Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that is found in very few natural foods. Fish with plenty of fatty flesh have large amounts of the vitamin. Egg yolks also have some. Sunlight is another way nature has of getting the vitamin into our bodies. Because we can get too little of the vitamin, many common foods have been fortified with it. It is possible to get too little or too much of this essential vitamin. Here we will discuss some common Vitamin D side effects.

A deficiency of this vitamin is rare. However, in cases where there is very little exposure to the sun or it is not included in the diet it is possible. When supplements are taken for an extended period of time an overdose is also possible. Each has their own unique bad effects.

In general most people will not have side effects from taking too much Vitamin D. Unexplained weakness and fatigue are signs that one has consumed too much. Dry mouth along with extreme thirst may indicate one has too much of the vitamin. Many have complained of headaches, nausea and vomiting. Some have also experienced insomnia.

Too little Vitamin D also has its own bad effects. Rickets is a serious disease that can be a side effect from consuming too little of the vitamin. Rickets is a skeletal disease which can leave the person deformed physically. Weakened bones can also be a side effect. This is why Vitamin D is commonly given to help prevent bone diseases like osteoporosis.

One of the benefits of consuming Vitamin D is that it helps the body absorb calcium. However, when there is too much of the vitamin present it can cause organs to have too much calcium. The heart and kidneys can be affected by too much vitamin D consumption because of the effects of calcium that is absorbed. Too much in the system can cause hardening of the arteries.

In those who have certain diseases taking extra Vitamin D can have several side effects. Because it causes increased calcium levels, if a person has any kind of kidney disease they should not take supplements. This increase in calcium can also affect people who have an over active thyroid gland. Taking Vitamin D can also lead to kidney stones and other complications if one has lymphoma.

As a general rule, there are no adverse side effects from taking Vitamin D supplements. However, if it is taken over a long period of time the side effects can pose a problem.