This Morning: Dr Chris discusses vitamin D and Covid
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Toxicity occurs when you have excessive amounts of vitamin D in your body. Taking too many vitamin D supplements over a long period of time can cause too much calcium to build up in the body. You cannot overdose on vitamin D through exposure to sunlight, though you can from supplements. If you choose to take vitamin D supplements, 10 micrograms a day will be enough for most people, according to the NHS.
Vitamin D helps regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body, which are both needed to keep bones, teeth and muscles healthy.
You should not not take more than 100 micrograms of vitamin D a day as it could be harmful.
The signs are varied, and some of which may be associated with consuming too much alcohol. Indeed, it’s well-known that heavy drinking can lead to slurred speech in the short term.
The American Addiction Centre explains that when alcohol enters the bloodstream and is sent all over the body, including to the brain.
It states: “All areas of the brain will be affected by the presence of alcohol, but some of these effects will be more apparent than others.
“More immediate changes after a couple of drinks include stumbling and forgetting words.”
Indeed, the Cleveland Clinic says that ataxia can occur, which is a neurological condition that may cause slurring of words and stumbling. Dysarthria occurs when the muscles you use for speech are weak or you have difficulty controlling them.
The Mayo Clinic says: “Signs and symptoms of dysarthria vary, depending on the underlying cause and the type of dysarthria.”
Dysarthria can be a sign of a serious condition, so you should see your doctor if you have sudden or unexplained changes in your ability to speak.
Nonetheless, if you think you have vitamin D toxicity, there are a number of other signs to look out for.
Indeed, nausea, increased thirst, urination and poor appetite are also all signs. You may also notice constipation, weakness, and confusion.
The Cleveland Clinic notes: “Do not take higher than recommended doses of vitamin D without first discussing it with your doctor.”
It adds: “However, your doctor might recommend higher doses of vitamin D if he or she is checking your blood levels and adjusting your dose accordingly.”
Although toxicity can be dangerous, the NHS says there are also symptoms of a vitamin D deficiency, which can be harmful too.
The health body says that these can include muscle aches and weakness, a waddling gait, chronic widespread pain, or bone pain in the lower back, pelvis and foot.
Dietary vitamin D is available in foods such as oily fish, cod liver oil, red meat, fortified cereals, fortified margarine/spreads and egg yolks.
In the UK, milk is not fortified with vitamin D, so dairy products contain only small amounts of vitamin D.
In summer months, the majority of the population will get enough vitamin D through exposure to sunlight and a healthy, balanced diet.
Between October and early March the NHS says we do not make enough vitamin D from sunlight, so you need to get vitamin D from your diet.
Around 20 percent of adults may have low vitamin D status, and there are several main risk factors for vitamin D deficiency. If you or someone you care for is in a higher risk group they may need to take vitamin D supplements.
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