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take_heart
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« on: November 10, 2008, 12:33:23 AM » |
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Is this a problem? I was tested last winter and found to have very low levels of vitamin D. (I might be making this up, but the number should be 40 minimum, and mine was 10.) Whatever. I wasn't feeling poorly or anything at the time. Doc gave me high doses to take every week for 8 weeks, and then down to once a month (Plus daily supplements). The numbers got up to 40 last time he tested later that spring. But I never felt bad/better with all of it. Are there usually visible problems with D deficiency? I will say I'm a small white woman, so I suppose the calcium absorption would be a problem.
Anyone else with low vit D?
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sanjoaquin
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« Reply #1 on: November 10, 2008, 01:08:08 AM » |
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Please do a Google Search on this topic, and if it is not yielding enough information, try "rickets".
Best,
SJ
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groundhog
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« Reply #2 on: November 10, 2008, 01:12:20 AM » |
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Make sure you get tested for Celiac Disease, as the malabsorption it causes can cause anemia, low calcium, low Vit D and B12 levels among other things. Here's a link: http://www.celiaccentral.org/What_is_Celiac_/Do_I_Have_Celiac_/278/Celiac disease is very under diagnosed (only 3% of those who have it are diagnosed). Unless you're Asian, as it's very uncommon in that population. I got osteopenia at age 47 from Celiac-related vit D deficiency. Did they test you for osteoporosis? |
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« Last Edit: November 10, 2008, 01:13:36 AM by groundhog »
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spork
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« Reply #3 on: November 10, 2008, 02:57:11 PM » |
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Anyone diagnosed with a vitamin D deficiency should get a bone density scan because there's no way of knowing how long the deficiency has existed.
You should get your vitamin D level checked again about a year after you tested normal to see if the deficiency has returned. If it has you should increase your dietary intake of vitamin D in addition to taking the short term prescription supplements.
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a.k.a. gum-chewing monkey in a Tufts University jacket
"Please do not force people who are exhausted to take medication for hallucinations." -- Memo from the Chair, Department of White Privilege Studies, Fiork University
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michigander
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« Reply #4 on: November 10, 2008, 03:44:16 PM » |
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A large percentage of the population of the U.S. and Canada have Vitamin D deficiencies due to natural phenomena like winter that keep us from exposing our skin to the sun. My deficiency (diagnosed by an MD after testing) was corrected by taking 1,000 I.U. of Vitamin D3 daily. Extremely low levels of Vitamin D can lead to serious health problems, I'm told.
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ideagirl
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« Reply #5 on: November 10, 2008, 03:51:24 PM » |
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Are there usually visible problems with D deficiency? I will say I'm a small white woman, so I suppose the calcium absorption would be a problem.
Yes, it would screw that up, and you know where that can lead (osteoporosis, dental problems...). And, if you are of childbearing age and fertile, you need to get that vitamin D up. If you get pregnant, the fetus needs vitamin D--and it will take yours, leaving you even lower (even more messed up with the calcium absorption, etc.), and if it can't get enough, then it will have bone problems. Same goes for when you're breastfeeding--you HAVE TO have good vitamin D levels in order for the baby to develop strong bones. Otherwise you could find yourself with a severely bow-legged toddler. It's important. Don't ignore it. |
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xenia
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« Reply #6 on: November 10, 2008, 04:01:09 PM » |
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A large percentage of the population of the U.S. and Canada have Vitamin D deficiencies due to natural phenomena like winter that keep us from exposing our skin to the sun. My deficiency (diagnosed by an MD after testing) was corrected by taking 1,000 I.U. of Vitamin D3 daily. Extremely low levels of Vitamin D can lead to serious health problems, I'm told.
I've come across articles arguing that Vitamin D insufficiency should be regarded as a serious public-health issue in these areas. |
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take_heart
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« Reply #7 on: November 10, 2008, 07:09:55 PM » |
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I was tested about 2 years ago for celiac and it was negative.
The doc gave me a rx for 50,000 units to take once a week for 8 weeks, and then once a month for a long time. Can doses that high even get absorbed?
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high_energy_photons
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« Reply #8 on: November 10, 2008, 08:33:48 PM » |
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Go out in the sun. That's my advice. I am familiar with Vitamin D research and the effects of Vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D is important for more than bones. I know people worry about UV exposure, and they slather on the sunscreen, but a little sun can do you good. I'm lucky enough to live far enough south that I don't have to worry about trying to get out in the sun, but it may be necessary. Of course, don't stay out so long you burn, but sometimes you need a little light.
Vitamin D deficiency is a long term issue. In addition to bone problems, you risk increased probability of certain cancers.
I find that if I don't get enough sun (if I hide too long in the office for weeks), then I need to get out so I feel rejuvenated. Vitamin D supplements never made me feel better, but the real stuff, made by the sun, always helps (maybe I'm just strange that way).
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groundhog
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« Reply #9 on: November 10, 2008, 11:22:40 PM » |
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I was tested about 2 years ago for celiac and it was negative.
The doc gave me a rx for 50,000 units to take once a week for 8 weeks, and then once a month for a long time. Can doses that high even get absorbed?
If you still have some (any) celiac symptoms, and your Vit D issue is unresolved, I might suggest having the celiac panel done again. The test for celiac is tricky - a positive result is rarely wrong but a negative is not necessarily correct. I had negative bloodwork but a positive biopsy, and that is common. And I agree that you should have a bone scan. Just my $0.02 worth. The rate of absorption is a good question. Are there Vit D shots like iron and B12 shots? Were you deficient in anything else? A scientist who was quoted recently stated that in the winter in the northern U.S. you'd have to go out without a shirt and in shorts for a couple of hours to get enough Vitamin D through the skin. (Sorry, can't find the cite now...maybe later.) It may be possible in Mexico or Texas in the winter but not at the 48th parallel. Good luck. |
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sanjoaquin
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« Reply #10 on: November 10, 2008, 11:36:40 PM » |
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Minimum exposure in most locales, 4 square inches of skin for 10 minutes. YMMV in northern climes...
San Joaquin
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sanjoaquin
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« Reply #12 on: November 11, 2008, 03:13:43 PM » |
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Thanks, Groundhog!
I tend to stay as close to the Equator as possible, so this is great information for people who live in more "temperature-and-sun-challenged" areas.
Yes, you may now all call me a wuss...
SJ
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luddite
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« Reply #13 on: January 03, 2009, 10:23:34 PM » |
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I was tested about 2 years ago for celiac and it was negative.
The doc gave me a rx for 50,000 units to take once a week for 8 weeks, and then once a month for a long time. Can doses that high even get absorbed?
Take heart, How are you doing? I was diagnosed with vitamin D deficiency about three weeks ago, and am taking the 50,000 IU dose for twelve weeks. In addition to the information other posters have presented, I have read that low vitamin D levels are linked to high blood pressure, which I have had for nearly a decade. This condition runs in my family, and although I've tried to lower my numbers through lifestyle changes (interthreaduality alert), only a low dosage of ACE inhibitors will keep it at normal levels. Now I'm hoping that once my vitamin D levels are back to normal, my blood pressure will drop a bit further. Thanks to everyone who mentioned celiac disease. I have very few of the symptoms listed, but my B12 is also low, so it's worth asking my doctor about it next time I see her. Minimum exposure in most locales, 4 square inches of skin for 10 minutes. YMMV in northern climes...
San Joaquin
I live in a warm climate...TOO warm for lots of outdoor activity during the summer months. I've been spending more time outdoors the past few weeks in an effort to boost my exercise routine and get a little natural vitamin D. |
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take_heart
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« Reply #14 on: January 03, 2009, 11:31:40 PM » |
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Hey luddite,
I just had my blood tested again on Tuesday, so I should find out hopefully next week what it is. I've never had high blood pressure. Both my parents have low vit D and take higher doses, especially my dad, and I wonder if there's some sort of genetic link(?). I don't know, maybe some people don't absorb it as well as others. Guess I'll find out. I was taking the 50,000 once a week, and that got me up to normal, so I'm only taking it once a month now. If it has gone back down, he will probably switch me to taking it every other week.
Hope yours helps the blood pressure too.
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