Medical experts are sounding the alarm after an 89-year-old man in the United Kingdom died from a Vitamin D ‘overdose’. The man, identified as David Mitchener, had high levels of Vitamin D, leading to hypercalcaemia, a condition associated with excessive intake of the vitamin. He passed away 10 days after being admitted to the hospital.

The incident has prompted local medical professionals to caution the public about the potential risks of consuming Vitamin D supplements without clear warnings about overconsumption. The Surrey assistant coroner, Jonathan Stevens, has urged regulatory bodies to mandate explicit warnings on supplement packaging to prevent future tragedies.

Stevens emphasized the need for clear labeling of risks and side effects on the packaging of vitamin supplements. He highlighted that the current food labelling requirements do not necessitate the inclusion of these crucial details. The absence of specific warnings on the packaging of the supplements in question has raised concerns about the potential for similar incidents in the future.

The post-mortem report of the deceased revealed that his Vitamin D levels were at an alarming 380, the highest ever recorded by the laboratory. This significantly exceeded the recommended level, which medical experts suggest should be maintained at 30 to ensure sufficiency. The recommended dosage for most adults is 600 international units (IUs), with exceeding this amount posing a risk of overdose, as per Mayo Clinic.

The unfortunate case of David Mitchener serves as a stark reminder of the importance of clear and comprehensive labelling on dietary supplements, particularly those with the potential for adverse effects when consumed in excess.