Man's death due to Vitamin D overdose raises alarm. Are you taking too much?

A probe into the death of 89-year-old David Mitchener in UK has concluded that it was due to very high levels of vitamin D, a BBC report said. It was reported that Mr. Mitchener had been consuming vitamin supplements for at least nine months prior to his demise. Following the findings, a coroner in Surrey, UK, has urged for changes to supplement packaging regulations following the tragic death of Mr Mitchener.

After death of David Mitchener, the coroner has reached out to both the Department of Health and Social Care and the Food Standards Agency (FSA). Prior to his death, a test indicated his vitamin D levels were at very high levels of 380. The inquest concluded that Mr. Mitchener's death was due to vitamin D toxicity, hypercalcemia, and cardiac and kidney failure., the report said.

Jonathan Stevens, an assistant coroner in Surrey, expressed concerns over the potential serious risks and side effects of vitamin supplements when taken excessively. He highlighted that current labeling requirements do not mandate such risks to be stated on the packaging.


Both the FSA and the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) pledged to respond to the coroner regarding the report. A spokesperson for DHSC said that they would thoroughly consider the coroner's findings and respond accordingly.

National Health Service (NHS) guidelines of Vitamin D dosage

Vitamin D plays a crucial role in regulating calcium and phosphate levels within the body, essential for maintaining healthy bones, teeth, and muscles. Insufficient vitamin D can result in bone abnormalities like rickets in children and bone pain from osteomalacia in adults. However, prolonged excessive intake of vitamin D supplements can lead to hypercalcemia, where excessive calcium accumulates in the body, weakening bones and causing harm to the kidneys and heart.

For most individuals, a daily intake of 10 micrograms of vitamin D is adequate. It's advised not to exceed 100 micrograms (4,000 IU) per day, including adults, pregnant or breastfeeding women, the elderly, and children aged 11 to 17 years, NHS says on its website.

Children aged 1 to 10 years should not exceed 50 micrograms (2,000 IU) daily, while infants under 12 months should not surpass 25 micrograms (1,000 IU) per day. Certain medical conditions may necessitate lower vitamin D intake, so consulting a doctor is recommended if unsure.

If a healthcare professional has prescribed a different dosage of vitamin D, it's essential to adhere to their guidance.

Vitamin D dose - What Harvard Medical School Says

According to an article in Harvard Health, excessive intake of vitamin D supplements can in some cases lead to toxicity. This can result in hypercalcemia, where there's an excessive buildup of calcium in the bloodstream, potentially causing deposits in arteries or soft tissues and increasing the risk of painful kidney stones.

The article emphasizes moderation when taking vitamin D supplements, advising against exceeding 4,000 IU per day unless specifically recommended by a healthcare professional, as this is considered the safe upper limit.

For most individuals, a daily intake of 600 to 800 IU of vitamin D through supplements is likely sufficient.

Dr Susan Oliver in a tweet said the death in UK due to excessive vitamin D intake "is a timely reminder that vitamin D is not benign", saying that Vitamin D packs should outline ‘serious risks’ if taken in excessive amounts.