You've heard the phrase 'too much of a good thing', haven't you? Apparently, it applies even to vitamin D. Cue in David Charles Mitchener, a man who became the poster child for crossing the sacred line between Vitamin D's purported health benefits and his untimely death. Mr. Mitchener found himself dying a premature entry into heaven. The culprit? Hypercalcemia. The cause? Staggeringly high Vitamin D levels. And let's take a moment of silence for his kidney and heart, who had to bear this burden too, dramatically contributing to his final exit.

While we struggle to maintain our vitamin D levels in a world shaded by Netflix and binge-watching, one-third of U.S Adults above 60 are popping vitamin D pills like candy. And thanks to a wave of health consciousness (or is it paranoia?), the global sales of Vitamin D are expected to sky-rocket from 1.3 billion in 2022 to 1.9 billion by 2027. But here's the catch. Vitamin D, as invincible as it may seem, hasn't demonstrated the superheroic powers of preventing or treating cardiovascular disease, cancer, asthma, diabetes, or fractures in scientific trials.

So, how much of this sunshine vitamin does your body exactly need? Adults less than 70 years old require a daily Vitamin D dose of 15 micrograms (mcg), or 600 IU, which shoots up to 20 mcg (800 IU) for those aged 70 and above. But remember, folks, Vitamin D isn't something to be overdosed on a lucrative Friday night. Dr. Appel warns us against consuming more than 1,000 IU daily. Thinking of disobeying the good doctor? You'll find yourself hanging out with symptoms like stupor, nausea, kidney stones, and constipation.

How to avoid becoming another coroner's report? Read the labels on your supplements, get to know the exact Vitamin D content you're inviting into your system, and save the overdosing for weekend parties. And if you're seriously considering Vitamin D supplements, remember that it's your bones that will benefit, not your Instagram follower count.