Vitamin D3 5000 UI daily safe?

@patriciam2021 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect, a place to give and get support.

In order for me to connect you with the right members may I clarify your questions?

You have been taking "Vitamin D3 5000 UI daily" for over 4 years and you are wondering if this dose is safe. You said that you have "vasculitis, lupus, psoriasis, IBS-D, diabetes 2, pretty much inflammation everywhere." May I ask if you have the above ailments before the D3 dose or are these ailments new in the last 4 years? I'm also wondering why you take such a high dose of D3?

I am not sure. My PA I left last year had prescribed it to me along with many other medications. my Vasculitis flare started first (severe) 2004, then switched to PA later on, my blood test came back deficient and he prescribed that dose. New aliments gerd, stomach inflammation, fatty liver disease severe, insulin resistant.. probably forgetting a few things. I am wondering if my dose will effect my absorption of other vitamins or causing my balance issues, short of breath, fatigue, etc. or whatever it may be doing to my body.

I was prescribed the same exact dosage, with much follow up blood work, the doc only allowed it for 12 weeks...hope feel better soon

I was prescribed 50,000 (yes that's a big number) of Vitamin D for a week when I was first diagnosed with breast cancer and then they suggested a dose of 2,000 per day thereafter. I've been doing that for 7 years now.

I take 5,000/day after bloodwork showed I was low. I am doing better and never noticed any negative effects. Also, I take zinc daily. Hope you feel better and get the answers you need.
blessings.
elizabeth

@patriciam2021 Hi, and welcome to Mayo Patient Connect. A dosage of 5000mg per day of Vitamin D3 is pretty substantial to be on for 4+years without reevaluation on an annual basis. Have you had a blood test to determine what your Vitamin D level is since being placed on this dosage? While often thought to be a safe vitamin, in excess, Vit D3 can cause a toxicity in our bodies.
Having just had this discussion with my transplant doctor a week ago, this subject is pretty fresh in my mind. I was on a similar high dosage only because I was also on extremely high levels of steroids which blocked Vit D3 absorption and other meds I take. Now that I’m off the steroids, it’s recommended to not take more than 2000 mg as a supplement per day.
You mentioned GERD, stomach inflammation, severe fatty liver disease, lupus, diabetes, psoriasis, IBS... I’m so sorry you’re having to deal with these other issues. Do you see a physician regularly? Are you on other medications? Any one of these situations or their meds could cause some of the symptoms you’re experiencing. With your lupus and other inflammation have you been referred to a rheumatologist or internist? A simple phone call to your physician’s office to see if reducing your dosage in the meantime would be a great place to start. It would give you peace of mind. All the best to you!

A good friend, an MD + MPH (Johns Hopkins), founded the world’s first wellness clinic. He told me to get a vit D blood test to determine how many IUs to take. He also said its a sure bet that if you live in temperate climate, you are vit D deficient.

@ess77 I was prescribed 50,000 IU of Vitamin D3 once a week because it was so low and blood test to see if level is on track.

How would vit d show up as toxicity in the body?

@penn1023 ~ Do you currently take Vit D3? Are you concerned you’re taking too much? While the vitamin is essential to our health, many of us in climates where we’re not exposed to much sun, or taking certain medications, or the lack of proper diet can leave us deficient in Vit D and its benefits. Taking supplements is a great source. But before taking anything we should check with our physicians to see if there’s any reason they would interfere with medications we’re currently taking. Have you had your Vit D level checked recently?
I found this site that might be of interest.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/vitamin-d-toxicity/faq-20058108