Vitamin D Supplements: Over-the-Counter Accessibility... It Is Safe?

• Published in: Journal of the Endocrine Society 2021-05, Vol.5 (Supplement_1), p.A231-A231
• Main Authors: Figueroa-Cruz, Alegyari, Villarrubia-Ocasio, Lisselle M, Madera-Marin, Luis N, Ortiz-Torres, Yineli, Vazquez-Roura, Francis, Garcia-Mateo, Jose M
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bone and Mineral Metabolism
• ISSN: 2472-1972; 2472-1972
• DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvab048.469

Calcium is the fifth most abundant element in earth and human body. It has multiple functions within our system such bone mineralization, neuromuscular excitability regulation, hemostasis, membrane transport, release of hormones and neurotransmitters, among others. For duodenal absorption of calcium, we need vitamin D, reason for which supplementation of both components is important to maintain adequate calcium homeostasis. However, it is entirely beneficial or can be harmful? As we know everything in excess has its consequences, as we describe below. 72 y/o male is brought to the ED after relative find him lethargic, she reports noticing generalized weakness that has been progressing over weeks, prominent in upper extremities with associated increased in urinary frequency. Patient past medical history is relevant for CAD, hypothyroidism, dyslipidemia, and DMT2. On physical examination patient is found hypoactive, but arousable to verbal stimuli, without distress, focal neurologic deficit, thyromegaly nor lymphadenopathy. Presents with Ca+: 18.8mg/dL (n:8.0–10.5mg/dL), that could explain patient clinical presentation for which workup for hypercalcemia is done finding PTH suppress: 14.57pg/mL (n:15-65pg/mL). Patient now with non-PTH related hypercalcemia is further evaluated and found with negative UPEP and SPEP ruling out multiple myeloma and PTH-rp