Man dies of vitamin D toxicity — experts warn the risk of overdose is real

Experts are sounding the alarm after a man recently died from a vitamin D overdose.

David Mitchener, 89, passed away in suburban London, England, after taking high levels of the supplement for nine months prior to his death.

Members of the local medical community are now taking the opportunity to warn the public of the risks of taking the common supplement, the risks of which they say are not often well advertised.

“There were no warning on or in the packaging detailing the specific risks or side effects of taking Vitamin D supplements,” coroner Jonathan Stevens wrote in his official report. “In my opinion there is a risk that future deaths will occur unless action is taken.”

The deceased is said to have shown the highest possible recorded levels of vitamin D in his body. Post-mortem tests showed his vitamin D levels to be 380, “the maximum level recordable by the laboratory.” Harvard recommends adults maintain a level of 30 to “guarantee sufficiency.”

In terms of dosage, 600 international units (IUs) is the recommended amount for most adults.