High vitamin D levels in supplement linked to illness in Spain

Spanish authorities have issued a warning following suspected poisoning cases because of high levels of vitamin D in a dietary supplement.

A batch of Erix Elite Sport supplement containing high doses of vitamin D has led to more than a dozen hospitalizations in the Balearic Islands.

The affected product is Advanced Vitamin x 90 capsules with lot number 251268.

At least 15 people have been admitted to hospitals in the Balearic Islands during May and June with acute renal failure, hypercalcemia, and elevated levels of vitamin D. Symptoms of too much calcium in the blood, called hypercalcemia, include nausea or vomiting and frequent urination. Severe cases can lead to kidney problems.  

The poisonings occurred in healthy people who consumed multivitamin products purchased online.

After being informed by local authorities, the Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (AESAN) issued a national alert.

Information was shared through the Coordinated System for the Rapid Exchange of Information (SCIRI), with the aim of verifying the withdrawal of affected products from sale. Another alert was published among healthcare professionals to increase awareness and surveillance for new possible cases.

AESAN advised anyone who had the products covered by the alert not to consume them.

Officials have conducted an inspection at the distributor’s headquarters. This included taking samples and blocking the movement of certain products. The problem is suspected to have been caused by a formulation error.

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