Vitamin D: Cautionary News

Every once in a while, news on the suspected abuse of a dietary supplement makes headlines; such was the case when I read my news feed this past weekend. An assistant coroner in Surrey, U.K., declared the cause of death for an 89-year-old man was excessive calcium build-up due to high levels of vitamin D supplements. He was hospitalized in May 2023 and died 10 days later. The coroner’s report just released cited his vitamin D intake as a contributor to his death.

When more vitamin D is taken in than the body can process, the possibility exists that it can release calcium from the bones, which can then settle in the coronary arteries and kidneys. Heart and kidney failure were the actual causes of death. The coroner criticized the labeling on the supplement bottles because it contained no warnings. When queried, representatives of several U.S. medical schools talked about the “dangers” of exceeding the 4,000 IU (100 mcg) upper limit for vitamin D.

I think the man’s death was tragic, but I think everyone needs to take a deep breath. There are several issues related to this situation that weren’t talked about, and I’ll cover those in the Saturday Memo.

Remember, the Real-Life Detox ebook is on sale through Sunday evening. Laptop, tablet, or smart phone, you can spring clean your liver to get ready for the summer.

What are you prepared to do today?