A health alert has been issued after 16 people in Spain were hospitalised from “defective” vitamin D tablets.
Officials say the supplements, bought online without medical advice, caused dangerous overdoses. “High doses can seriously harm your kidneys, heart, and bones,” warned the Spanish Ministry of Health.
Patients, once healthy, developed symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and severe abdominal pain. Some were diagnosed with acute kidney failure, a life-threatening condition. Experts say too much vitamin D can cause calcium build-up, damaging organs and weakening bones.
Doctors stress that supplements should only be taken if a blood test confirms a deficiency. In the UK, the NHS says most people get enough vitamin D from sunlight in spring and summer, but may need 10 micrograms daily in autumn and winter.
Nutrition expert Dr. Rachel Woods warns, “Many people take supplements for years without knowing they’re overdoing it.” She explains that fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K can build up in the body. This incident is a stark reminder — more is not always better when it comes to health.
