Acute renal failure and hypercalcemia in an athletic young man

Hypercalcemia is a life-threatening disorder and is related primarily to neoplastic diseases and primary and secondary hyperparathyroidism. The association of hypercalcemia and renal failure is frequent in the medical literature, although pathogenetic mechanisms remain to be elucidated. In this article, we present a case of hypercalcemia and acute renal failure secondary to vitamin D and vitamin A intoxication, after an over-the-counter intramuscular use by a young man starting an athletic performance program. A discussion of clinical picture, diagnosis and treatment is made, and we highlight the risk of pathological conditions triggered by inadvertent use of supplementation products and formulas available in health and fitness commercial centers.