Vitamin D: toxicity and importance of monitoring in supplementation

Abstract

Introduction: Vitamin D intoxication has become frequent due to the increased use of this com­pound indiscriminately and, in many cases, without the follow-up of a specialist. Objectives: Discuss the inadequate supplementation of vitamin D, the participation of a doctor and a pharmacist and, approaching the causes and consequences of hypervitaminosis. Methods: This is a narrative review of scientific publications selected from index databases and according to the scope of the study. Results: Vitamin D has numerous benef‍its and functions in the body. Due to this, a growing interest of the population in supplementation is visible, which has caused an increase in indiscriminate con­sumption that can lead to intoxication. According to the American Institute of Medicine, toxicity is usually caused by doses above 10,000 IU/day that result in serum concentrations greater than 150 ng/ mL. As reported by different authors, the consequences of vitamin D intoxication are the develop­ment of gastrointestinal and neurological problems, and hypercalcemia, which mainly affects renal function. Conclusion: Vitamin supplementation based only on reading studies emphasizing its bene­fits is not ideal, requiring individualized and targeted medical follow-up for each patient. In addition, optimal communication between the health professional and the patient is essential so that he has a clear understanding of the prescription and avoids the inappropriate use of vitamin supplementation.