What Happens to Your Brain with Too Much Vitamin D? The Shocking Truth

The Brain and Vitamin D: A Delicate Balance

Well, let’s talk about vitamin D—something that most of us think of as essential for bone health and immune support. But what happens if you get too much of it? I’m sure you’ve heard that everything is good in moderation, right? But how does excess vitamin D actually impact the brain?

Honestly, I was surprised to learn how much vitamin D affects not just your bones but your brain too. In fact, vitamin D receptors are found all over the brain, meaning this nutrient plays a pretty big role in regulating your mental function.

When you get too much of it, things can go south pretty quickly. It’s not just about having stronger bones—too much can mess with your mood, cognition, and even cause symptoms like confusion. So, before you rush to take that extra supplement, let's break down the consequences.

What Does Excess Vitamin D Do to Your Brain?

The Risk of Vitamin D Toxicity

Actually, I used to think you couldn’t really get too much vitamin D from the sun, but that’s not exactly true. Over-the-counter vitamin D supplements are everywhere, and it’s easy to take more than you need.

Excess vitamin D causes a condition called hypervitaminosis D, which is more common than you might think. It can lead to a build-up of calcium in the bloodstream, a condition known as hypercalcemia. And this, my friend, is where things start getting complicated.

Hypercalcemia can mess with the brain in several ways—like causing confusion, brain fog, and even irritability. I remember reading a case about a guy who started feeling "off" after a long period of taking large doses of vitamin D. He couldn’t think straight, felt fatigued, and just couldn’t get his mind to work right. And sure enough, the culprit was the excess vitamin D.

Mood Swings and Mental Health Issues

This might sound surprising, but too much vitamin D can actually make you more prone to mood swings or even depression. Yeah, I know, it doesn’t seem like it should have that kind of effect, but there’s a connection.

When there’s too much calcium in your blood, it affects how your neurons function, which in turn can influence your mood. Honestly, I didn't realize the potential link between vitamin D and depression until a close friend of mine went through something similar. He was on high-dose vitamin D for a while (for health reasons), and he started noticing a dip in his mood, almost like a cloud hanging over him. Once his doctor adjusted his dosage, he started feeling better.

So, the next time you think you’re boosting your mood with that extra vitamin D, be careful—it might be doing the opposite.

Cognitive Decline: The Less-Discussed Impact

Okay, now this one is particularly interesting—and kind of scary. Excess vitamin D doesn’t just make you feel "off" mentally, it can actually impair cognitive function. Over time, too much vitamin D may even contribute to conditions like dementia or Alzheimer’s. Sounds a bit wild, right?

The way it works is a bit tricky. Too much calcium can build up in the brain, disrupting the normal function of neurons. This buildup can lead to neurotoxicity and even accelerate neurodegeneration, especially in older individuals.

I know—this feels pretty overwhelming, but stay with me. One study found that older adults who were regularly overdosing on vitamin D were more likely to show cognitive decline. It’s something I didn’t expect to see tied to vitamin D, but it’s an area of ongoing research.

How Much is Too Much?

Now that we know excess vitamin D can mess with our brains, you're probably wondering: how much is actually too much? Well, it really depends on a few factors, like your age, diet, and whether you take supplements.

The general recommendation is to aim for around 600 to 800 IU (International Units) of vitamin D per day. Going above 4,000 IU per day consistently could push you into the risk zone, but again, this can vary.

Honestly, I always thought I could just pop a vitamin D pill if I felt like it, but I’ve learned it’s important to get a blood test to know where you stand. The right amount for you is often a lot less than you might think. And don’t just follow the "more is better" mindset—balance is key!

My Experience with Vitamin D Overload

Speaking from personal experience, I used to take vitamin D like it was candy, especially in the winter months when I didn’t get much sun. I thought, "Hey, this will help my mood and energy," but after a few months, I noticed feeling sluggish, and honestly, my focus started to fade. I didn't put two and two together at first. It wasn’t until I got my vitamin D levels checked that I realized I was overdosing. I adjusted the dosage, and almost immediately, my mind felt clearer.

If you're feeling off mentally and you're taking vitamin D regularly, it might be worth checking in with your doctor and asking about your levels.

At the end of the day, vitamin D is incredibly important for overall health, including brain function. But like most things, too much of it can backfire. Be careful with supplements, and don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional if you’re unsure. You want to feel great, not foggy and frustrated, right? So, pay attention to the signs your body gives you—and keep that balance!

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How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

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Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

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Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

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Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

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Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.