The Clinical Analysis Laboratory recorded about a hundred poisonings
A Spanish hospital has sounded the alarm after witnessing a surge in patients suffering from vitamin D poisoning. The authorities have linked these cases to prolonged and uncontrolled use of supplements, often due to self-medication or non-compliance with guidelines.
Son Espases Hospital in Palma de Mallorca has seen an uptick in severe cases of vitamin D poisoning, some of which have necessitated hospitalisation, causing concern among healthcare professionals. These instances are frequently associated with extended and unsupervised use of supplements, either through self-medication or failure to follow guidelines properly.
UK holidaymakers soaking up the sun whilst popping potent supplements could also be putting themselves in harm’s way.
The hospital’s Clinical Analysis Laboratory logged roughly a hundred cases of vitamin D overdose in 2024. Moreover, they’ve noticed a spike in severe cases presenting with hypercalcaemia and even acute kidney failure requiring hospital admission in recent months.
This trend, they explain, is attributable to the consumption of supplements which were not prescribed by medical professionals. The demographic most severely affected were young people and athletes, many of whom take supplements based on advice found on social media or podcasts.
Endocrinologist Mercedes Codina and lab analyst Cristina Gómez said: “It is a fat-soluble vitamin, which accumulates in the body’s fatty tissue and is not easily eliminated. If taken in excess, it can cause poisoning,” Maria Pastor, a specialist in Hormones and Vitamins at the Son Espases laboratory, explained that unlike vitamins C or B, the body does not rid itself of excess vitamin D.
“The excess accumulates and can alter the calcium in the blood, with serious consequences for the kidneys or heart.”
In an effort to reduce unnecessary demands for supplements and blood tests, the Clinical Analysis Service, in partnership with Primary Care medical management, initiated an educational campaign. The campaign is spreading awareness through talks at health centres and informative materials designed for both patients and healthcare workers.
A comparison reveals that a decade ago, the Balearic Islands requested around 10,000 yearly tests for vitamin D; now, Son Espases laboratory alone conducts approximately 150,000 such tests. The annual cost for reagents has shot up to one million euros, excluding additional expenses related to extraction, technical manpower, faculty staff or other resources linked to the health sector.
For healthy individuals, routine tests or supplement intake are not typically recommended. Vitamin D is primarily obtained through sunlight exposure.
A mere ten minutes of sun exposure two or three times a week is sufficient to maintain adequate levels, they advised, adding: “It is essential to be advised by health professionals, as social networks can be dangerous to health due to their content without scientific evidence.”
Given the UK’s geographical location further north than Spain, there may be a greater need for people to rely on supplements.
From October to March, the NHS suggests that we might need to source our vitamin D from food and supplements. As only a limited number of foods contain vitamin D, it could be challenging to get enough solely from your diet.
Good sources of vitamin D include:
- – Oily fish – such as salmon, herring and mackerel.
- – Red meat and offal – such as liver and kidney.
- – Egg yolks.
- – Fortified cereals, soya products and spreads.
The NHS further advises: “Taking a supplement, eating vitamin D rich foods and spending time outside in sunlight isn’t a problem. Don’t take more than 1 supplement containing vitamin D (including cod liver oil) as you may be getting too much. If you start taking a supplement and are already taking a different vitamin and mineral supplement then please discuss this with your GP, pharmacist or dietitian.”
So, how much vitamin D do I need?
Everyone above the age of 1 year is recommended to have a daily intake of 10 micrograms (mcg or μg) or 400 international units (IU) of vitamin D, as per Public Health England’s 2016 guidelines. This includes expectant and breastfeeding mothers, as well as individuals at risk of vitamin D deficiency.
Only opt for a higher potency vitamin if your doctor has specifically advised it. Consuming more than 10 to 12.5 micrograms (mcg or μg) or 400IU to 500IU per day isn’t necessary and could potentially be harmful over time.
So, what signs might suggest an overdose of vitamin D?
Symptoms can encompass nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, fatigue, abdominal discomfort or even confusion. These are all linked to hypercalcaemia – an excess of calcium in the bloodstream, which can result in severe kidney complications.