**Taking Excessive Vitamin D Pills Could Pose Health Risks, Warns Prof Tim Spector**
In a recent update, Professor Tim Spector has cautioned that consuming an excessive amount of a common supplement taken daily by numerous Brits can be “dangerous.” Vitamin D is a crucial nutrient that helps in regulating the levels of calcium and phosphate in the body, essential for maintaining healthy bones, teeth, and muscles, and preventing conditions like rickets. While the major source of vitamin D is sunlight exposure to UV rays, during the autumn and winter months, there is a risk of insufficient vitamin D intake among the British population. Consequently, many individuals opt to take vitamin D supplements during this period, a practice endorsed by the NHS from October to March.
Despite the benefits, an expert emphasised the importance of being cautious about the quantity of vitamin D intake, as excessive amounts can lead to potentially harmful health issues. Professor Tim Spector elucidated further on this concern during a recent Zoe Health podcast episode. He highlighted unexpected findings from trials where individuals receiving high doses of vitamin D experienced increased fractures and falls, contrary to initial expectations. Prof Spector cautioned against self-medication with high-dose vitamin D tablets obtained from the internet, as excessive accumulation of vitamin D in the body can result in severe problems affecting nerves and muscles.
Referencing a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) in 2018, which examined data from 62 trials on vitamin D dosage and falls, it concluded that high doses of vitamin D were associated with elevated rates of fall-related incidents. Similarly, another study from 2010 featured in JAMA investigated the effects of consuming 500,000 international units (IU) of vitamin D3 daily, surpassing the NHS recommendation of 400 IU to 2,000 IU per day. This study, involving 2,892 participants, identified an “increased risk of falls and fractures” among those taking vitamin D3.
Dr Federica Amati, a podcast guest, pointed out that the ideal amount of vitamin D intake varies based on individual factors such as diet and sunlight exposure, with the recommended supplement levels excluding such considerations. The NHS advocates a daily intake of 10 micrograms (400 IU) of vitamin D for most individuals, advising against exceeding 100 micrograms (4,000 IU) daily, as it could have adverse effects such as hypercalcaemia. Prolonged intake of excessive vitamin D supplements can contribute to the accumulation of excess calcium, leading to weakened bones and potential damage to the kidneys and heart.
By prioritising the recommended daily intake guidelines for vitamin D and avoiding self-prescription of high doses, individuals can maintain healthy levels of this vital nutrient while mitigating potential health risks associated with excessive consumption.