Man suffers because of Overdose of Vitamin D kidney failure

Kidney failure due to too much Vitamin D

In the case of a man from Canada came due to an Overdose of Vitamin D to severe kidney damage. The 54-Year-old had previously spent much of his vacation in the tropics with the sun. In addition, he took Vitamin D supplements.

Inadequate Vitamin D supply in Germany

Studies have shown that the Vitamin D supply in Germany is insufficient. Not only adults but also many children and adolescents have decreased values. If, in fact, a lack of Vitamin D, taking nutritional supplements – according to medical clarification – in many cases. However, some people take such supplements without a deficiency. So also, a man from Canada, too much Vitamin D led to a kidney failure.

The intake of too much Vitamin D preparations can be dangerous. In the case of a canadian it came to serious kidney damage. (Image: blackzheep/fotolia.com)

Sufficient soak up the sun

Vitamin D is also referred to as the “sunshine vitamin” because the human body makes it to about 80 to 90 percent under the influence of sunlight. The energy-rich UVB rays, which tan the skin.

Therefore, it is usually recommended to refuel at the opportunity of sun.

Not to much it will be then, but also – and certainly not if you take additional Vitamin D supplements. This combination can be dangerous, had to know a man from Canada.

Significant Kidney Damage

In the “Canadian Medical Association Journal” (CMAJ) reported the case of a man from Canada, who had returned after a trip to Southeast Asia and greatly increased creatinine values, showed what was on the kidney damage or malfunction, close.

A medical survey revealed that the 54-Year-old had spent a large part of his leave with the sun.

In addition, he reported that he had been prescribed by a naturopath that high doses of Vitamin D.

According to a report in the trade magazine “EurekAlert!” took the Canadians two and a half years daily, 8-12 drops of Vitamin D, for a total of 8,000-to 12,000 IU (International units) per day.

As a result, he had a very high level of calcium in the blood, which led to significant kidney damage.

According to the report, the man had taken the drug, although he suffered from neither a lack of Vitamin D, on bone loss.

Overdoses are rare

Dr. Bourne Auguste from the Toronto General Hospital and the University of Toronto, explained that Vitamin D Overdose is rare, however, because of the availability of various over-the-counter preparations, “a significant risk for non-informed patients”.

The according to experts, the recommended daily dose is 400-1.000 IU, for adults with a high risk of osteoporosis and for older people are 800-2.000 IU recommended.

“Our experience shows us that patients and clinicians should be better about the risks in relation to the unrestricted use of Vitamin D, informs,” the authors write.

Vitamin D supplements never on suspicion of taking

In this country has already been warned several times before of an Overdose with Vitamin D preparations.

While such a dietary Supplement for some persons can be useful, but basically:

“Vitamin D preparations should not be suspected taken. Recommend only when inadequate care by a physician, it has been demonstrated,“ said Antje Gahl of the German nutrition society (DGE).

The physician then determines the current Vitamin D Status. Legally Insured to get this blood test but only in case of justified suspicion of a deficiency reimbursed, for example, in the case of osteoporosis.

The doctor and the Patient have to decide in each individual case whether the Test is really useful. Often, patients will bear the cost of investigation of about 20 to 30 Euro. Also for the Vitamin D preparations, the health insurance companies pay only in exceptional cases. (ad)