Side effects of 50000 units of vitamin d
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Side Effects of 50,000 Units of Vitamin D
Introduction to High-Dose Vitamin D Supplementation
Vitamin D is essential for bone health and immune function. However, high doses, such as 50,000 IU per week, are sometimes prescribed for individuals with severe deficiencies. Understanding the potential side effects of such high doses is crucial for safe supplementation.
Hypercalcemia and Hypercalciuria
One of the primary concerns with high-dose vitamin D supplementation is the risk of hypercalcemia (elevated calcium levels in the blood) and hypercalciuria (elevated calcium levels in the urine). Studies have shown that while hypercalcemia is rare, it can occur more frequently with higher doses of vitamin D. In a study involving doses up to 10,000 IU/day, mild hypercalcemia was observed in 9% of participants taking the highest dose, though all cases were transient and resolved upon retesting3. Another review of long-term high-dose vitamin D supplementation indicated a trend towards increased risk of hypercalcemia, although the increase was not statistically significant4.
Impact on Cytokine Levels
High-dose vitamin D supplementation can also affect cytokine levels, which are critical in immune responses. A study evaluating the effects of 50,000 IU/week vitamin D3 on cytokine levels found significant increases in interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β)2. These changes suggest that high doses of vitamin D might influence inflammatory responses, which could be particularly relevant during conditions like cytokine storms.
General Safety and Adverse Events
Overall, the safety profile of high-dose vitamin D supplementation appears to be acceptable, with most adverse events being mild and transient. In a three-year study, clinical adverse events were balanced across different dosage groups, including those taking up to 10,000 IU/day3. Additionally, a systematic review of long-term high-dose vitamin D supplementation found no significant increase in total adverse events or kidney stones, although there was a non-significant trend towards increased hypercalcemia and hypercalciuria4.
Conclusion
While high-dose vitamin D supplementation, such as 50,000 IU per week, is generally safe for most individuals, it can lead to mild and transient hypercalcemia and may influence cytokine levels. Regular monitoring of calcium levels and kidney function is recommended to mitigate potential risks. Further research is needed to fully understand the long-term safety and implications of such high doses.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Effects of a 2-Week 5000 IU versus 1000 IU Vitamin D3 Supplementation on Recovery of Symptoms in Patients with Mild to Moderate Covid-19: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Daily 5000 IU oral vitamin D3 supplementation for 2 weeks reduces the time to recovery for cough and gustatory sensory loss in patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 and suboptimal vitamin D status.
RCT
Very Rigorous Journal
Highly CitedThe Effect of Weekly 50,000 IU Vitamin D3 Supplements on the Serum Levels of Selected Cytokines Involved in Cytokine Storm: A Randomized Clinical Trial in Adults with Vitamin D Deficiency
Vitamin D3 supplementation significantly increases serum levels of 25OHD, IL-6, IL-10, IL-1, and leptin in adults with vitamin D deficiency, but may have a potential negative effect during cytokine storms.
RCTSafety of High-Dose Vitamin D Supplementation: Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial.
High-dose vitamin D supplementation is safe and well-tolerated, with rare, mild, and transient hypercalcemia and hypercalciuria occurring more frequently with higher doses.
RCT
Large Human Trial
Rigorous JournalAdverse events from large dose vitamin D supplementation taken for one year or longer
Long-term high-dose vitamin D supplementation did not significantly increase the risk of total adverse events or kidney stones, but there was a trend towards increased hypercalcemia and possibly hypercalciuria.
Systematic ReviewSupplementation with 1000 IU vitamin D/d leads to parathyroid hormone suppression, but not increased fractional calcium absorption, in 4-8-y-old children: a double-blind randomized controlled trial.
Vitamin D3 supplementation at 1000 IU/d increases 25(OH)D and decreases parathyroid hormone in children with average vitamin D intake below dietary recommendations, but does not significantly affect calcium absorption.
RCTVery Rigorous JournalDaily oral dosing of vitamin D3 using 5000 TO 50,000 international units a day in long-term hospitalized patients: Insights from a seven year experience
Long-term supplementation with vitamin D3 in doses ranging from 5000 to 50,000 IUs/day is safe and may improve skin conditions in long-term hospitalized patients.
The Benefits of Add-on Therapy of Vitamin D 5000 IU to the Vitamin D Levels and Symptoms in Diabetic Neuropathy Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Oral vitamin D 5000 IU supplementation significantly improves pain, mood, and vitamin D levels more effectively than standard treatment alone in patients with diabetic neuropathy.
RCTVery Rigorous JournalDevelopment of Vitamin D Toxicity from Overcorrection of Vitamin D Deficiency: A Review of Case Reports
Vitamin D intoxication is rare but can occur due to manufacturing errors, overdosing by patients or prescribers, and combinations of these factors.
Systematic ReviewVery Rigorous JournalHighly CitedVitamin D supplementation guidelines
Higher vitamin D levels are associated with improved outcomes for various chronic diseases, and supplementation is recommended based on individual factors like age, body weight, and latitude.
Highly CitedHypercalcemia, hypercalciuria, and kidney stones in long-term studies of vitamin D supplementation: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Long-term vitamin D supplementation increases risks of hypercalcemia and hypercalciuria, but does not increase kidney stone risk.
Meta-AnalysisVery Rigorous JournalHighly Cited