Toxicity from Vitamin D: A Misconception

If we take a closer look on the basis of this vitamin D toxicity theory, we will see that the evidence is flimsy and observations are misinterpreted and concluded from unusual cases. Earlier, it was recommended by doctors and researchers that to overcome vitamin D deficiency symptoms, 200 to 800 IU per day is enough. But as these researchers and doctors slowly understand the truth about vitamin D therapy, they are realizing that the permissible limit is not enough and the recent studies show the requirement is almost 10 times of the earlier limits. The number of units will even go higher for patients suffering from vitamin D absorption.

Facts About Vitamin D

You will be surprised to know that vitamin D is not exactly a vitamin, but a hormone. It has been classified by researchers on the basis of our body's requirement and that it can be consumed through diet. Our body produces 10,000 IU of vitamin D as soon as we are under the sunlight for a period of 30 minutes. This shows that the unit measure is too high compared to the permissible limits. But, there is no chance of causing vitamin D toxicity from this. It has been seen that many of us avoid direct contact with sunlight for long hours for preventing the increase of melanoma which can cause skin cancer.

Vitamin D Toxicity: A Rare Case

Vitamin D naturally produces Cholecalciferol. This hormone is generated naturally by ultraviolet B radiation of the skin through the cholesterol precursor. However, vitamin D toxicity is a fact which cannot be ignored completely. If anyone takes 5 times the permissible limit of 10,000 IU per day then there is a possibility of overdose. These types of instances are unlikely to occur because vitamin D therapy treatments are done under the supervision of medical practitioners or physicians.

Vitamin D Is Not An Independent Factor

It is to be noted, that vitamin D toxicity is not dependent on the consumption of vitamin D per day but it is directly related to the blood calcium levels. To prevent the occurrence of vitamin D toxicity, regular monitoring of the blood levels of a patient undergoing vitamin D therapy is highly recommended.

Function and Importance of Vitamin D

Vitamin D has wide array of functions, for instance providing calcium for strong and healthy bones. It also helps to regulate the calcium level in the blood through parathyroid glands. The calcium regulation is not only for bones but it is also essential for proper heart functioning. Low levels of calcium can cause congestive heart failure, which is common and can be seen in patients' deficient of vitamin D. It is a common practice to provide mothers, pregnant women and newborns with vitamin D for their healthy growth. Vitamin D has many facts yet to be discovered by researchers which will show us the amazing use of this hormone. Deficiency in vitamin D poses lots of threats such as autoimmune disease, bone disease and even cancer in later stages of life.