:format(jpg):quality(99):watermark(f.elconfidencial.com/file/a73/f85/d17/a73f85d17f0b2300eddff0d114d4ab10.png,0,275,1)/f.elconfidencial.com/original/8ef/d09/86f/8efd0986f71c9fab1d4668fb73dfa79a.jpg "8efd0986f71c9fab1d4668fb73dfa79a.jpg")
Nephrologist Warns Against Unmonitored Vitamin D Supplements Due to Kidney Stone Risk
A prominent nephrologist is raising alarms over the growing trend of unmonitored Vitamin D supplementation, warning that excessive intake can lead to severe kidney complications, including the formation of stones.
Borja Quiroga, a specialist in kidney health, has observed a troubling pattern of patients suffering from the consequences of over-supplementation. Sharing a stark reality from his clinical experience, Quiroga stated, “I have seen people who have come in with kidneys full of stones.”
The risk stems from the biological role Vitamin D plays in how the body processes calcium. While the vitamin is essential for maintaining bone health, excessive levels can trigger an over-absorption of calcium. When this occurs, the excess calcium can crystallize in the renal system, leading to the development of kidney stones. This highlights a critical public health concern: while many view supplements as harmless wellness boosters, fat-soluble vitamins can accumulate to dangerous levels if not managed correctly.
Quiroga cautioned against the common misconception that “more is better” when it comes to nutrient intake. He noted that the current trend of self-prescribing Vitamin D without a medical diagnosis can be counterproductive and potentially harmful to renal function.
To avoid these risks, the expert emphasizes that supplementation should only be pursued after a clinical deficiency has been confirmed. According to Quiroga, any regimen involving Vitamin D should be strictly overseen by a healthcare provider to ensure the dosage is appropriate for the patient’s specific needs.
This warning underscores the importance of medical guidance in an era of increasing over-the-counter supplement use, ensuring that efforts to improve health do not inadvertently lead to chronic organ damage. For more detailed perspectives on this issue, readers can explore reports from El Confidencial and El HuffPost.
