Taking vitamin D is vital at this time of year – but it it possible to take too much, doctors say (Image: Getty)
The NHS has given a warning for anyone taking vitamin D – and said it could lead to a potentially killer disease if people take too much for too long. Taking vitamin D supplements is advocated by UK health chiefs – especially at this time of year.
The health service has said: “From October to March we can’t make enough vitamin D from sunlight. To keep bones and muscles healthy, it’s best to take a daily 10 microgram supplement of vitamin D. You can get vitamin D from most pharmacies and retailers.”
Vitamin D supplements are very affordable with 400 pills available for less than £8 online, equating to less than 2p a day. Vitamin D has also been linked to reducing the risk of dementia.
A study conducted in France found that individuals with vitamin D levels below 50 nmol/L were nearly three times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease. Those at a high risk of vitamin D deficiency, all children between the ages of 1 to 4, and all infants (unless they’re consuming more than 500ml of infant formula per day) should consider a daily supplement all year round.
However pharmacists and the NHS have said people need to be wary of over-dosing by taking too much over an extended period of time. The NHS said it can lead to a condition which damages the kidneys and heart: “Taking too many vitamin D supplements over a long period of time can cause too much calcium to build up in the body (hypercalcaemia). This can weaken the bones and damage the kidneys and the heart.
“If you choose to take vitamin D supplements, 10 micrograms a day will be enough for most people.
“Do not take more than 100 micrograms (4,000 IU) of vitamin D a day as it could be harmful. This applies to adults, including pregnant and breastfeeding women and the elderly, and children aged 11 to 17 years.”
Children aged 1 to 10 years should not have more than 50 micrograms (2,000 IU) a day. Infants under 12 months should not have more than 25 micrograms (1,000 IU) a day. The NHS added: “Some people have medical conditions that mean they may not be able to safely take as much. If in doubt, you should consult your doctor.
“If your doctor has recommended you take a different amount of vitamin D, you should follow their advice.
“You cannot overdose on vitamin D through exposure to sunlight. But always remember to cover up or protect your skin if you’re out in the sun for long periods to reduce the risk of skin damage and skin cancer.”
The NHS says: “Vitamin D helps regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body. These nutrients are needed to keep bones, teeth and muscles healthy. A lack of vitamin D can lead to bone deformities such as rickets in children, and bone pain caused by a condition called osteomalacia in adults.
“Government advice is that everyone should consider taking a daily vitamin D supplement during the autumn and winter. People at high risk of not getting enough vitamin D, all children aged 1 to 4, and all babies (unless they’re having more than 500ml of infant formula a day) should take a daily supplement throughout the year.”
Expert Dr Michael Mosley, who sadly died in 2024, had advocated taking vitamin D supplements. He said: “I take 25 mcg (1,000 IU), which is within the limits of what’s considered safe (anything under 100 mcg a day for adults or 50 mcg for children, according to the NHS) but closer to the sort of doses studies show you need to take to ward off infections, cancers, and maybe even dementia.”
For NHS advice on Vitamin D click here.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
