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Reactions to vitamin d tablets

Posted , 3 users are following.

linda39627
linda39627

ive been taking 40,000 iu for 8 weeks and after each week i end up with some form of itching. It seems to affect different places. First i had a really itchy sore chin and the next week one of my ears itched on the outside. Then for a few days its as if the skin has been burnt /dry and flaky. This i feel is just an allergy to the tablets,but i now have the feeling that i need the loo more frequently . I have had a course of antibiotics but still feels the same. Im just wondering if my bladder has reacted like the other areas and was just wondering if anybody else had had any problems with their waterworks when taking these tablets.

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • EileenH
    EileenH linda39627

    Posted

    Most sources say there are no notable side effects to vit D per se - but it may be something in the tablets which differ in "filler" from manufacturer to manufacturer. Are you taking them all at once or in split doses? Mostly they give 60,000iU a week and you can take them on one day or split the doses to 3 x 20,000IU (20,000IU is the usual size of tablet). Perhaps taking it on different days might help?

    Are you on any other medications that you started about the same time? 

    • linda39627
      linda39627 EileenH

      Posted

      Hi Eileen

      I am taking the dose all in one go and no ive not started taking any other tablets. I can cope with the skin irritation but i feel they have irritated my bladder too. I am allergic to lanolin,food colouring and preservatives but i wouldnt think they contained those.thanks for your reply tho

    • EileenH
      EileenH linda39627

      Posted

      The best person to ask is the pharmacist to find out what is in the tablets.

      Although whenever I've looked before I've found "no significant side effects", I have just found an article on the Mayo Clinic site which does actually confirm your suspicions: 

      "Vitamin D may cause allergic skin reactions (inflammation, irritation, rash, and thinning), build-up of calcium in the arteries, changes in cholesterol levels, daytime sleepiness, excessive vitamin D levels, hardening of the arteries, headaches, increased calcium excretion or levels, increased risk of falls and fractures, increased risk of heart attack and stroke, increased risk of high blood pressure during pregnancy, increased risk of urinary tract infection, kidney or urinary stones, muscle pain, respiratory tract infection, and stomach problems (constipation, cramps, diarrhea, upset stomach, and vomiting)"

      This is in an article talking about using doses of up to 300,000IU so the lower doses will be associated with fewer problems I would think. However - maybe it is worth getting your GP to check your urine for an infection and it is perfectly possible that the vit D may be causing urinary stones. That is something I'm bothered with when I'm taking calcium tablets if I have a day where I drink less fluids, because of travelling or being out and about - you know how you tend not to have those extra cups of tea and it's a nuisance having to find a toilet! I tend to miss taking my calcium tablets in that situation to save having to drink so much.

      Do hope it clears up - but maybe it would be better to take a lower dose for a bit longer, or say 5,000 IU  every day (35,000IU/week) rather than the 40,000IU all at once since you say you notice it after taking the big dose. But thank you for making me go back and look again!

  • lini38837
    lini38837 linda39627

    Posted

    Hi Linda,

    I was treated last year with 3x 20,000 units per week for 8 weeks. I felt unwell with the supplements, they affected my stomach, made me feel sick and bloated, constipated and urges to pee more and sharp pain. However, I kept going and also took magneium with the prescription and eventually I stopped feeling so ill. It took about 3 months until the affects went away. I have to say that my skin was the same- dry, sore, flaky and dull and eventually started to look better after last summer.I am still recovering from having low levels - level 8 when diagnosed in April last year. i am now at level 56. Alot of my bone pain in my legs, ribs and sternum, muscle pains,brain fog, low mood etc has gone. I am gradually building up my body and it feels as if I am slowly getting well. It has been terrible at times and ard to keep the faith! 

    My health went down hill about 5 years ago and my Doctor and another specialist thinks it has all been caused by vit d levels- and osteomalacia.

    I wish you well- don't give up on supplements as they will help you plus 15 mins in the summer sun in UK every day will help you recover.

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