Can high doses of vitamin D supplements cause kidney failure?

A new case study published in the Journal of the Canadian Medical Association (CMAJ) illustrates the risk of high doses of vitamin D supplements, which may cause kidney failure in some cases.

The case study "The use of vitamin D drops leading to kidney failure in a 54-year-old man" shows the case of a 54-year-old man who was prescribed high doses of vitamin D and pbaded sunbathing holidays developing major kidney damage The authors explain: "Calcium levels can get worse before they improve in patients, even after the cessation of supplements because vitamin D is fat soluble."

The case study

The 54-year-old man returned from a trip to Southeast Asia where he spent a lot of time sunbathing. The tests showed an increase in creatinine levels, suggesting lesions or dysfunction of the kidneys.

Following a referral to a kidney specialist, it was revealed that the patient had been prescribed high doses (eight drops a day) of vitamin D by a naturopath.

Over a period of two and a half years, the patient, who had no history of bone loss or vitamin D deficiency, took eight to twelve drops of vitamin D per day (8,000 to 12,000 IU in total). This caused very high levels of calcium in the blood, which caused him significant kidney damage.

Toxicity caused by vitamin D supplements

Dr. Bourne Auguste, a clinical researcher in home dialysis at Toronto General Hospital and the University of Toronto, said: "Although vitamin D toxicity is rare because of a wide therapeutic range, its widespread availability in various over-the-counter formulations can cause problems. a substantial risk for uninformed patients. "

Risks of kidney failure

The authors commented, "Our experience tells us that patients and clinicians should be better informed about the risks badociated with the unhindered use of vitamin D. Given the new findings of the US Working Group on Prevention, the current Canadian guidelines for its use in low-risk individuals should be revisited. "