Vitamin D Side Effects - Ranging From Rickets to Kidney Failure

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Vitamins >> Vitamin D Side Effects

Vitamin D side effects come about when there is an improper balance of the vitamin within the body. This could either mean too much of the vitamin or too little.

One of the most important aspects of vitamin D consumption is producing strong bones and maintaining their strength. It also plays a vital role in other bodily functions and systems.

Vitamin D is known as a fat-soluble vitamin and can be found in foods such as eggs, fish, cod liver oil and milk - the sun's rays also is a supplier of vitamin D! If we don't get the right amounts though, there are some vitamin D side effects that start to occur - both when we are deficient of the vitamin or we take too much.

What are the Functions of Vitamin D?

Vitamin D is one of the key nutrients that safeguards the absorption of calcium and phosphorous. These two minerals are required for the growth and maintainability of strong, healthy bones.

Working together with our intestines, vitamin D helps to absorb these minerals which can be later transferred to our bones. Some research has revealed that the vitamin may also play a part in keeping the nervous and immune systems in good working order.

What is the Recommended Daily Allowance of Vitamin D?

The amounts needed are most likely smaller than you think. It can depend on the age group of which you fit into to. For example, those between the ages of 1 to 50 years should have a daily intake of 5mcg.

As you exceed the age of 50 you should increase the dosage to prevent old bones from being more susceptible to breaks and fractures. If you get a daily exposure to sunlight, even if it be for only ten minutes then you are probably already getting your RDA without having to worry about consuming it within foods.

Selected Food Sources of Vitamin D

What are the Vitamin D Side Effects?

When we want to discover vitamin D side effects we have to look at both those brought on from a deficiency and those brought on by an overdose in the vitamin.

A Deficiency in Vitamin D

The most common diseases brought on by a deficiency are rickets and osteoporosis. Rickets is more common from childhood, when the child does not get enough vitamin D their bones remain softer than normal and are weaker. This softness, paired with the weight of the upper body can create a bowed appearance in the legs.

Osteoporosis is a condition that occurs mostly in the elderly. The bone's composition is damaged due to the lack of essential nutrients and they become weak.

Patients with osteoporosis are in danger of breakages and fractures far more than someone with healthy bones.

Osteoporosis is more common amongst older women who have gone through the menopause. Somewhat more serious is the disease osteomalacia which is a weakening of not only the bones but also the muscles.

Here are a few other vitamin D side effects brought on from a deficiency:

• Weak Immune System
• Muscular/Bone Pain
• Weight Loss
• Insomnia

An Overdose in Vitamin D

What happens when we overdose on vitamin D is the intestines are forced to take in more calcium that is required.

This calcium will enter the blood stream and calcify any soft tissues that it comes in contact with.

Such tissues may belong to the heart, blood vessels or lungs and they will be prevented from functioning in the normal manner.

The renal system is also majorly effected by an overdose in the D vitamin. Polydipsia, polyuria, nocturia and in the worst case, renal failure could be side effects.

The following are also side effects of over-exposure to vitamin D:

• Heart Disease/High Blood Pressure
• Severe headaches
• Muscle Atrophy
• Weakness of Muscles/Muscle Cramps
• Nausea
• Nervous Disposition

Consuming a well balanced diet and soaking up a few of the sun's rays should lead to you having the right levels of vitamin D in the body.

Please Note

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