitamin” without a doctor’s prescription. Why is an overdose dangerous?
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In connection with the coronavirus pandemic, vitamin D and omega-3 have gained particular popularity. And if omega-3 does not cause side effects, then you need to be careful with the “sunshine vitamin”.
“Omega-3 brings only benefits: it lowers cholesterol and cleanses blood vessels. Vitamin D itself is not allergic, but different manufacturers use additives to improve the palate, outer shell, and so on. They can cause allergies, “explained therapist Natalya Ukleina online edition “360”.
The specialist recalled that due to possible side effects, this vitamin must be taken in the dosage prescribed by the doctor.
Therapist Larisa Alekseeva warned that with an excess of vitamin D, itching of the skin, headache and nausea may appear. This vitamin can be deposited in the liver, kidneys, and blood vessels.
She noted that now in pharmacies vitamins are sold in special preventive dosages, and 600 IU is considered a safe dose.
Alekseeva expressed the opinion that during a pandemic, vitamins that increase immunity and help to resist the virus can be used without the advice of a doctor, but she urged to always observe their daily rate.
“The uncontrolled use of any vitamins is contraindicated for humans. But now, during a pandemic, it was found that vitamins D and C really increase immunity and are able to resist the virus. I think that now is the period when we can use these vitamins even without the advice of a doctor “, – she said.
Alekseeva also urged not to self-medicate. It is especially worth avoiding vitamin complexes, which can lead to serious side effects and cause allergies.
Last year, a group of Canadian scientists led by Bourne L. Auguste found that an overdose of vitamin D threatens kidney failure. Doctors reviewed the medical history of a 54-year-old patient and published the results of the study in Canadian Medical Association Journal.
In the nephrology clinic, where the patient was urgently referred by the attending physician with suspicion of acute kidney damage, it turned out that the man had been taking vitamin D in high concentration for several months. And shortly before a sharp deterioration in his condition, he returned from Southeast Asia, where for two weeks he was in the sun for 6-8 hours a day.
Scientists warn: uncontrolled intake of vitamin D can pose a serious risk to the health of patients who are not informed about the threat of the drug to the body.
Vitamin D is not really a vitamin, but a hormone precursor. When the sun hits the skin, active vitamin D is formed in the liver and kidneys – almost 90% of the substance is produced by our own body. The remaining 10% comes to the body if fatty fish is in the diet.
Vitamin D regulates calcium and phosphate metabolism and strengthens muscles. If the body is deficient in vitamin D, calcium levels decrease. Severe vitamin D deficiency can cause rickets in children and softening of bones in adults.
Doctors prescribe artificial supplements for those suffering from vitamin D deficiency, especially during the winter months when there is a lack of sunlight. The dose is determined using a test. Those who take the supplement on their own run the risk of exceeding the concentration of vitamin D in the body.
Thus, at best, an overdose can cause nausea, hypotension, and heart palpitations. Worst case scenario can lead to heavy urination and kidney problems.
What foods are rich in calciferol?
For those trying to avoid artificial supplements, information on which foods contain calciferol may be helpful.
The leader in vitamin D content is fish.
Other foods contain negligible amounts of vitamin D:
For the prevention of vitamin D deficiency, an adult is recommended to receive at least 600-800 IU per day, and in case of insufficiency – at least 1500-2000 IU.
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