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Renal insufficiency due to too much vitamin D
A man from Canada suffered severe kidney damage due to a vitamin D overdose. At age 54, he had already spent much of his vacation tanning in the tropics. He also took vitamin D supplements.
Inadequate vitamin D intake in Germany
Studies have shown that the supply of vitamin D in Germany is deficient. Not only adults but also many children and teenagers have degraded values. If there is indeed a vitamin D deficiency, taking supplements – after medical examination – is advised in many cases. But some people take such preparations even without defect. A man from Canada, too much vitamin D to kidney failure.
Have enough sun
Vitamin D is also called "solar vitamin" because the human body makes about 80 to 90% under the influence of the sun. The high-energy UVB rays that also tan the skin are decisive.
Therefore, it is generally recommended to take enough sun occasionally.
That should not be too much either – and certainly not if you're also taking vitamin D supplements. That combination could be dangerous, a Canadian had to learn.
Major kidney damage
The Journal of the Canadian Medical Association (CMAJ) reports the case of a Canadian man returning from a trip to Southeast Asia with elevated creatinine levels suggesting lesions or dysfunction of kidneys.
A medical survey showed that the 54-year-old spent much of his vacation tanning.
He also reported that a naturopath prescribed high doses of vitamin D.
According to an article in "EurekAlert!", Canadians have consumed 8 to 12 drops of vitamin D per day for two and a half years, for a total of 8,000 to 12,000 IU (international units) per day.
As a result, his blood calcium level was very high, which resulted in significant kidney damage.
According to the report, the man had taken the drug while he was suffering neither vitamin D deficiency nor bone loss.
Overdoses are rare
Dr. Bourne Auguste, of Toronto General Hospital and the University of Toronto, said vitamin D overdoses were rare but, because of their availability in various over-the-counter medications, "pose a significant risk to uninformed patients ".
According to the expert, the recommended daily dose is 400 to 1,000 IU, in adults at high risk of osteoporosis and in the elderly, between 800 and 2,000 IU.
"Our experience shows us that patients and clinicians should be better informed about the risks badociated with the unrestricted use of vitamin D," the authors write.
Never take vitamin D supplements with suspicion
Also in this country has been warned repeatedly before an overdose with vitamin D supplements.
Although such dietary supplements may be useful to some people, in principle:
"Vitamin D supplements should not be suspected and are only recommended if the care provided by a doctor is inadequate," said Antje Gahl of the German Nutrition Society (DGE).
The doctor then determines the current status of vitamin D, if necessary. However, this blood test is reimbursed to insured persons only if there is a reasonable presumption of malformation, for example in the case of osteoporosis.
The doctor and the patient must decide on a case-by-case basis whether the test really makes sense. Patients often pay for the cost of the investigation, which costs between 20 and 30 euros, as well as vitamin D supplements, and the health insurance funds only in exceptional cases. (Ad)
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