Reptile & Amphibian Forums

This is just to satisfy my own curiosity...

I read all the time that calcium D3 should be used sparingly, because the D3 can be toxic. BUT, they do need some in order to make proper use of calcium. So, has anyone actually experience a D3 poisoning - and I’m not taking “friend of a friend” here. What are the symptoms? The reason I ask is because everyone goes on and on about how bad it can be ... but I’ve never seen even one first hand experience. It makes me wonder if the whole thing is blown out of proportion. I’m sure that at some point it would be toxic ... but is it possible to even reach that level given the regular amount found in supplements containing D3?

Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin. Basically, that means that it will not readily be excreted out of the body. That is unlike water soluble vitamins (C, B etc.) that readily are excreted by the body and with these it is impossible to oversupplement (for humans as well.) I believe (anyone feel free to correct me on this one because I am going straight from memory and its 2 AM) that when there is too much vit D the body starts to deposit calcium into soft tissue (kidney, lungs, aorta.) Not good news when you consider that calcium is hard. I believe that it also takes some of this calcium from the bones- causing brittle bones and fractures. Always best to try and keep that Ca : P ratio to a 2:1. I am pretty sure our little geckos do a good job of that if they have access to a Ca source. Hope this satifies your curiosity.

Bryan

Yeah, the effects you would be looking at would be cumulative, so you want to avoid overdosing D...you might not see the effect of it for months or years.
I don't think you need to use D3 for leos more than once a week, if that. Plain calcium should be used every feeding, and be available in a dish for them free choice as well.

You will not here of a leo dieing from a D3 overdose.... The reason is because the leo will die of complications such a liver or kidney failure..... D3 should be used no more than once a month.... D3 is good for DIURNAL reptiles..... Most Nocturnal reptiles do not need it......

Vitamin D3 supports the regulation of calcium metabolism and absorption from the gut, while decreasing its excretion from the kidneys, thereby supporting the body in maintaining healthy blood levels of calcium and phosphorus.

D3 also regulates the calcium/phosphorus ratio..... If you add it to a leos diet you can be offsetting the ratio which can also be a bad thing.... A leos motabolism does a good job of balancing out the ratios by its self..... Being that they are nocturnal, they evolved to absorb calcium differently than diurnal reptiles....

Thanks everyone ... I've had a hard time finding any info other then "it's bad". What you guys have said does make a lot of sense.

I am fortunate to have a Veterinarian that was also a Reptile Nutritionist at UC Davis Veterinary School's Exotics Department, and he says nocturnal species (like leopard geckos) need calcium WITH VitD. In his 25 years as a reptile Vet, consulting Veterinarian for the Oakland Zoo, the Vet for The East Bay Vivarium, and his own private practice, he has never seen a case of hypercalcemia or Vitamin D overdose in Leopard Geckos. He uses Calcium with Vitamin D for his own reptiles, and I have for 10 years as well.
-----
Marcia McGuiness
Golden Gate Geckos
www.goldengategeckos.com

Marcia,
I agree with just about everything you post, but this is something I have to disagree with..... Like I said, I do not think it should be cut out of their diet.... It should however, be used sparingly....

Yes, I personally would be concerned if I never supplemented D3 to my geckos at all...I use it occasionally, but not every feeding.

Judging by the behavior of my gravid females, I highly suspect that a UVB light would NOT be amiss for leos. They may not NEED it, but I'll bet it does them good.

Anything used in excess could have a potential for overdose, but if you take a look at the ratio of Calcium:VitD in Miner-All (I) and RepCal products, it is fairly low. Where you may run into trouble would be with VitD in it's pure form... such as Solar Drops, etc.
-----
Marcia McGuiness
Golden Gate Geckos
www.goldengategeckos.com

That's what I was thinking, but I will play it safe and give them the calcium D3 just once a week.
-----
Official Leopard Gecko Freak
My husband can barely keep me from bring home every one I see!

1:1 Leopard Geckos - Gilean and Aurora
2:0 Cats - Troi and Mitsu (shhhhh...don't tell them they're neutered!)
1:0 Husband - He's more work then all the others combined! Just about eats me out of house and home...but I love him anyway!

If a reptilian specialist says he has seen no problems, then there aren't problems. I wouldn't argue with that fact unless I had the education and years of experience in the same field, under my belt.

Marcia stands out in the boards as a very wise, knowledgeable woman who backs every statement with savvy. Unfortunately, many breeders who post advice and directions do not even bother contacting a specialist beforehand.

The same lady who created that nutritional slurry that has saved lives among my geckos is one to have my respect and admiration. Take my word, if she says it is OK, it is highly probable that she is right.
-----
Email me