Information about symptoms of vitamin d toxicity
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Toxicity, Vitamin ================= Author: Mark Rosenbloom, MD, MBA, FACEP, Fellow of the American Academy of Emergency Medicine; Overseas Fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine; Chief Executive Officer and Editiorial Director, PEPID, LLC; Founder and Chairman, The Unicorn Children's Foundation Contributor Information and Disclosures
Updated: Apr 20, 2009 Print ThisPrint This
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Keywords Introduction ------------
Background Every day 44% of Americans take vitamins and dietary supplements.1 In 2007, vitamin C, vitamin E, and multivitamins were among 5 best-selling supplements.2 As many as 84% of Americans consider vitamins and supplements safe,2 thus, increasing the risk for vitamin toxicity. Iron-containing vitamins are the most toxic, especially in pediatric acute ingestions (see Toxicity, Iron). Fat-soluble vitamins have higher potential for toxicity due to their capability to accumulate in the body.
Frequency United States
The 2007 Annual Report of the American Association of Poison Control Centers' National Poison Data System document the total number of exposures for each class of vitamins, the number of patients with major adverse outcomes, and the number of fatalities from that ingestion,3 as follows: Adult multiple vitamins without iron or fluoride - 3,000 total exposures, 3 major outcomes, and 0 deaths
Adult multiple vitamins with iron but without fluoride - 7798 total exposures, 2 major outcomes, and 0 deaths Pediatric multiple vitamins without iron or fluoride - 20,774 total exposures, 0 major outcomes, and 0 deaths
Pediatric multiple vitamins with iron but without fluoride - 15,407 total exposures, 0 major outcome, and 0 deaths Vitamin A - 550 total exposures, 0 major outcomes, and 0 deaths
Niacin - 2,303 total exposures, 4 major outcomes, and 0 deaths Pyridoxine - 212 total exposures, 0 major outcomes, and 0 deaths
Other B complex vitamins - 2,546 total exposures, 3 major outcomes, and 0 deaths Vitamin C - 1,531 total exposures, 2 major outcomes, and 0 deaths
Vitamin D - 596 total exposures, 1 major outcome, and 0 deaths Vitamin E - 740 total exposures, 0 major outcome, and 0 deaths
Overall, 58,622 exposures to different types of vitamins were reported to the poison control centers across the United States in 2007, accounting for 17 major adverse outcomes and 1 death. Of the total exposures, 45,498 incidents occurred in children younger than 6 years old and 7,693 involved individuals aged 6-19 years. Mortality/Morbidity
Morbidity and mortality from pure vitamins are rare. According to the American Association of Poison Control Centers' National Poison Data System, in 2007, more than 58,000 acute or chronic vitamin overdoses were documented, with 17 major adverse outcomes and 1 death.3 Race
No scientific data indicate that outcomes of vitamin overdose are dependent on race. Sex
No scientific data indicate that outcomes of vitamin overdose are dependent on sex. Clinical --------
Physical Nonspecific symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and rash, are common with any acute or chronic vitamin overdose. Vitamin-caused symptoms may be secondary to those associated with additives (eg, mannitol), colorings, or binders; these symptoms usually are not severe. The following are symptoms of specific vitamin overdose:
Vitamin A Acute toxicity effects include headache, photophobia, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, drowsiness, irritability, seizures, and desquamation after 24 hours.
Chronic toxicity affects the skin, the mucous membranes, and the musculoskeletal and neurologic systems. Skin and mucous membrane effects include erythema, eczema, pruritus, dry and cracked skin, angular cheilitis, conjunctivitis, palmar and plantar peeling, and alopecia.
Musculoskeletal effects include pain and tenderness, particularly in the long bones of the upper and lower extremities, which may be exacerbated by exercise; epiphyseal capping and premature epiphyseal closure may occur in children. Neurologic effects include blurred vision and frontal headache, which is often the first sign of toxicity.
Findings also include idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), hepatomegaly, ascites, erythematous dermatitis, migratory arthritis, craniotabes in children, or bulging fontanelle in infants. Recent studies suggest that elevated levels of vitamin A may cause increased bone resorption and promote development of osteoporosis.4,5
Vitamin D Acute toxicity effects are characteristic of hypercalcemia and may include muscle weakness, apathy, headache, anorexia, irritability, nausea, vomiting, and bone pain.
Chronic toxicity effects include the above symptoms and constipation, anorexia, abdominal cramps, polydipsia, polyuria, backache, hyperlipidemia, and hypercalcemia. Findings may also include calcinosis, followed by hypertension and cardiac arrhythmias (due to shortened refractory period).
Vitamin E Acute toxicity effects include nausea, gastric distress, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, headache, fatigue, easy bruising and bleeding (prolonged prothrombin time PT and activated partial thromboplastin time aPTT), inhibition of platelet aggregation, diplopia (at dosages as low as 300 IU), muscle weakness, and creatinuria.
Chronic toxicity effects include all of the above, suppression of other antioxidants, and increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke. Vitamin K
This particular toxicity is typically associated with formula-fed infants or those receiving synthetic vitamin K-3 (menadione) injections. Because of its toxicity, menadione is no longer used for treatment of vitamin K deficiency. Effects may include jaundice in newborns, hemolytic anemia, and hyperbilirubinemia.
Toxicity also blocks the effects of oral anticoagulants. Vitamins B-1, B-2, B-12, and folate
Effects may be minimal and nonspecific. Vitamin B-2 turns the urine yellow-orange.
Vitamin B-1 (ie, thiamine) toxicity effects may include the following: Tachycardia
Hypotension Cardiac dysrhythmias
Headache Anaphylaxis
Vasodilation Weakness
Convulsions Single acute toxicity is rare.
Vitamin B-3 (ie, niacin, nicotinic acid) Acute toxicity effects are prostaglandin-mediated and include flushing, pruritus, wheezing, vasodilation, headache, increased intracranial blood flow, headache, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Chronic toxicity effects include jaundice, abnormal liver function test results, signs and symptoms of liver toxicity (most common with sustained-release preparations), and acanthosis nigricans (rare). Vitamin B-6 (ie, pyridoxine)
Effects include tachypnea and sensory neuropathies, such as burning pains, paresthesias, ataxia, clumsiness, paralysis, and perioral numbness. Findings range from normal CNS function to progressive sensory ataxias, profound impairment of position and vibration sense, and diminished tendon reflexes.
Vitamin C Effects may be renal colic (ie, nephrolithiasis), diarrhea, nausea, rebound scurvy in infants born to women taking high doses, hemolysis if glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) deficiency is present, possible dental decalcification, and increased estrogen levels.
Findings may include occult rectal bleeding. Causes
Vitamin A (ie, retinol) - Found in green and yellow vegetables, liver, egg yolks, fish oil, and margarine US recommended dietary allowance (RDA)
Males (>14 y): 900 mcg retinol activity equivalents (RAE) (3,000 IU) Females (>14 y): 700 mcg RAE (2,300 IU)
Pregnancy: 750-770 mcg RAE (2,500-2,600 IU) Lactation: 1,200-1,300 mcg RAE (4,000-4,300 IU)
Children 0-6 mo: 400 mcg RAE (1,300 IU)
7-12 mo: 500 mcg RAE (1,700 IU) 1-3 y: 300 mcg RAE (1,000 IU)
4-8 y: 400 mcg RAE (1,320 IU) 9-13 y: 600 mcg RAE (2,000 IU)
Supplements are typically 10,000-50,000 IU per capsule. Fish-liver oils may contain more than 180,000 IU/g. Acute toxic dose is 25,000 IU/kg, and chronic toxic dose is 4000 IU/kg every day for 6-15 months.
Beta-carotene (ie, provitamin A) is converted to retinol but not rapidly enough for acute toxicity. Vitamin A is highly teratogenic in pregnancy, especially in the first 8 weeks with daily intake more than 10,000 IU; however, it is also a cofactor in night vision and bone growth. Vitamin D (ie, cholecalciferol) is present in most dairy products, egg yolks, liver, and fish.
Adequate intake (AI) for children and adults younger than 50 years is 5 mcg (200 IU) per day, 10 mcg (400 IU) per day for those aged 51-70 years, and 15 mcg (600 IU) per day for those 71 years and older. Supplements usually are 400 IU per tablet.
Acute toxic dose is not established, and chronic toxic dose is more than 50,000 IU/d in adults. In children, 400 IU/d is potentially toxic. A wide variance in potential toxicity exists. Vitamin D increases serum calcium levels by facilitating calcium absorption and mobilizing calcium from bone.
Vitamin E (ie, alpha-tocopherol) is found in vegetable oil, nuts, sunflower, wheat, green leafy vegetables, and fish. RDA is 15 mg (22.5 IU) for adults and pregnant women, 19 mg (28.5 IU) during lactation, 7 mg (10.5 IU) for children 4-8 aged years, and 6 mg (9 IU) for those aged 1-3 years.
Supplements usually are 100-1000 IU per capsule. Upper tolerable limit is 1,000 mg (1,500 IU) per day.
Vitamin E has antioxidant and anticoagulant properties. It may block absorption of vitamins A and K. Vitamin E decreases low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol level at doses more than 400 IU/d. Vitamin K (ie, phytonadione) is produced by intestinal bacteria (vitamin K-2) and is found in green leafy vegetables, cow's milk, and soy oil (vitamin K-1).
Vitamin K-1 supplements are usually 2.5-10 mg. A toxic dose amount is not established.
Vitamin K-3 (menadione) supplements have been banned by the FDA because of their high toxicity. Phytonadione promotes liver synthesis of factors II, VII, IX, and X.
Vitamin B-1 (ie, thiamine) is found in organ meats, yeast, eggs, and green leafy vegetables. RDA is 1.5 mg (0.7 mg for children aged 1-4 y).
Supplements usually are 50-500 mg per tablet. Thiamin generally is nontoxic.
Vitamin B-1 is a cofactor for pyruvate dehydrogenase in the Krebs cycle. Vitamin B-2 (ie, riboflavin)
RDA is 1.7 mg (0.8 mg for children aged 1-4 y). Supplements usually are 25-100 mg.
Vitamin B-2 generally is nontoxic. Vitamin B-3 (ie, niacin) is found in green vegetables, yeast (pumpernickel bagels may contain 190 mg of niacin), animal proteins, fish, liver, and legumes.
RDA is 20 mg (9 mg for children aged 1-4 y) with an upper limit of 35 mg per day. Supplements are usually 20-500 mg per tablet.
Toxic dose is more than 1000 mg/d. Vitamin B-3 synthesis requires tryptophan.
Niacin is converted to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) or nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP). NAD and NADP are coenzymes for dehydrogenase-type reactions. In large doses, niacin decreases synthesis of LDL cholesterol level. Toxicity may occur from prolonged administration of nicotinic acid.
Vitamin B-6 (ie, pyridoxine) is found in poultry, fish, pork, grains, and legumes. RDA is 1.3 mg per day for adults (1.7 mg/d for men >50 y, and 1.5 mg/d for women >50 y).
Supplements usually are 5-500 mg per tablet. Over time, 300-500 mg/d may be neurotoxic (patients with impaired renal function may be more susceptible). Acute toxic dose generally is not established.
Vitamin B-6 functions in protein and amino acid metabolism. Pyridoxine is the treatment of choice for isoniazid overdose. Also, it is used by bodybuilders, as well as, for the treatment of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), carpal tunnel syndrome, schizophrenia, childhood autism, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) with variable results. Vitamin B-12 (ie, cyanocobalamin) is found in milk products, eggs, fish, poultry, and meat.
Vitamin B-12 requires intrinsic factor for absorption. RDA is 2.4 mcg for adults and adolescents, and 0.9 mcg for children aged 1-3 years. RDA is 2.6 and 2.8 mcg during pregnancy and lactation, respectively.
Supplements are usually 25-250 mcg per tablet. Toxic dose is not established.
Vitamin B-12 is a treatment of pernicious anemia and cyanide poisoning. Vitamin C (ie, ascorbic acid) is found in citrus fruits and vegetables.
RDA is 90 mg per day for adult males and 75 mg for adult females. Children aged 1-3 years should receive 15 mg of vitamin C per day. Supplements are usually 100-2000 mg per capsule.
Chronic toxic dose is more than 2 g/d. Acute toxic dose is not determined.
Vitamin C is an antioxidant and reducing agent. Vitamin C is used to treat (controversial) upper respiratory infections (URIs) and cancer. Folic acid is found in leafy green vegetables and oranges.
RDA is 0.4 mg (0.2 mg in children aged 1-4 y). Pregnant women, acutely ill persons, and/or malnourished patients may require larger RDA.
Toxic dose is not established. Folic acid is generally nontoxic. Intakes more than 5000 mcg/d mask pernicious anemia. Folic acid decreases risk of neural tube defects and may decrease serum homocysteine levels (coronary artery disease CAD risk factor).
Folic acid may have a therapeutic role as an adjuvant therapy for the treatment of methanol toxicity (enhances the elimination of formate). More on Toxicity, Vitamin
Overview: Toxicity, Vitamin Differential Diagnoses & Workup: Toxicity, Vitamin
Treatment & Medication: Toxicity, Vitamin Follow-up: Toxicity, Vitamin
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CLOSE WINDOW References ----------
1. North America, Asia lead vitamin and supplement usage. Nielsen Wire. Available at http://blog.nielsen.com/nielsenwire/consumer/north-america-asia-lead-vitamin-and-supplement-usage/. Accessed March 20, 2009.
2. Griffin RM, Hoffman H. Live well vitamins & supplements center. WebMD. Available at http://gnc.webmd.com/vitamin-facts. Accessed March 22, 2009.
3. Bronstein AC, Spyker DA, Cantilena LR Jr, Green JL, Rumack BH, Heard SE. 2007 Annual Report of the American Association of Poison Control Centers' National Poison Data System (NPDS): 25th Annual Report. Clin Toxicol (Phila). Dec 2008;46(10):927-1057. Medline. Full Text.
4. Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet: Vitamin A and Carotenoids. National Institutes of Health - Office of Dietary Supplements. Available at http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/vitamina.asp. Accessed July 5, 2007.
5. Pazirandeh S, Burns DL. Overview of vitamin A. UpToDate. Available at www.uptodate.com. Accessed July 5, 2007.
6. Bakerman S. ABC's of Interpretive Laboratory Data. 4th ed. Scottsdale, AZ: Interpretive Laboratory Data, Inc; 2002.
7. Brody JE. In vitamin mania, millions take a gamble on health. In: New York Times. October 26, 1997:1, 20.
8. Cristoph RA. Vitamins. In: Manual of Toxicologic Emergencies. Year Book Medical Publishers; 1989:490-5.
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17. NIH Clinical Center. Vitamin E. National Institutes of Health - Office of Dietary Supplements. Available at http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/vitamine.asp. Accessed July 5, 2007.
18. Sachter JJ. Vitamins. In: Handbook of Medical Toxicology. Little Brown & Co Inc; 1993:399-402.
CLOSE WINDOW Further Reading ---------------
CLOSE WINDOW Keywords --------
vitamin A, retinol, vitamin D, cholecalciferol, vitamin E, alpha-tocopherol, vitamin K, phytonadione, vitamin B-1, thiamine, vitamin B-2, riboflavin, vitamin B-3, niacin, vitamin B-6, pyridoxine, vitamin B-12, cyanocobalamin, vitamin C, ascorbic acid, folic acid, B complex vitamins, nicotinic acid, beta-carotene, provitamin A, vitamin K-3, menadione vitamin toxicity, iron-containing vitamins, fat-soluble vitamins, multiple vitamins, acute vitamin overdose, chronic vitamin overdose, craniotabes, bulging fontanelle, osteoporosis, angular cheilitis, alopecia, epiphyseal capping, premature epiphyseal closure, frontal headache, blurred vision, papilledema, hepatomegaly, ascites, erythematous dermatitis, migratory arthritis, increased bone resorption, bone pain
calcinosis, hypercalcemia, jaundice, hemolytic anemia, hyperbilirubinemia, sensory neuropathies, burning pains, paresthesias, ataxia, paralysis, perioral numbness, sensory ataxias, nephrolithiasis, renal colic, occult rectal bleeding, dental decalcification diminished tendon reflexes, impairment of position sense, impairment of vibration sense
CLOSE WINDOW Contributor Information and Disclosures ---------------------------------------
Author Mark Rosenbloom, MD, MBA, FACEP, Fellow of the American Academy of Emergency Medicine; Overseas Fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine; Chief Executive Officer and Editiorial Director, PEPID, LLC; Founder and Chairman, The Unicorn Children's Foundation Mark Rosenbloom, MD, MBA, FACEP is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Emergency Medicine, American College of Emergency Physicians, American College of Sports Medicine, American Medical Association, and Royal Society of Medicine Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Medical Editor Richard Lavely, MD, JD, MS, MPH, Lecturer in Health Policy and Administration, Department of Public Health, Yale University School of Medicine Richard Lavely, MD, JD, MS, MPH is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Emergency Physicians, American College of Legal Medicine, and American Medical Association Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Pharmacy Editor John T VanDeVoort, PharmD, Regional Director of Pharmacy, Sacred Heart & St. Joseph's Hospitals John T VanDeVoort, PharmD is a member of the following medical societies: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Managing Editor Fred Harchelroad, MD, FACMT, FAAEM, FACEP, Chair, Department of Emergency Medicine, Director of Medical Toxicology - Allegheny General Hospital, Associate Professor, Department of Emergency Medicine, Drexel University College of Medicine Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
CME Editor John D Halamka, MD, MS, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center; Chief Information Officer, CareGroup Healthcare System and Harvard Medical School; Attending Physician, Division of Emergency Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center John D Halamka, MD, MS is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Emergency Physicians, American Medical Informatics Association, Phi Beta Kappa, and Society for Academic Emergency Medicine Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Chief Editor Asim Tarabar, MD, Assistant Professor, Director, Medical Toxicology, Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine; Consulting Staff, Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale-New Haven Hospital Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
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symptoms of vitamin d toxicity of these munchies thereDISCLAIMER: The content of this Website is not influenced by sponsors. The site is designed primarily for use by qualified physicians and other medical professionals. The information contained herein should NOT be used as a substitute for the advice of an appropriately qualified and licensed physician or other health care provider. The information provided here is for educational and informational purposes only. In no way should it be considered as offering medical advice. Please check with a physician if you suspect you are ill. Close
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