Risky Business: The Danger of Overdosing on Vitamin D in Children and How Parents Can Avoid It
A 6-month-old girl experienced serious health complications after mistakenly receiving an adult bottle of vitamin D from her parents. Dr. Thai Thien Nam, Deputy Head of the Department of Nephrology and Dialysis at the National Children’s Hospital, diagnosed the child with kidney disease due to increased levels of blood calcium, ionized calcium, and a very high concentration of vitamin D3. The parents had mistakenly given her a dose much higher than what is recommended for a child of her age.
The child was treated at the Department of Nephrology and Dialysis where she was instructed to stop all calcium and vitamin D products, receive fluids, and use diuretics to compensate for the fluid loss. After 5 days of treatment, the child showed improvement and stopped vomiting, but continued to urinate frequently. The medical team planned for her to stay off calcium and vitamin D products for at least 6 months and undergo regular examinations to monitor for complications.
Vitamin D is essential for building strong bones and boosting the immune system in children. However, when parents do not follow dosage instructions, it can lead to serious poisoning. The maximum recommended dose for vitamin D in children varies by age and exceeding these limits can result in poisoning with symptoms appearing months or even years later. Parents should always consult a doctor before giving their children any supplements or medicines to avoid health risks.
Parents must understand the importance of following dosage instructions when it comes to giving their children supplements or medicines. It is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before administering any medication or supplement to avoid adverse effects on their health.
In conclusion, this incident serves as a reminder that parents must take responsibility in ensuring that they provide their children with safe medications and supplements that are appropriate for their age group. Failure to do so can lead to severe consequences that could affect a child’s health in the long term.
