A doctor had some words of warning to people who take a load of vitamin tablets without actually researching the dose they need to have. Here’s why it’s important
Vitamin D plays a big role in keeping us healthy. It helps us to regulate our calcium and phosphate levels, which are needed to keep bones, teeth and muscles healthy.
It’s also believed that vitamin D plays an important role in regulating and supporting the immune system. It could help the body fight off infections, including colds, the flu, and certain autoimmune diseases.
While the government advises taking a daily vitamin D supplement during the dark and cold months of the year – but you don’t need to from early April until the end of September as you can get the vitamin via sunlight.
It’s important not to take too many of the supplements – as doing so could end up having a negative impact on your health. Doctor Ahmed posted a video on TikTok in which he warned people about the dangers of taking too much vitamin D.
He said most people only need about 10 micrograms (400 international units) of vitamin D per day, while the maximum someone should take as a supplement in 100 micrograms (4,000 IU).
Dr Ahmed explained: “Taking vitamin D in high doses long-term is actually very dangerous because it can cause hypercalcemia, which is a high level of calcium in your blood. This is dangerous because the excess calcium can deposit in your heart and your kidneys.
“A lot of the time when you take a high dose of a vitamin, it’s not that dangerous because it’s water-soluble, and you just pee it out. But with fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin D, we can’t get rid of the excess; therefore, it just accumulates in the body.”
Before taking supplements, it’s important to do your research and consult a doctor if needed. Dr Ahmed added: “The amount you need as a supplement depends on your symptoms and blood test results, which is why I urge most people taking a vitamin D supplement to get their vitamin D checked regularly.”
You can also visit the NHS website for more information on the subject.
