Low Vitamin D level appears to cause sleep apnea

[RandyJ]

Finally got my Vitamin D level checked via bloodwork. Was called by the Dr.s office today with the results. My level is 39 and I'm being told this is normal. Sound right?

My doctor doesn't like to see lower than 60s. My D was at 11 a year ago and now it's at 90, which she says is a good place to be at the beginning of winter, since we don't make any D in the winter here in the northeast. It took 10 months of taking 6000 IU and later 4000 IU of liquid D3 daily to get to 90 from 11.

39 could be a good level for you if you feel good and don't have symptoms associated with low D. But you have room to go up a bit if you want to.

I check my level every 3 months.

[JaxTom]

Had regular checkup with my GP. My level was 15. Guess I gotta start taking some......

[mcpascaln]

This kind of 'discovery' could be best announced at a national scientific conference. Studies of subjects and placebos should have been done with a significant number of subjects enough to extrapolate the data. Did this doctor do that?

[49er]

This kind of 'discovery' could be best announced at a national scientific conference. Studies of subjects and placebos should have been done with a significant number of subjects enough to extrapolate the data. Did this doctor do that?

She did not and if I remember correctly, was pretty up front about that. Since she isn't selling the latest, greatest expensive product, I am not going to be too hard on her for this.

The way I see it is since it seems having an adequate Vitamin D level is the key to so many health issues, it definitely pays to make sure your level is adequate. If it helps with sleep apnea, that is great but if not, nothing lost and still alot to be gained.

And it is a cheap supplement to take.

49er

[Jay Aitchsee]

Just a couple things about vitamin D3...
Make sure you're comparing the same units. I think most US labs use ng/ml. See here for more:

http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-QuickFacts/
Levels are described in either nanomoles per liter (nmol/L) or nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL), where 1 nmol/L = 0.4 ng/mL

I believe the reference used by most US labs is 30-100 ng/ml. However, keep in mind that the reference is only where the majority of the population falls. It doesn't mean optimum. Many are beginning to recommend higher levels such as the 50-80 ng/ml suggested by the Vitamin D Council.

http://www.vitamindcouncil.org/about-vi ... deficient/
Studies indicate that for proper health, serum vitamin D levels should be a minimum of 50 ng/mL (125 nmol/L), with optimal levels falling between 50-80 ng/mL (125-200 nmol/L). These values apply to both children and adults.

Jay

[borgready]

Calcium and magnesium also play a part in dealing with hypoapneas not related to airway cutoff. Vitamin and mineral deficiency can mess with a lot of things and cause all sorts of problems in the body. Of course all kinds of toxins in the food and water are playing havoc on the body. GMO foods allow for cheap and plentyful food but it puts toxins in the body that are not normal nor good for the body. Sodium Fluoride in the water and toothpaste messes with the body and brain.

[jwpinkham]

This kind of 'discovery' could be best announced at a national scientific conference. Studies of subjects and placebos should have been done with a significant number of subjects enough to extrapolate the data. Did this doctor do that?

Since there's little money to be made from Vitamin D sales, who would fund the randomized controlled trials?
The government might, but that would require developing a grant proposal and dealing with bureaucracy.
To expect her to devote the time and effort required for controlled trials, while still maintaining a private practice is unreasonable.

[lazer]

Normal is between 30 - 70...Why don't you trust your doctor?

I never implied I didn't trust my doctor. I simply asked a question of a matter of opinion from those on this board that have been tested and told different things possibly as proven by some of the follow-up posts. I could have sworn I had read on here and maybe another site or two where a better level was considered more in line with 50 - 60 for the numbers, thus putting me a bit under that despite the fact I already take Vitamin D-3 1,000 IU 2x daily. My job and day to day keeps me completely out of the sun. I suffer from depression and anxiety not to mention my sleep disorder. So this topic has been of interest to me.

Now I've also read where the capsul (powered) form of D-3 isn't considered worthwhile on here by some others so IF I personally would like to get my numbers more in line with the 50-60 range, am now wondering how best to go about it since my doctor will likely stick to "I'm in the normal enough range". Yea, I still trust him but am I not allowed to disagree with some of his opinions as I've also been doing research?

[sylvie]

Lazer, you are correct. Most doctors on sleep apnea and vitamins are losers--yes, I speak with confidence here. Your search is over. Get this (the best as far as I can see (reviews)) and be done with it. I take 2 drops a day on a banana or any fruit.

http://www.amazon.com/Liquid-Vitamin-dr ... =liquid+d3

[lazer]

Lazer, you are correct. Most doctors on sleep apnea and vitamins are losers--yes, I speak with confidence here. Your search is over. Get this (the best as far as I can see (reviews)) and be done with it. I take 2 drops a day on a banana or any fruit.

http://www.amazon.com/Liquid-Vitamin-dr ... =liquid+d3

Thank you. I will strongly consider that. Just curious, How long does a bottle last you at that rate = 2 drops a day?

[sylvie]

I'm guestimating here but I think I'm going on 3 or 4 months and still a good amount left. I bought a Vitamin D kit from the Vitamin D association website months ago but I've been too much of a loser to test myself. I might try to do that today. I just unearthed it from some pile in my house yesterday.

[lazer]

I'm guestimating here but I think I'm going on 3 or 4 months and still a good amount left. I bought a Vitamin D kit from the Vitamin D association website months ago but I've been too much of a loser to test myself. I might try to do that today. I just unearthed it from some pile in my house yesterday.

So in your opinion, if I take the liquid form of D-3 you eluded to, I could ditch the capsuls and based on my number.

[sylvie]

I'm like you. I do a lot of research also. Somewhere in my journeys I read capsules don't do didly. You have to take the liquid form to get good punch.

[chunkyfrog]

I hope the oil base gel caps I bought are good; they are easy to get down.

[RandyJ]

So in your opinion, if I take the liquid form of D-3 you eluded to, I could ditch the capsuls and based on my number.

You really need your doctor on your side for this, since any vitamin D therapy should be checked with blood test every 3 months. With LiquiD3, 1 drop = 2000 IU. Correct dosage method of drops is directly onto the tongue. And make sure you count drops, NOT droppersful.

2000 IU daily is not going to raise your D3 level significantly in 3 months, even if drops supposedly absorb much better than gelcaps. However, before beginning a 4000 - 6000 IU daily dose, I'd want the support of a dr. If your GP doesn't seem too knowledgeable about D3, you may want to seek out a naturopath.