Dr Suraj Kukadia has issued a warning about vitamin D supplements
Fiona Callingham Lifestyle writer
05:14, 10 Apr 2026
A doctor warned against “overusing” a specific supplement(Image: Getty)
A doctor has issued a warning about a supplement which could potentially damage your health. The medical expert has cautioned that taking too much of this widely-used vitamin could in fact weaken your bones.
Many Brits rely on dietary supplements to fulfil their daily vitamin and mineral needs. While a healthy, well-rounded diet ought to supply all the nutrients your body requires, supplements can occasionally be essential to fill nutritional deficiencies.
This is especially true for vitamin D, which our bodies generate when we’re exposed to sunlight. As a result, the NHS advises taking it as a supplement throughout autumn and winter when daylight is in short supply.
This vital vitamin controls calcium and phosphate levels in the body, both critical for keeping bones, teeth and muscles healthy. A shortage can result in bone deformities like rickets in youngsters, and skeletal pain caused by osteomalacia in grown-ups.
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Yet, as with all supplements, there are significant warnings to bear in mind. In a clip posted on TikTok, Doctor Suraj Kukadia warned against the “overuse” of vitamin D supplements.
This could in fact cause harm to your bones. “This is a really important warning about the overuse of vitamin D supplements,” he said.
“So vitamin D, because it causes the reabsorption of calcium, if you take too much vitamin D, you can get hypercalcemia. Now this means really high calcium levels in the blood, which is bad.
“So this is bad because it can cause a paradoxical weakening of bones. It can also cause damage to your heart and kidneys.”
He recommended that unless you’ve been given “explicit instructions” from a GP or healthcare professional who knows your medical history, you should follow NHS guidance on vitamin D consumption.
You should always follow the official guidance or your GP’s advice when it comes to taking supplements(Image: Getty)
NHS advice
Dr Kukadia’s warning aligns with official NHS recommendations. The health service explains on its website: “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.”
The advised daily amount of vitamin D is 10 micrograms (mcg) – equivalent to 40 IU. Taking more than 100mcg each day could be “harmful”.
The NHS states: “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.
Taking too much vitamin D could lead to hypercalcemia(Image: Getty)
“This applies to adults, including pregnant and breastfeeding women and the elderly, and children aged 11 to 17 years.” Youngsters aged between one and 10 years should not exceed 50 micrograms (2,000 IU) per day. Babies under 12 months shouldn’t be given more than 25 micrograms (1,000 IU) daily. Additionally, some people have medical conditions that mean they might not be able to safely tolerate these levels. “If in doubt, you should consult your doctor,” the NHS advises. “If your doctor has recommended you take a different amount of vitamin D, you should follow their advice.”
It isn’t possible to overdose on vitamin D from sun exposure alone. However, you should always protect or cover your skin when spending extended time outdoors to reduce the risk of skin damage and skin cancer.
Several foods also provide a source of vitamin D. These include:
Oily fish – such as salmon, sardines, trout, herring or mackerelRed meatEgg yolksFortified foods – including certain fat spreads and breakfast cerealsLiver (avoid liver if you’re pregnant – find out about foods to avoid in pregnancy)
For more information, visit the NHS website here.
