I know this is a strange thing to ask, but here is why...
I have been taking vit D3 capsules for the last couple fo weeks (my vit D was 20nmol/L or 8.4 ng/ml)
I am a naturally very pale person, red hair and freckles
I do not tan usually (go red then white if out in the sun a lot)
I have not been outside other than for hospital appointments
today my husband commented that my back looks like I have a tan and we have no idea how that could have happened.
Also, where the kittens have savaged me, and he little scratches have healed, there is a line of darker skin - having had many kittens inthe past, I am used to being savaged, and I have never had the scratches heal darker than normal skin colour.
So - the only thing I can think of is the vitamin D - wither that or perhpas it is a side effect of the painkillers (tramadol, gabapentin, diazepam?)
What do you think?
Has anyone had a similar experience on Vitamin D?
I think I would quite like having a tan, would be a change
Written by
Mrs_Somerset
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Evening I must admit this is a first as far as i KNOW . I suppose it is not improbable but even still I dont recall any medical information on vitamin D being a skin changer.. There is always a first time xgins
I was about to suggest you mention it to your gp &/or pharmacist.
Hi Mrs_Somerset
I haven't heard of this happening but I am concerned about it being that the skin change is something new and really should be checked with your GP. It may be anything or nothing but always safer to get checked out.
I give you the product leaflet link to compare your sideffects to see if it is the vitamin D. There may be other medications that you take which increase your risk of photosensitivity which can occur and make skin changes happen. A couple of mine have warnings on the label for the medicineabout it. However it is not suggested amongst the side effects of vit D.
Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Just because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.
Uncommon (affect between 1 in 100 and 1 in 1000 people)
High blood calcium level (hypercalcaemia – see warning section above for possible symptoms of this).
High calcium levels in the urine.
Rare (affect between 1 in 1000 and 1 in 10,000 people)
Skin rash.
Itching.
Hives.
The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the medicine's manufacturer.
For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Follow us: @NetDoctor on Twitter | NetDoctorUK on Facebook
I hope this helps you with your query and I also hope you go and see your GP about it, please let us know how you get on as I'm curious now If you experience any of the other side effects then also, please, seek medical advise from your GP or local pharmacist.
I don't think I will see the GP about it - he is not helpful, but I do have a lovely pharmacist I could ask.
The vit D I take does not list any side effects and the prescription the doc gave me does not have any side effects listed either , just a bottle with my name, dosage etc.
I will give the pharmacist a ring tomorrow, and let you know what he says.
I think discussing the issue with your pharmacist would be advisable. It is probably nothing to do with the vitamins, but it is always best to ask somebody in the know!
Ive been on vitamin d for about a year now and have not noticed any change in the colour of my skin i would ask your pharmacist it may be a side effect of one of your medications take care
Generally likewise. Redheads tend not to have melanin so do get it checked out. Sunlight would normally make you generate your own Vit D. , and make a "normal" person tan. But it's not the Vit D that does that. I'm with Gins and Lucyhobbit. Try also the NHSChoices website. I've read stuff on there about Vit D but recall nothing along the lines you ask. I had a deficiency too so checked it out a bit a while ago.
So NO it's not such a daft question after all. Hugs
OK I spoke to the pharmacist today and he was not sure, asked some other questions about my other symptoms and suggested I speak to my doc about being tested for somethign called adrenal fatigue.
He said that not only can it darken your skin ( looking like suntan) but also leads to tiredness, muscle cramps, digestive issues, sleep issues etc.
So - i am off a-googling, looking to see if this is something worth persuing and to see what might be done about it from home, on the off-chance that my fab doc does nothing about it ( like he does about most things )
I have noticed this and my kids too! I am a fair redhead and was severely deficient and put on a mega dose of D3once a week for 6 weeks! We joke about the fact that it’s my tanning pill😜 My doctor shrugged it off as I was dealing with more important issues at the time-I know my skin and lord knows my kids don’t lie l don’t notice really anymore (it’s been awhile and I’m on lower dosage) I feel great and there seemed to be no other cause—so your not crazy!
I have been taking 5kiu d3 for months now and I have also noticed my skin has gotten darker. I think it might have more effect on people with melanin as I am Native Hawaiian and Irish. Normally in tue winter I am pale but I have been stating indoors and I am still tan.
I am asking the same question. But I do darken fast. I did have freckles as a child with blonde hair. I now have dark hair and am 66 years old. Since my renal doctor put me on 4000-5000 units of vitamin D and 50,000 once a week I have noticed myself getting darker than my family and friends. I have been outside a little more than in the winter but I seem so much darker. I was wondering if the Vitamin D was a factor in that.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Vitamin D
Fibromyalgia causing vitamin D deficiency 
Silly question 
