AUTHOR=Gérard Alexandre O. , Fresse Audrey , Gast Myriam , Merino Diane , Gourdan Pierre , Laurain Audrey , Margaritis Irène , Gauci Pierre-Alexis , Huret Fanny , Parassol Nadège , Rocher Fanny TITLE=Case Report: Severe Hypercalcemia Following Vitamin D Intoxication in an Infant, the Underestimated Danger of Dietary Supplements JOURNAL=Frontiers in Pediatrics VOLUME=10 YEAR=2022 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pediatrics/articles/10.3389/fped.2022.816965 DOI=10.3389/fped.2022.816965 ISSN=2296-2360 ABSTRACT=
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.