I feared my son had a brain tumour but he’d been poisoned with vitamin D

Roo’s sudden illness last year sparked fears of a brain tumour among his parents and doctors. The child, then seven, was losing weight and drinking excessive water, prompting urgent concern. However, further investigation revealed the cause was an accidental overdose of vitamin D, a nutrient typically used for bone health. The culprit was a faulty batch of vitamin D3 drops, seven times more concentrated than intended, which had been prescribed for his leg pain.

Identifying the Source

The problematic bottle of drops was linked to two defective batches of Aactive D3 supplements distributed nationwide. After being referred to paediatricians at Crosshouse hospital near Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, Roo’s condition worsened. His blood tests showed healthy results except for a low vitamin D level, leading to a prescription for higher-dose supplements. But within weeks, he exhibited severe symptoms: extreme fatigue, loss of appetite, and dramatic weight loss.

“He was really sick. He lost more than 10% of his body weight in six weeks. He had these huge baggy eyes and just couldn’t eat,” Carys Hobbs-Sargeant, Roo’s mother, recalled.

Roo’s health deteriorated rapidly, prompting an immediate hospital admission. Initial tests detected acute kidney injury, with doctors suspecting dehydration. At first, they considered a brain tumour, even preparing for an MRI. Yet, a critical phone call with an endocrinologist in Glasgow shifted the focus. The expert mentioned a “bad batch” of vitamin D3, and matching details to Roo’s medication confirmed the poisoning.

Regulatory Oversight and Recall Delays

The faulty batches were recalled by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) on 9 January. However, the Scottish branch, Food Standards Scotland (FSS), failed to notify the relevant departments promptly. The pharmacy that dispensed Roo’s drops only received the recall email three months later. Had the MHRA’s alert reached the pharmacy’s priority inbox, the issue might have been addressed sooner.

“The product wasn’t just a supplement—it was a powerful medicine. We were ready for a cancer diagnosis, but it turned out to be a poisoning incident,” Carys said.

Prof Stuart Ralston, a former MHRA expert, highlighted the case as a wake-up call. He argued that the current system, where vitamins are managed by the Food Standards Agency instead of the medicines regulator, leaves patients vulnerable. “Roo’s situation shows why the MHRA should take over vitamin supplement regulation,” he stated. The incident underscores the need for stricter controls on high-dose formulations, which are still classified as food supplements despite their potency.