The lack of vitamin D toxicity with megadose of daily ergocalciferol (D2) therapy: a case report and literature review.

Full Abstract

The maximum daily dose of vitamin D currently recommended is 2000 IU. Ergocalciferol (D2) 50,000 IU orally weekly for 8-12 weeks is often used to treat vitamin D deficient patients (25(OH) vitamin D <20 ng/mL). The lack of vitamin D toxicity after massive doses of ergocalciferol has yet to be reported in the literature. We report a case of a 56-year-old woman who received supratherapeutic doses of ergocalciferol (150,000 IU orally daily) for 28 years without toxicity. We discuss the possible mechanisms which may account for a lack of toxicity despite intake of massive daily doses of ergocalciferol in this patient.

Author information

Author/s: Stephenson, David W (DW); Peiris, Alan N (AN);

Affiliation: Department of Endocrinology, Mountain Home VAMC, Mountain Home, TN , USA.

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Case Reports; Journal Article; Review

Journal: Southern medical journal (South Med J), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2009-Jul; vol 102 (issue 7) : pp 765-8

Dates: Created 2009/06/29; Completed 2009/07/15;

PMID: 19488004, status: MEDLINE (last retrieved date: 7/24/2009)

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