Hypervitaminosis DSymptoms, Doctors, Treatments, Advances & More
Learn About Hypervitaminosis D
Hypervitaminosis D is a condition that occurs after taking very high doses of vitamin D.
Vitamin D toxicity
The cause is excess intake of vitamin D. The doses need to be very high, far above what most health care providers normally prescribe.
There has been a lot of confusion about vitamin D supplementation. The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for vitamin D is 400 to 800 IU/day, according to age and pregnancy status. Higher doses may be needed for some people, such as those with vitamin D deficiency, hypoparathyroidism, and other conditions. However, most people do not need more than 2,000 IU of vitamin D a day. The doable upper level for vitamin D ranges from 25 to 100 mcg (1,000 to 4,000 IU), depending on age. Ask your provider what dose is best for you.
For most people, symptoms of vitamin D toxicity only occurs with vitamin D doses above 10,000 IU per day.
An excess of vitamin D can cause an abnormally high level of calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia). This can severely damage the kidneys, soft tissues, and bones over time.
The symptoms include:
- Constipation
- Decreased appetite (anorexia)
- Dehydration
- Fatigue and confusion
- Frequent urination
- Irritability
- Muscle weakness
- Vomiting
- Excessive thirst (polydipsia)
- High blood pressure
- Passing large amounts of urine (polyuria)
Your provider will likely tell you to stop taking vitamin D. In severe cases, other treatment may be needed.
Candelas Clinic - Diabetes & Endocrinology & Education
Dr. Stanciu was born and raised in Bucharest, Romania, where she earned her Doctor of Medicine from Carol Davila University. She continued her medical training with an internship in general surgery and a general medicine residency in Bucharest, Romania. Dr. Stanciu moved to the United States in 1997 to complete an Internal Medicine Residency at Cook County Hospital in Chicago. She then completed an Endocrinology Fellowship at Loyola University in Maywood, Illinois.Dr. Stanciu is board-certified in endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism, and internal medicine. She has expertise in parathyroid, osteoporosis, and other metabolic bone disorders (including rare bone disorders).Dr. Stanciu believes in engaging patients in learning about their disease and available treatment options to achieve the best possible outcomes. She aims to make patients comfortable with their treatment decisions, knowledgeable about the disease process, and encourage them to actively participate in their healing by promoting a healthy and active lifestyle.“I am thorough in my evaluation so I can understand the root cause of the disease, find the appropriate treatment option, and explain to the patient in easy-to-understand language. I love to see the patient getting back to an active lifestyle.”When she is not working, Dr. Stanciu enjoys the beautiful weather and mountains of Colorado, where she can be found hiking and camping in the summer and skiing in the winter. She has two daughters, one granddaughter, and three grandsons.Dr. Stanciu is a 5280 Magazine Top Doctor for 2020, 2021, 2023, and 2024. Dr. Stanciu is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Hypervitaminosis D. She is also highly rated in 18 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal Osteoporosis, Hyperparathyroidism, and Neonatal Severe Hyperparathyroidism. Dr. Stanciu is board certified in American Board Of Radiology and American Board Of Internal Medicine. Dr. Stanciu is currently accepting new patients.
Endeavor Health Medical Group
Stuart Sprague, DO, a nephrologist at Endeavor Health, brings decades of clinical experience and research to the care of patients with kidney disease. His work spans rare diseases, mineral metabolism and complex diagnostic challenges. Dr. Sprague is known for a patient-centered approach, especially for those who don’t fit typical treatment algorithms, and he continues to explore innovations in dialysis and artificial kidney development. Dr. Sprague is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Hypervitaminosis D. He is also highly rated in 36 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Chronic Kidney Disease, Hypercalcemia, Milk-Alkali Syndrome, Parathyroidectomy, and Kidney Transplant. Dr. Sprague is board certified in American Board Of Internal Medicine.
University Of Minnesota Masonic Children's Hospital
Lynn Burmeister is an Endocrinologist practicing medicine in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Dr. Burmeister is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Hypervitaminosis D. She is also highly rated in 13 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Thyroid Cancer, Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma, Hypervitaminosis D, Follicular Thyroid Cancer, and Thyroidectomy.
Recovery is expected, but permanent kidney damage can occur.
Health problems that can result from taking too much vitamin D over a long time include:
- Dehydration
- Hypercalcemia
- Kidney damage
- Kidney stones
Contact your provider if:
- You or your child shows symptoms of hypervitaminosis D and has been taking more vitamin D than the RDA
- You or your child shows symptoms and has been taking a prescription or over-the-counter form of vitamin D
To prevent this condition, pay careful attention to the correct vitamin D dose. Use vitamin D supplements from reliable licensed sources.
Many combination vitamin supplements contain vitamin D, so check the labels of all the supplements you are taking for vitamin D content.
Published Date: October 19, 2025
Published By: Sandeep K. Dhaliwal, MD, board-certified in Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Springfield, VA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Bilezikian JP, Walker MD, Binkley N, Goltzman D, Mannstadt M. Hormones and disorders of mineral metabolism. In: Melmed S, Auchus RJ, Goldfine AB, Rosen CJ, Kopp PA, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 15th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 27.
Greenbaum LA. Vitamin D deficiency (rickets) and excess. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, et al, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 69.
Mason JB, Booth SL. Vitamins, trace minerals, and other micronutrients. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 199.
National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements website. Vitamin D fact sheet for health professionals. ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-HealthProfessional/. Updated June 27, 2025. Accessed November 3, 2025.