EFFECTS OF HIGH DOSE VITAMIN D3 INDUCED HYPERVITAMINOSIS D ON SERUM BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS IN ORYCTOLAGUS CUNICULUS

Abstract

Vitamin D is a fat soluble secosteroid hormone that regulates calcium and phosphate homeostasis. Although therapeutic supplementation is generally safe, excessive intake can cause hypervitaminosis D and associated metabolic disturbances. This study evaluated the effects of high dose vitamin D₃ on serum calcium, total cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and creatinine in Oryctolagus cuniculus. Sixteen healthy adult female New Zealand White rabbits were randomly assigned to either a control group or a vitamin D₃ treated group (n = 8 per group). The treatment group received 25,000 IU of vitamin D₃ orally once daily for nine consecutive days. Blood samples were collected at the end of the experiment for biochemical analysis. High dose vitamin D₃ significantly increased serum calcium and total cholesterol concentrations, indicating hypercalcemia and hypercholesterolemia. Conversely, serum ALT activity and creatinine concentrations were reduced compared with controls. These findings demonstrate that short-term administration of excessive vitamin D₃ disrupts mineral homeostasis and alters hepatic and renal biochemical markers, highlighting the potential metabolic consequences of vitamin D toxicity.