I have been taking a vitamin D supplement for a year now - three times a day with the average amount being less than the maximum recommended dosage. It was recommended to me to help with brain function. I have Chiari, and my brain does not work the best - so I started taking it faithfully and, eventually, without thinking.
Now, I found out that I have vitamin D toxicity with a variety of symptoms (nausea, constipation, more and different brain confusion/fatigue that does not make sense, breast tenderness and swelling, loose teeth, increased thirst and increased urination, nerve stuff, and high blood pressure).
I stopped taking the vitamins yesterday and should be fine soon enough. I am just really embarrassed that this happened! I try hard to research stuff to make sure that any treatment is appropriate for me and safe. Well - I won't die, but it is irksome that had extra fatigue on top of what CHiari hands out. Maybe I will start marathon running once my blood calcium levels are regulated.
Take home message - vitamins are not always safe - duh I thought I knew this!
PS Would anybody like some vitamin D and B complex bottles?
Vitamin D is so important for health but because our bodies also make it from sunlight (and limited amounts from some foods) there is a real risk of toxicity for many people who also supplement. Always worth asking your doctor for regular monitoring if you are taking supplements.
gabby, these things happen to the best of us. We try our best and it’s all we can do. Don’t be too hard on yourself. What matters most is you realized your oversight and now are on the road back to wellness. Thanks for important reminder through your experience.
Everyone makes mistakes. The important thing is we learn from them.
The toxicity is true for many supplements, I suppose. I know for sure vitamin A is good for skin, I think also for nails and hair, when taken in small doses(as in supplements). In large doses it can cause organ function faliure. I had to take meds that were vitamin A in high doses- it is so toxic that 3 doctors refused to treat me with it. The A vitamin in high doses also may cause symptoms similar to chiari- fatigue, muscle pain and other that I have forgotten.
Thanks for important reminder through your experience.