Vitamin D3 and Calcium overdose

Vitamin D3 and Calcium overdose

by Jo Ann
(Cook, Illinois)

I've been taking VitaminD3, 5000IU, and 1650mg. of Calcium with vitamin D.

I've had severe lower abdomen pains with no control over bowel movements, pain increases before bowel movements and lessens after, but will not stop until system is completely gone of all waste. Headaches, weakness, and I'm getting afraid to eat, as it starts the pain, cramps, and bowels movements again. Also dry mouth.

Could this be the problem taking to much of vitamin D and Calcium?

Comments for
Vitamin D3 and Calcium overdose

Click here to add your own comments

It might be your supplements, might not be
by: Admin

How long have you been taking these supplements for?

Based on research and credible sources, this is what I have found.

2000 to 5000 IU of Vitamin D is usually recommended because many people are deficient in this vitamin. So that seems fine.

Taking over 2,500 mg/day of calcium on a continuous basis may lead to stomach problems.

If you're taking 1650mg combined with a healthy diet you should be fine.

Are your supplements stand alone products? Does your vitamin D3 supplement contain any calcium?

And how much vitamin D is in your calcium supplement? It is very important to read the product labels.

As a general rule, 2000 to 5000 IU of vitamin D is safe. This in the form of vitamin D3 is fine.

Taking more than 2500 mg of calcium daily can cause side effects.

So perhaps the 1650 mg of calcium plus calcium you're getting from your diet is causing these stomach problems.

Remember these are general guidelines, everyone may react a bit different. That might be too much calcium for you.

If these stomach problems continue I would lower the amount of calcium, and if it gets worse consult your doctor.

Side effects from calcium usually occur over time, meaning if you supplemented a little too much calcium one time you probably won't react. It's chronic use that can cause health problems.

So perhaps it's just a coincidence or a stomach flu.

Vitamin D and Calcium Overdose
by: Jo Ann

I checked the amount of calcium and vitamin D3 I have been taking. I've been taking 6600IU of Vitamin D and 1800mg. of calcium over a three month period.

That is probably too much
by: Admin

First off, these are just my opinions based on research and what information you have expressed.

If your situation does not improve or gets worse, you should consult your doctor.

It looks like you're taking too much, and the fact that this has been over the course of 3 months confirms that it's probably not a coincidence.

I would reduce the amount of both vitamin D and calcium that you're taking. You don't need that much and depending on your body size, you could probably supplement about half that.

It is suggested that 5000 IU of vitamin D supplemented should be the limit, so you're over that by 1660 IU.

For most people, 1000 to 1300 mg of calcium is required as a minimum for good health. With your diet you might be close to 2000 mg per day.

So reduce your supplementation and lower these amounts. I would imagine it might take a few days or weeks to get all back to normal.

When you're feeling better, it looks like half the amount you're currently taking should be fine.

Don't let this deter you from getting proper levels of vitamin D and calcium, because for many women these are extremely important.

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How?
Simply click here to return to Supplement Ratings