Parents are being urged to exercise caution with children's vitamin D supplements, particularly gummy varieties, following a new analysis that highlights the risk of overdose. The study, conducted by Belgian consumer protection group Test-Achats, examined 37 vitamin D supplements intended for children aged 0 to 6 years and found that over a third contained potentially problematic concentrations.
The candy-like appearance of gummy vitamins can lead children to consume them unsupervised, increasing the risk of excessive intake. Vitamin D overdose can cause hypercalcaemia (elevated calcium in the blood), leading to symptoms such as neurological irritability, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, according to Dr Amaury de Meurichy, a paediatric nutrition specialist. In severe cases, it can damage the kidneys, causing calcium deposits or lithiasis.
The Superior Health Council (SHC) recommends a daily intake of 400 international units (10 micrograms) of vitamin D for children. Dr de Meurichy notes that overdose typically occurs only when a child takes two to ten times the maximum recommended dose over a prolonged period. However, poison control centres report that 75% of vitamin D-related calls involve children under 15, often due to mistaking supplements for sweets.
French health authorities, including ANSES, advise opting for prescribed medicines over food supplements to ensure accurate dosing and avoid combining multiple vitamin D products. The UK's National Health Service (NHS) warns against exceeding 100 micrograms (4,000 IU) daily for adults and children aged 11 to 17, and recommends consulting a healthcare professional for younger children to ensure safe intake.
Test-Achats also flagged that some supplements contain allergens and added sugars, which are not recommended for children. Parents are advised to store supplements out of reach and to seek professional guidance on appropriate vitamin D levels for their child.
