Vitamin health: Risks of deficiency and overdose

Health experts warn about the risks of both vitamin deficiencies and overdoses. While a balanced diet typically provides sufficient nutrients, excessive intake of fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K can lead to health issues. For instance, excessive Vitamin A can cause nausea, headaches, and liver damage, while chronic Vitamin D overdose can result in kidney damage. The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment has reported severe poisoning in infants due to Vitamin D overdose.

Vitamin D deficiency is a widespread concern, affecting nearly 60 percent of the German population according to the German Nutrition Society. Risk groups include the elderly, people with limited sun exposure, and individuals with darker skin pigmentation, which reduces UV-B absorption. The Robert Koch Institute notes that optimal Vitamin D levels are typically measured via 25-hydroxyvitamin D serum values, with a recommended range often cited between 30 and 50 ng/ml to prevent bone-related issues like osteoporosis or rickets.