Effects of Taking 50,000 IU of Vitamin D Weekly

Vitamin D is one of 13 essential vitamins which the body needs to function. It is a fat-soluble vitamin, a fact which may play a role in its safety.

Consuming 50,000 IU of vitamin D is considerably higher than the recommended dose, and there can be health risks from exceeding these guidelines. Yet, you can realize some important health benefits. If in doubt, consult your doctor before adjusting your intake of vitamin D.

It can be difficult for some individuals to get adequate amounts of vitamin D, let alone take 50,000 IU weekly. Vitamin D is not found in many foods, though you can get it from fish such as salmon and other foods like beef liver. Much of the dietary sources of vitamin D in the American diet come from fortified foods. A glass of fortified milk will provide half of the recommended daily allowance for vitamin D, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Disease Prevention

The primary way you may receive up to 50,000 IU of vitamin D weekly is through sun exposure. According to the Vitamin D Council, your body will produce 10,000 IU of vitamin D when your skin is exposed to ultraviolet radiation from the sun for 20 to 30 minutes. Taking this amount of vitamin D a week can lower your risk from developing certain types of cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases among other conditions, according to a 2009 study in the journal, Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine. (#2)

Negative Health Effects

The current recommended daily allowance of vitamin D is 200 IU per day, according to Whole Health MD. The site further explains that most people can tolerate up to 10,000 IU per day, making the 7,142 IU to reach 50,000 IU reasonable. However, some individuals may experience ill effects such as weight loss and fever.

If you continue to receive 50,000 IU of vitamin D a week, it may lead to more serious medical problems including high blood pressure and kidney damage. Taking 50,000 IU a day can cause toxic build-up of vitamin D in your blood, according to Whole Health MD.
Increased Mineral Absorption

Despite the skin cancer risks, a 2007 study in the New England Journal of Medicine found that dosages up to 10,000 IU per day were safe for most people. The Vitamin D Council further supports this conclusion, stating the evidence of 10,000 IU a day of vitamin D toxicity is lacking.

It is worth noting that your vitamin D consumption affects your body's calcium stores. The risks of taking 50,000 IU a week lie in an increased rate of absorption of calcium and magnesium, both of which can lead to kidney stones and weaken bones. Taking 50,000 IU of vitamin D a week may increase your risk of these effects, especially if you take calcium supplements or antacids containing calcium or magnesium.

Proper Body Function

Vitamin D helps the body absorb and use calcium and phosphorus. These minerals are essential for good bone health. If you do not receive adequate amounts, your risk for osteoporosis increases. Vitamin D also has anti-inflammatory properties. It supports proper nerve and muscular function as well as the body's immune response.

If your body can tolerate it, vitamin D intake up to 50,000 IU per week can be beneficial. If you experience side effects, lower your dosage. Side effects include gastrointestinal distress or headaches.

First published Aug 10, 2010 Chris Dinesen Rogers

Sources:

Cavalier, E. et al. Vitamin D: Current Status and Perspectives. Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, February 2009, 47(2):120-127.

Holick , M. Vitamin D Deficiency. New England Journal of Medicine, July 2007, 357:266-281.

National Institutes of Health: Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet: Vitamin D – ods.od.nih.gov

Vitamin D Council: Understanding Vitamin D Cholecalciferol – vitamindcouncil.org

Yetley, E. et al. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin D: Justification for a Review of the 1997 Values. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, March 2009, 89: 719-727.