OT: Vitamin D levels a question or two

[Slinky]

My script is for generic Drisdol gel capsules. Drisdol is ergocalciferol (vitamin D2). Its usually used for treating rickets, low parathyroid levels and low phosphate levels. It works by promoting proper absorption and use of calcium and phosphate in the body and helping to regulate parathyroid hormone levels.

[gingerdos]

D3 is more easily absorpted. Your DR ordered D2. Maybe you would better tolerate the D3. When my DR ordered 50,000IU of D2 I bought 50,000 IU of D3 at http://www.vitalady.com Vitamin D3 is dry powder in a capsule, vitamin D2 in in oil in a capsule.
Here is the D3: http://www.vitalady.com/cgi-bin/commerc ... n&key=1070

I am not associated with the vitalady website.
Ginger

[Slinky]

My Endocrinologist is the one who has scripted the Drisdol. And two other Endocrinologists have concurred that this is the form I am to be taking. Given that I do have osteoporosis and this is what I'm being treated for I have to assume that three of them know what they are doing. In addition, I have Crohn's disease which could be causing a malabsorption issue.

I've had absolutely NO unwanted or unpleasant side effects at any of the dosages I've been on. My blood work has always been good so I've had no reason to object or refuse to take this form or these dosages. My Crohn's has been in full or symptomatic remission and my osteoporosis has improved back to my 1996 scores w/the regimen they've had me on so no reason for complaint on that matter either.

[DoriC]

and Fri. for 4 weeks then 1 x's week for 4 weeks and then 1000mg over the counter.
Rosie

Rosie, Do you now take 1000mg OTC daily? Thanks.

[twokatmew]

My Endocrinologist is the one who has scripted the Drisdol. And two other Endocrinologists have concurred that this is the form I am to be taking. Given that I do have osteoporosis and this is what I'm being treated for I have to assume that three of them know what they are doing. In addition, I have Crohn's disease which could be causing a malabsorption issue.

I've had absolutely NO unwanted or unpleasant side effects at any of the dosages I've been on. My blood work has always been good so I've had no reason to object or refuse to take this form or these dosages. My Crohn's has been in full or symptomatic remission and my osteoporosis has improved back to my 1996 scores w/the regimen they've had me on so no reason for complaint on that matter either.

I just finished my Forteo regimen, and unfortunately my latest bone density was quite worse than previously. I have Crohn's too, but I've been on Prednisone since 1975, which probably accounts for why the Forteo didn't reverse the osteoporosis. I'm one of those whose Crohn's rages out of control without steroids. I've been on 10mg/day for the last several years (since bowel resection) and take daily calcium, mag & vit D3 in addition to multivitamins. I haven't had any noticeable side effects from the D3. BTW, I take NOW's D3 gel caps, 2000IU daily. I get my vits from Total Health online, as their prices are very good.

No one thought to check vitamin D levels till I was halfway through the Forteo regimen....

[sherrygirl]

My doctor just prescribed 50,000 IU day of Vitamin D as my bloodwork showed my D level is extremely low even though I have been taking vitamins every day with about 800+ IU of D every day for a year now. I am almost 60 and what I read on the internet is that I am just in that age brackett where I need a lot more D for some reason. just got the prescription and will let you know of side effects.

[Daffney_Gillfin]

My doctor just prescribed 50,000 IU day of Vitamin D as my bloodwork showed my D level is extremely low even though I have been taking vitamins every day with about 800+ IU of D every day for a year now. I am almost 60 and what I read on the internet is that I am just in that age brackett where I need a lot more D for some reason. just got the prescription and will let you know of side effects.

Sherry, I have been told by two different doctors that your experience is common to those who take their VitD in tablet form instead of a soft gel form. Personally, I use Carlson's Solar D Gems, and they work well for me. While they don't have to be chewed, they are rather tasty with a mild lemon taste when chewed.

Standard disclaimer.... I have no monetary interest in Carlson's Solar D Gems, or in any company selling them.

[rosiefrosie]

DoriC ,

I am only into my second week of taking Vit. D every Mon., Wed., and Fri. and they are the gelcaps.

[Silver Pelt]

There is a very good article regarding Vitamin D at http://www.lewrockwell.com/miller/miller25.html

Here's an excerpt:

In order to enjoy optimal health, we should maintain a vitamin D blood level of ≥50–99 ng/ml. Without sun exposure, to reach a level of 50 ng/ml requires taking a 5,000 IU/day vitamin D supplement. There are two kinds of vitamin D supplements: vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), the kind our skin makes, and vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol), a synthetic variant made by irradiating plants. Vitamin D2 is only 10–30% as effective in raising 25-hydroxyvitamin D blood levels compared to vitamin D3, leading the authors of a recent study conclude, "Vitamin D2 should not be regarded as a nutrient suitable for supplementation or fortification" (Am J Clin Nutr 2006;84:694–697).

Concerns about vitamin D toxicity are overblown, along with those about sun exposure. As one researcher in the field puts it, "Worrying about vitamin D toxicity is like worrying about drowning when you’re dying of thirst." The LD50 of vitamin D in dogs (the dose that will kill half the animals) is 3,520,000 IU/kilogram. One can take a 10,000 IU vitamin D supplement every day, month after month safely, with no evidence of adverse effect. (Am J Clin Nutr 1999;69:842–856). A person must consume 50,000 IU a day for several months before hypercalcemia (an elevated calcium level in the blood, which is the initial manifestation of vitamin D toxicity) might occur. Vitamin D in a physiologic dose (5,000 IU/day) prevents the build up of calcium in blood vessels. (Circulation 1997;96:1755–1760). If one takes 10,000 IU of vitamin D a day and spends a lot of time in the sun, it would be prudent to check vitamin D blood level to ensure that it does not exceed 100 ng/ml.

Sensible sun exposure should be encouraged, not maligned.

I take 5,000 IU a day, and am very glad I do. I buy it here: http://www.vitalady.com/cgi-bin/commerc ... n&key=1068

[BeanMeScot]

Last time I went to the doctor, she recommended taking supplemental vitamin D although I don't think my levels have ever been checked.

[peljbl]

This is so interesting. I was tested over a year ago for vit D def. and my result was very low - came back 8 - my dr wants it up to 60 or more. I've been on prescription vit d 50,000 units once weekly for over a year and last result (1 month ago ) was 32 so I still have to continue on with it. I find there are side effects but i am very medication sensitive. I thought my main side effect was gastrointestinal but now that I read all these posts - I wonder if my yearlong GERD and sleeplessness is a result and I seem to be anxious upon awakening in the mornings. Not sure but I think I will skip a week or two and see what happens.
I do think one advantage of getting the level up is less arthritic pain - could just be me though.
Just wondering has anyone else had breast soreness since starting the Vit D?

[Blue Snuffle nose]

Hi there people

I saw a dr.they said my Vit D level was too low......This was picked up in my blood test. Now the Dr's have gotten me on constant tablet courses for keeping my Vit D level stable. A dr and Specialist had put me long standing courses taking Vit D tablets. They say having low Vit D levels and my other meds effects make osteroprosis person. So they prevent it before it happens!

I do exercise and keep fit to help my body

[sagesteve]

Take vitamin D supplements. The correct type to take is vitamin D3. You can start by taking 5,000 IU (international units) per day for three months, then obtain a 25-hydroxyvitamin D test (the correct type of vitamin D test to use) to find out if you are getting enough vitamin D.

Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) supplements are also available but they’re not advisable to use because vitamin D2 is a synthetic type of vitamin D.

When your body takes in vitamin D3 and vitamin D2, both types need to be converted to a more active form. Vitamin D3 is converted 500 percent faster than vitamin D2.

Keep in mind that because almost 90 percent of the vitamin D produced within your body is a result of sun exposure, you should not rely on getting it from natural foods or from vitamin D supplements.

Your need for sun exposure is like your natural need for food, oxygen, water and exercise. So put the sunshine back in our life and stop missing out on one of the most important nutrients for your health.

During flu season and this Swine flu goaround...D3 is a HUGE weapon!

[riverdreamer]

I'm late to the party, but here is an excellent review of diagnosis and treatment of Vitamin D deficiency. I am involved with a group of doctors who are doing research into immunity issues, and this info is highly recommended. Of course, you should always consult your doctor on the use of any supplement at extremely high levels, but it appears that this is what is needed for many people to effectively correct a deficiency.

http://www.corepsychblog.com/wp-content ... erview.pdf

[Muse-Inc]

Thanks Riverdreamer! Great article.