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Q. I want to warn others about taking too much calcium and vitamin D. Apparently I took more than my limit and ended up with soft tissue calcifications.
My doctors doubted that this caused my calamity, but I am certain that it contributed. The calcium in my left arm caused a lot of pain. My mammogram also showed calcification. Calcium and vitamin D are very popular these days, but you can overdo.
A. Thanks for the words of caution. Women have been urged to increase their calcium intake to maintain strong bones, but a study from New Zealand also sounded a warning (British Medical Journal, Feb. 2, 2008).
Postmenopausal women were studied for five years. In addition to calcium in their food (roughly 850 mg daily), they took either 1000 mg calcium or placebo. The women taking extra calcium were more likely to suffer a heart attack during that time. Another study did not confirm this risk, but there is some concern that excess calcium and vitamin D might contribute to calcification.
My doctor notified me recently that my Vitamin D "reading" is 7 normal being 30-100. She has put me on Drisdol but I am reluctant to add another Rx to the following: Micardis, HCTZ, Actos, Metformin (for Type II diabetes), Lovastatin, Actonel and .81 aspirin.
Would cod liver oil capsules help this condition? My mother gave each of us a teaspoon of the oil when we were children and I stayed pretty healthy until 62. At 71 I hate to take so much medication!
Thanks for all your wonderful advice.
PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE: COD LIVER OIL IS RICH IN VITAMIN D, BUT IT CONTAINS A LOT OF VITAMIN A AS WELL. IN SCANDINAVIA, WOMEN WHO RELY ON COD LIVER OIL FOR VITAMIN D END UP NOT HELPING THEIR BONES BECAUSE OF THE EXCESS VITAMIN A. IT DOESN'T LOOK AS THOUGH DRISDOL SHOULD INTERACT WITH YOUR OTHER MEDICINES.
After being admitted to the hospital (10 days) with pneumonia, further tests showed I had hypercalcemia (a potentially fatal disease). The high doses were prescribed by my rhumatologist. My pulmonologist pulled me way back ... 1 Centrum and 1 citracal only. Vitamin D is more important for bone strength.
My D level is 4, which is low. My ARNP prescribed 50,000 I.U. of D2, daily.That seems like too much to me, but she says it is safe. What do others think? I thought that D3 was the more effective D, anyway?Any thoughts?
If you had the Vitamin D,25-Hydroxy test, which is the test that you should have been given, then your ideal D level should range between 50-60. You should have been prescribed D-3 not D-2. You are correct the D-3 is far superior. 3,000 I.U. is a maintenance dose. 4,000 I.U. will increase your D levels. New studies have determined that 10,000 I.U. and under are safe levels to take. Your D level is dangerously low.
Concerning calcium and vitamin D3: A famous neurosurgeon and health advocate in Springield, MO suggests cutting back on calcium and taking more D3. What I have read seems to present the fact that more vitamin D3 "scrubs" out the excess calcium and puts it where it needs to be, in the bones. So, This neurosurgeon suggests that if someone takes the newer HIGHER doses over 10,000 to cut back almost to NO added calcium and let the Vitamin D3 put the calcium (from food) where it belongs.
What do others say? There is rising info out there stating to the same leaning of taking up to and /but no more than 50,000 and NO added calcium supplements.
I think too many people are advised to take too much calcium, but not advised to make sure they get or make enough of the other substances that work together for strong, healthy bones. Calcium alone doesn't do it. Over-supplementation without the other important factors leads to problems, without benefiting the bones.
Also needed are ample magnesium intake (most people don't get enough), as well as Vit D (either through enough sun exposure or supplementation, as diet contributes little Vit D - humans evolved to get their vit D from sun exposure, which is limited with most modern human lifestyles). The Vitamin D Council is a great source in info on the latest Vit D research.
Weight-bearing exercise is important for healthy, strong bones, too. Taking supplements doesn't do much when paired with a sedentary lifestyle. Strength-training is always a good idea for everyone (no matter which gender or body condition), as strong muscles have a huge benefit on circulation, posture, glucose control, balance, and overall health.
Doc prescribed 50,000 mgs. of Vit. D for 3 mos. Just took the first pill and then called pharmacist to ask if I have D2 or D3. He told me that D2 is the only one that comes in 50,000 units and D3 is only sold over the counter (in much smaller increments). Is this true????
Just reread the posting by JAFS from Aug. 19, '08. Is the D 25 Hydroxy test, with a "normal" range of 50-60 the only D test given? I was given a D test and told 30-60 is normal...and I have a 29 reading. JAFS says 3,000 IU is a maintenance level and 4,000 increases. Is that per week?? Per day??
My vitamin d level is 30. My doctor suggested I take 1000 ıu daily. Now I'm taking cod liver oil and a d3 (1000 IU) supplement. Is it too much?
PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE: 1000 IU DAILY IS NOT TOO MUCH VITAMIN D3. UP TO 3000 OR 4000 IU DAILY IS OK. CHECK THE COD LIVER OIL TO SEE HOW MUCH VITAMIN D IT CONTAINS. SOME CONTAIN VERY LITTLE VITAMIN D.
I have been taking 50,000 IUs of vitamin D-3 as prescribed by physician for 4 weeks.
I take multivitamin mineral supplements as well and take 1000 mgs of fish oil daily.
In the last several weeks I have developed ringing in my ears. Could ringing in the ears be a possible side effect of too much vitamin D-3? I walk outdoors for an hour every day but live in the northeast.
I did have very low vitamin D levels so the doctors prescribed the vitamin D capsules.
I have been taking 50,000 IUs of vitamin D-3 as prescribed by physician for 4 weeks.
I take multivitamin mineral supplements as well and take 1000 mgs of fish oil daily.
In the last several weeks I have developed ringing in my ears. Could ringing in the ears be a possible side effect of too much vitamin D-3? I walk outdoors for an hour every day but live in the northeast.
I did have very low vitamin D levels so the doctors prescribed the vitamin D capsules.
My doctor prescribed 50,000 IU Vitamin D for me since my D level is 8. I received 4 pills for the first month, I didn't read the instruction and I took the pill daily instead of one pill a week.....Now I am really concerned that I have caused some damage to my organs. I have scheduled to see my doctor tomorrow but should I go to the ER today??? One of my legs has mild muscle pain and I read it is one of the Vit D overdose symptoms....