Case Report: Severe Hypercalcemia Following Vitamin D Intoxication in an Infant, the Underestimated Danger of Dietary Supplements

• Main Authors: Alexandre O. Gérard (Author), Audrey Fresse (Author), Myriam Gast (Author), Diane Merino (Author), Pierre Gourdan (Author), Audrey Laurain (Author), Irène Margaritis (Author), Pierre-Alexis Gauci (Author), Fanny Huret (Author), Nadège Parassol (Author), Fanny Rocher (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: Frontiers Media S.A., 2022-02-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

Summary

Vitamin D supplementation is routinely introduced in infants, according to medical guidelines. However, vitamin D overdose can result in life-threatening hypercalcemia. We report the case of a 3-month-old infant who suffered from severe hypercalcemia. Upon detailed questioning of the parents, a vitamin D administration error has been identified. Indeed, the parents had followed the advice of their midwife. They substituted the prescribed medicinal vitamin D by a dietary supplement, different in concentration and dosing, without performing the dose conversion needed. In fact, many different medications and dietary supplements with vitamin D exist, offering various concentrations and units of measurement. This case highlights the pivotal role of therapeutic education. Broadly, there is a need for harmonization of the regulation and labeling of dietary supplements and medications containing vitamin D.

Item Description

2296-2360
10.3389/fped.2022.816965