'DO NOT CONSUME'
Urgent recall of vitamin D supplements over fears they could trigger ‘life-threatening heart issues and anorexia’
The over-the-counter supplements could also result in nausea, extreme thirst and excessive urine production
TWO vitamin D supplements have been recalled as they could trigger vomiting, anorexia, and life-threatening heart issues.
The oral drops and solution, made by TriOn Pharma, contain higher levels of D3 than written on the label.
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"Excessive intakes of vitamin D can cause various adverse health effects because of hypercalcaemia (high blood calcium level)," the Food Standards Agency warned.
"Symptoms and signs may include anorexia, nausea, vomiting, weakness, lethargy, constipation and non-specific aches and pains, as well as thirst, polyuria (excessive urine production), weight loss and cardiac dysrhythmias (irregular or abnormal heart beat)."
The warning applies to:
- Aactive D3 2,000iu/ml Oral Drops - 20ml, batch code LS23317, best before November 2025
- Aactive D3 2,000iu/ml Oral Solution - 50ml, batch code LS23318, best before November 2025
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Shoppers are urged to stop using the products immediately and return them to their nearest store for a full refund.
The FSA added: "High levels of vitamin D3 have been found in the products listed above. TriOn Pharma is recalling them.
"If you have bought any of them, do not consume them.
"Instead, return them to the store from where they were bought for a full refund."
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For more information contact TriOn Pharma on 02392 255770 or i[email protected].
Vitamin D helps to regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body.
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These nutrients are needed to keep bones, teeth and muscles healthy, according to the NHS.
The body creates vitamin D from direct sunlight on the skin when outdoors.
And during the spring and summer, most people should be able to make all the vitamin D they need naturally.
However, the NHS recommends taking a 10 microgram supplement between October and March, when daylight hours are shorter.
Adults and children over the age of one need 10 micrograms of vitamin D a day. Babies under 12 months need 8.5 to 10 micograms.
A microgram (mcg) is 1,000 times smaller than a milligram (mg).
It is sometimes written with the Greek symbol μ followed by the letter g (μg), or as international units (IU).
One microgram of vitamin D is equal to 40 IU, so 10 is the same as 400.
The warning signs of hypercalcaemia
HYPERCALCAEMIA happens when calcium levels in the blood become too high.
This can then weaken the bones and damage the kidneys and heart, while also affecting the brain.
Many people won't experience any symptoms at all. But they can include:
- Bone pain and fractures
- Fatigue
- Muscle weakness
- Excessive urine
- Excessive thirst
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Depression
- Confusion
- Pancreatitis
- A pounding or fluttering heart
If you think you might have hypercalcaemia, call your GP.
Source: NHS and Mayo Clinic
Not getting enough vitamin D puts you at risk of bone deformities such as rickets, and bone pain known as osteomalacia.
But taking too much vitamin D over long periods can cause too much calcium to build up in the body.
This is known as hypercalcaemia, which can weaken the bones and damage the kidneys and heart.
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"Do not take more than 100 micrograms (4,000 IU) of vitamin D a day as it could be harmful," the NHS says.
Vitamin D is found in a small number of foods, including oily fish, red meat, liver, egg yolks, and some fortified products like cereals.
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