High Doses of Vitamins

Lead to Vitamin Toxicity

DEAR DR. ROACH: I have been diagnosed with vitamin D toxicity, according to the blood work from a month ago -- my result was 122 ng/mL. I was taking high doses of vitamin D3 in pill form (15,000 IU a day for three years) bought from a drugstore. I have stopped taking it, but I need to know how long it will take to have a normal amount in my body. (Weeks, months?) Can you shed any light on this question? I would like to take it again when my level comes down, but in a lower amount. Also, by any chance, would the high amount of D3 in my system have any correlation to a diagnosis of stenosis of the aortic valve? -- C.I.

ANSWER: Vitamin D toxicity is not common. I have seen one case in my career requiring hospitalization, due to a very high elevation of the blood calcium level. Vitamin D increases absorption of calcium from food through the intestines.

In addition, calcium can come out of bones in people with very high levels of vitamin D. With high vitamin D levels, calcium levels can also become dangerously high. Common symptoms of very high calcium levels include constipation, nausea and vomiting, muscle weakness, kidney stones, and neurological symptoms, including poor concentration and fatigue. These symptoms tend to happen at levels higher than yours, above 150 ng/mL. Years of high calcium levels can absolutely cause existing heart valve disease to worsen quickly.

In cases of acute intoxication from vitamin D, available treatments include steroids and pamidronate (an injectable medicine similar to alendronate and other drugs used to treat osteoporosis), which can quickly bring the calcium levels back down to normal.

Without this kind of intervention, a vitamin D level will still come down on its own, only more gradually. Vitamin D3 is removed slowly from the body, because it can go into fat tissue. It takes about two months for half the excess to be removed from the body, but because the active forms are removed more quickly, toxicity from excess vitamin D3 usually only lasts for weeks, not months. Still, you are likely not to need any vitamin D for many months, and if you do take it again, do not exceed the safe dose of 5,000 IU a day. I recommend you also get your blood levels tested. Recent studies have questioned the benefit of supplemental vitamin D for most people, although some people, such as those with osteoporosis and low vitamin D levels, probably still benefit.

I’m very glad you wrote. Many people still don’t know that excess of some vitamins can occasionally be dangerous. Vitamin A is the other vitamin where high levels can be very dangerous.

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Dr. Roach regrets that he is unable to answer individual questions, but will incorporate them in the column whenever possible. Readers may email questions to ToYourGoodHealth@med.cornell.edu.

© 2023 North America Synd., Inc. All Rights Reserved

Reduce Your Risk Of Stroke

(NAPSI)—An estimated 2.7 million Americans are living with a condition that can lead to blood clots, stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications. Fortunately, a leading health organization is working to help these individuals reduce their risk of developing such dangerous conditions.

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is defined as a quivering or irregular heartbeat. Often, strokes that occur for no known cause can be linked to AFib, which a person may not even be aware they have.

The American Heart Association (AHA)—the world’s leading voluntary health organization dedicated to being a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives—wants all people living with AFib to understand how they can reduce their risk of cardiac complications.

“AFib can have symptoms such as an irregular-feeling heartbeat, shortness of breath and light-headedness or it can have no symptoms at all. Even if you are not experiencing symptoms of AFib, your stroke risk is still increased five-fold,” says Patrick Ellinor, M.D., Ph.D., cardiologist at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Health care providers score a patient’s risk of a stroke caused by AFib by taking into account such factors as age, sex, and pre-existing conditions including hypertension, diabetes, vascular disease, and prior stroke or ischemic attack.

“IfyoususpectyouhaveAFib,meetwithyourdoctor.AFibcanbemanaged, helping you avoid stroke and live a longer, healthier life,” adds Ellinor.

The AHA offers a free online community for those diagnosed with AFib, My Afib Experience. The initiative was made possible by an educational grant from the Bristol Myers Squibb and Pfizer Alliance. To learn more, visit www.heart.org/afibawareness.

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Unit #63, rented in the name of Peter Faine, l.k.a., Dansville, NY 14437, for the past due amount of $480.00. All contents are to be disposed at the discretion of the landlord.

Unit #257, rented in the name of Montana W. Garrett, l.k.a., Wayland, NY 14572, for the past due amount of $225.00. All contents are to be disposed at the discretion of the landlord.

Unit #175 rented in the name of Douglas Grant, l.k.a., Tupper Lake, NY 12986, for the past due amount of $220.00. All contents are to be disposed at the discretion of the landlord.

Unit #108 AND #114, rented in the name of Robyn Hensler, l.k.a., Rochester, NY 14620, for the past due amount of $430.00. All contents are to be disposed at the discretion of the landlord.

Unit #78, rented in the name Shiella Schledorn, l.k.a., Dansville, NY 14437, for the past due amount of $230.00. All contents are to be disposed at the discretion of the landlord.

THIS WILL BE THE ONE AND ONLY NOTICE PERTAINING TO THESE DELINQUENCIES!!

e above-named tenants have been, or attempted to be, noti ed of this action as required by State law as stated in the rental agreement. All contents to be disposed of at the discretion of the landlord.

e past due amounts will be increased by the passage of time incurring additional rent/late charges and any other additional expenses including, but not limited to, the cost of inventory, transportation, labor and disposal of items. All payments for redemption of these goods must be made in cash, money order or certi ed check. NO PERSONAL CHECKS WILL BE ACCEPTED. Final date for payment in full is March 8, 2023, at the Landlord’s place of business. All payments in full must be with the understanding the units could be vacated at that time and the goods could be removed in total. An additional $50.00 fee will be assessed against the Tenant’s account at this time for additional labor involved in the removal of property from the unit. e property will be disposed of by any means the Landlord deems t and necessary.

April 12, 2022

Dear Mr. Curtiss, ank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with me. Hearing from passionate individuals like you inspires me every day, and I welcome the opportunity to respond to your letter.

Our country faces many challenges, and the road we will travel together will be one of the most di cult in our history. Despite these tough times, I have never been more optimistic for the future of America. I believe we are better positioned than any country in the world to lead in the 21st century not just by the example of our power, but by the power of our example.

While we may not always agree on how to solve every issue, I pledge to be a President for all Americans. I am con dent that we can work together to nd common ground to make America a more just, prosperous, and secure nation.

As we move forward to address the complex issues of our time, I encourage you to remain an active participant in helping write the next great chapter of the American story. We need your courage and dedication at this critical time, and we must meet this moment together as the United States of America. If we do that, I believe that our best days still lie ahead.

Sincerely,

SNAP & Share SNA

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