Few could imagine that something as simple as a vitamin could lead to tragedy. But for 89-year-old David Mitchener from Surrey, it did.

Like many older Britons, David wanted to stay healthy. The lack of sunshine pushed him to take daily vitamin D supplements — the “sunshine vitamin” meant to strengthen bones and boost immunity. Yet what was meant to help him quietly turned fatal.

Doctors at East Surrey Hospital discovered his calcium levels were dangerously high — a condition called hypercalcaemia. Tests revealed David’s vitamin D levels had soared to 380 ng/mL, far above the healthy limit of 20. “There were no warnings on the packaging,” said Assistant Coroner Jonathan Stevens, who ruled David’s death a misadventure.

His case has now sparked a national alarm. The coroner urged the Food Standards Agency and the Department of Health to print clear warnings on supplement bottles, warning that “taken in excess, they can pose very serious risks.”

David died just ten days after being hospitalized — a sobering reminder that even good intentions can carry hidden dangers.

Perhaps the real question now is: how many others might be unknowingly at risk from something they believe is keeping them well?