Frequently (and not so frequently) Asked Questions
BRIEF: Should I be concerned with taking this much vitamin D?
QUESTION:
I know you posted your info on vit D for a class, but I wonder if you'd take
a minute to answer a question for me? I take 50,000 IU of vit. D twice a
week for osteoporosis, and each time I take it, I have pain in the left
kidney the next day, as well as cramps in my toes. I have told my doc about
both of these symptoms, and he doesn't see any reason to be alarmed. Should
I be seeking advice elsewhere, or do you think those symptoms are just a side
effect I should put up with? It seems to me that the toxic amount of D that
I take is obviously doing something I should be concerned about. I should
also tell you that I'm 49 and have had gastric bypass surgery for weight
loss, which is why I have the osteoporosis to begin with.
ANSWER:
Look, I am not a doctor, I am a nutritionist, mostly of livestock! But that sure
seems like one hell of a lot of vitamin D. Calcification of the renal arteries
(the ones that feed your kidney)and subsequent renal hypertension is a symptom of
vitamin D toxicity in a variety of species (people, too!). I would sure ask your
doctor and another doctor about this. In writing. Get their attention and make
them check this out. It could save your life.