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Health Information Encyclopedia - Disease & Conditions


Hypervitaminosis D

Definition:

Hypervitaminosis D symptoms appear several months after excessive doses of vitamin D are administered.



Alternative Names: Vitamin D toxicity

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

An excess of vitamin D causes abnormally high blood concentrations of calcium, which can eventually cause severe damage to the bones, soft tissues, and kidneys. It is almost always associated with forms of vitamin D that require a doctor's prescription.



Signs and tests:

Tests to confirm the diagnosis:



Treatment:

Stop taking�vitamin D. Consult your physician. In severe cases, other treatment may be necessary.



Support Groups:



Expectations (prognosis):

Recovery is expected.



Complications:
  • Kidney damage
  • Kidney stones


Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you or your child shows symptoms of hypervitaminosis D, and you have been taking vitamin D in excess of the recommended daily allowance. Also call if you�or your child show symptoms�and you have been taking a prescription form of vitamin D.



Prevention:

To prevent this condition, pay careful attention to the correct vitamin D dose.




Review Date: 2/27/2006
Reviewed By: Robert Hurd, MD, Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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