Can Vitamin D Supplements Cause Acne?

Can Vitamin D Supplements Cause Acne

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that helps to keep our bones and teeth healthy. It can be found in food, such as oily fish, eggs, and supplements.

Some research has suggested that vitamin D could also have other health benefits, such as reducing the risk of certain cancers, heart disease, and diabetes.

However, there is a notion that too much vitamin D can cause skin problems such as acne. In this article, we will explore the link between vitamin D and acne and whether or not supplementing with this vitamin can cause breakouts.

So, if you are wondering, ‘Can vitamin d supplements cause acne?’, then simply read on.

Can vitamin D cause skin problems

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is considered a ‘fat-soluble’ vitamin, meaning that it can be stored in the body for long periods. This is why it is often referred to as the ‘sunshine vitamin,’ as our bodies can produce it when exposed to sunlight.

Once produced, vitamin D travels to the liver and kidneys, converting it into a calcitriol hormone. This hormone then helps to regulate the levels of calcium and phosphorus in the body, which are essential for healthy bones and teeth.

Acne on chin

Vitamin D can also be obtained from foods such as oily fish, eggs, and fortified cereals. However, getting enough vitamin D from diet alone is difficult, which is why many people choose to take supplements.

💡 Acne in the mouth and other health issues can occur when your body stores too much Vitamin D.

Can too much vitamin D cause acne

Woman with acne

Vitamin D intake can turn harmful or helpful, depending on various factors. Whether you take a normal or excessive dosage, when combined with certain factors, it may come out differently. Some of the factors that affect the effectiveness of vitamin D intake include:

  • Where you live: How much good vitamin D exposure do you get in your region?
  • Age: The ability to produce vitamin D reduces as you grow old
  • Weight: With Vitamin D being stored in fat, people with obesity have reduced vitamin circulation in the blood.
  • Food intake: A balanced and healthy diet can help reduce the risk of negative effects from too much vitamin D.
  • Preexisting conditions: Some health conditions can make it difficult to process or absorb vitamin D.

These are certain conditions that can have an impact on your vitamin D intake.

So, if you are wondering, ‘Can Vitamin D supplements cause acne?’, here is the answer.

💡Acne is a common skin condition that can cause blocked pores, inflammation, and spots. Although there is no definitive link between acne and vitamin D, some studies have suggested that there may be a connection.

As per research, if you take in excessive Vitamin D supplementation for a prolonged time, you may develop hypercalcemia. 

Vitamin D supplements help our intestines absorb calcium from our food. When there is an excess of calcium in our body, it can lead to a condition called hypercalcemia. This can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and constipation. In some cases, it is also known to cause itching and other skin issues.

This usually occurs when a person has vitamin D deficiency and is prescribed Vitamin D supplementation. However, they might not have monitored the dosage or medical levels for a long time and keep on taking it even when their levels are optimal. You may reach a stage where the reduced supplementation intake may be enough, or you have moved to an area where you get more Vitamin D from sunlight. Whatever the reason, in such cases, your vitamin D levels may be higher than needed. This is the situation where adverse effects may start to unveil.

This condition is called hypervitaminosis D. The after-effects of this condition may be the reason for acne or other skin problems.

So, to avoid the effects of acne, it is important to talk to your doctor about the right dosage of vitamin D supplement for you. Even though it is quite unclear about ‘Can Vitamin D supplements cause acne?’, do not always take over-the-counter supplements without the advice of your doctor or medical practitioner. If you are taking a supplement, make sure to have your levels checked regularly so that you can adjust the dose accordingly.

Hope this article was of help to you. Don’t forget to share your thoughts! 💡

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