The NHS recommends vitamin D supplements from October to March, but warns taking too much over a long period can cause hypercalcaemia
Taking vitamin D is vital at this time of year – but it it possible to take too much, doctors say(Image: Getty Images)
The NHS has issued a warning for anyone taking vitamin D – stating it could trigger a potentially fatal condition if consumed excessively over prolonged periods. Taking vitamin D supplements is recommended by UK health authorities – particularly during these months.
The health service has stated: “From October to March we can’t make enough vitamin D from sunlight. To keep bones and muscles healthy, it’s best to take a daily 10 microgram supplement of vitamin D. You can get vitamin D from most pharmacies and retailers.”
Vitamin D supplements are remarkably inexpensive with 400 tablets available for under £8 online, working out at less than 2p daily. Vitamin D has also been associated with lowering dementia risk.
Research carried out in France discovered that people with vitamin D levels beneath 50 nmol/L were almost three times more prone to developing Alzheimer’s disease. Those at elevated risk of vitamin D deficiency, all youngsters aged between 1 and 4, and all babies (unless they’re having more than 500ml of infant formula daily) should take a daily supplement throughout the year.
Nevertheless, pharmacists and the NHS have cautioned people must be careful about overdosing by consuming excessive amounts over lengthy timeframes. The NHS stated it can result in a condition which harms the kidneys and heart: “Taking too many vitamin D supplements over a long period of time can cause too much calcium to build up in the body (hypercalcaemia). This can weaken the bones and damage the kidneys and the heart.”
“If you choose to take vitamin D supplements, 10 micrograms a day will be enough for most people. Do not take more than 100 micrograms (4,000 IU) of vitamin D a day as it could be harmful. This applies to adults, including pregnant and breastfeeding women and the elderly, and children aged 11 to 17 years.
“Youngsters aged 1 to 10 years shouldn’t have more than 50 micrograms (2,000 IU) daily. Babies under 12 months shouldn’t have more than 25 micrograms (1,000 IU) daily.”
The NHS added: “Some people have medical conditions that mean they may not be able to safely take as much. If in doubt, you should consult your doctor.
“If your doctor has recommended you take a different amount of vitamin D, you should follow their advice.
“You cannot overdose on vitamin D through exposure to sunlight. But always remember to cover up or protect your skin if you’re out in the sun for long periods to reduce the risk of skin damage and skin cancer.”
The NHS explains: “Vitamin D helps regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body. These nutrients are needed to keep bones, teeth and muscles healthy. A lack of vitamin D can lead to bone deformities such as rickets in children, and bone pain caused by a condition called osteomalacia in adults.”
Discover the warning signs you should look out for and receive medical guidance with our complimentary health newsletter from the Daily Express “Government advice is that everyone should consider taking a daily vitamin D supplement during the autumn and winter. People at high risk of not getting enough vitamin D, all children aged 1 to 4, and all babies (unless they’re having more than 500ml of infant formula a day) should take a daily supplement throughout the year.”
The late expert Dr Michael Mosley, who tragically passed away in 2024, had championed taking vitamin D supplements. He explained: “I take 25 mcg (1,000 IU), which is within the limits of what’s considered safe (anything under 100 mcg a day for adults or 50 mcg for children, according to the NHS) but closer to the sort of doses studies show you need to take to ward off infections, cancers, and maybe even dementia.”
For NHS advice on Vitamin D click here.
