Got my vitamin D3 test results. Any comments appreciated.

I'm not familiar with the newer standards of interpretation regarding vitamin D3. I appear to be in the low range tho I do take Flexamin (with D3 in it) and one 2000IU D3 supplement a day, plus what's in my senior's vitamin pill. A few milk products too, but not much because of the fat content. I'm guessing my intake is about 5000 to 6000IU a day. Todzo, care to comment since your the one that was urging testing Optimum range for a male senior? Accuracy of this test?

How did you get tested? Just curious. Is there a home method?
As for the results, 40 is a good number but still far short of the 60 to 80 recommended by Dr Gominak which may be what you're shooting for.

SleepyBobR wrote:How did you get tested? Just curious. Is there a home method?
As for the results, 40 is a good number but still far short of the 60 to 80 recommended by Dr Gominak which may be what you're shooting for.

Yes, I think I could get my 40 number up around 70-80 without too much trouble. To answer your question, I just had my GP toss the D3 test in with my annual cardio panels. I'm not aware if there is a home test.

I was hoping Todzo would weigh in on the various tests because Dr Gominak has some strong opinions about testing methods and their reliability.

Most traditional doctors would tell you 40 is a great number.
Those who practice various forms of integrative or holistic medicine would go with 60-80.
I have been shooting for those higher numbers but even when I supplement with over 12,000 IU per day can't seem to get much over 50.
Maybe this summer if I add some sun I can make a difference.

Sir, the 25(OH)D test that you got is the one you want. See here: http://www.vitamindcouncil.org/about-vi ... vitamin-d/
Since your D3 level is on the low side of the 60-80 level now recommended by many, I suggest you consider adding another 2000 IU per day of a quality liquid gel cap D3. I doubt you're getting enough D3 from food and your multivitamin to make much difference. I suggest aiming for 4000 - 5000 IU per day until your optimum level is reached and then reducing to an amount needed to sustain that level. I would also suggest you consider giving up your Flexamin for individual supplements of it's components that you think you need to better be able to monitor and control your intake of those supplements - Just a suggestion.
If you choose to increase your D3 supplementation, I also suggest, as I mentioned in another thread, that have your D3 tested at 30 day intervals until you are certain the effect supplementation is having. You don't want to overshoot your optimum level by too much as excessive Vitamin D may also cause disturbed sleep. If your Doctor won't order testing at 30 day intervals and your insurance pay for it, I believe California allows self ordered testing through such companies as Walk in Lab (http://www.walkinlab.com/) . I have no affiliation with them, but I do use them here in Florida. I think a D3 test is about $30.
Sir, the forgoing comments are based on my own research and experience, but keep in mind I am by no means an expert in these matters and I only offer them as suggestions for your further research.
Jay

I concur with those above regarding the 60-80 as normal range.

I tested at 11 initially so my dr put me on 6000 IU of LiquiD3 drops daily, and in 3 months I was up to 59. Liquid vitamin D (drops, not capsules) applied directly on the tongue is generally regarded as most effective delivery method for maximum absorption.

Funny - I followed the link to the Vitamin D counsol and they have a home test kit - sort of expensive - https://vitamindcouncil.zrtlab.com/

here is another site that is big on d - http://www.grassrootshealth.net/

even amazon has a home test kit - expensive again - http://www.amazon.com/BioNational-Vitam ... B009JBFZ38

Here is an interesting chart - http://grassrootshealth.net/media/image ... single.pdf - the second page shows you how to adjust what you are taking to change to a specific level based on your weight - not sure on the accuracy but this is the only one I have found so far that gives an indication on how to adjust

RandyJ, did you notice any difference in your sleep or general well being once your levels rose into the target zone? 11 to 59 is a huge improvement.

SleepyBobR wrote:RandyJ, did you notice any difference in your sleep or general well being once your levels rose into the target zone? 11 to 59 is a huge improvement.

Yes, I did, but cannot attribute it just to raising my vitamin D, because in the same period I went gluten and dairy free, started with a trainer at the gym, and lost 50 lbs.

I'm sure raising my D had a hand in making me feel more energetic, though.

My dr has kept me on a maintenance dose of 4000 IU a day of liquid D3 drops and my D was in the 70s at last check. I get it checked every 3 months.

Thank you everyone, especially Jay, Randy and pbriggs. Great info. I clearly have to get my D3 serum levels higher. Glad you guys caught that one, cuz I nearly let it slide by. On my NatureMade D3 package it says I should take with meals... is that recommendation critical

From what I understand, vitamin D is absorbed better in the presence of oil or fat, hence the recommendation to take with a meal. The gel caps have the chemical dissolved in olive oil to enhance absorption.

SleepyBobR wrote:From what I understand, vitamin D is absorbed better in the presence of oil or fat, hence the recommendation to take with a meal. The gel caps have the chemical dissolved in olive oil to enhance absorption.

The liquid drops are olive oil as well.

http://www.amazon.com/Rx-Vitamins-Liqui ... =liquid+d3

In addition to taking D3 supplements (and others) with fat, I think dosage timing may be important as well. When I took D3 at night, it seemed to disrupt my sleep. However, taking it earlier in the day, like around lunchtime, does not. Thinking about it, it does seem logical, since one would normally get D as a by-product of sunlight. Does timing matter? I really don't know, but it seems so for me.

I take a Vitamin D 3 liquid gels with 5000 IU per day just to stay in the minimum range. It doesn't seem to matter what time of day intake my supplements, I sleep well lol,