Hi All,

Some were curious about my Vitamin D status, namely exactly what taking 50,000 units a week for four weeks would do. My doctor just let me know that my levels went into the normal range. I was at 9, and after the four pills I'm at 39. I'm supposed to take 1000 units a day until it gets sunny and then quit taking it.

I'm happy my levels are up, but not thrilled that the D has not been a magic bullet. Certainly, it has improved some of my leg symptoms and some of the anxiety/depression, but I still feel pretty lousy.

Oh well.

I also wonder how D interacts with hormones. I have read that it is actually a hormone, and there seems no explanation for why some of us get so low, even people who live in sunny climes. I myself never wear sunscreen and I do go outside. I wonder whether the hormonal fluctuations of peri and meno affect D levels.

Missy

Hey Missy,

I'm on the 50,000 ius as well and haven't really noticed anything other than the calmness that I feel when taking it initially... I think that perhaps I've always been deficient, however!

Best Wishs...

TJ

I get blood work every 6 months, due to a med I'm on, and they always run a battery of other bloodwork.. My D levels have been low, just not really low. This time they were really low, so they put my on the weekly 50,000 units. I'm supposed to take it for 6 weeks then get tested. I'm sort of ignorant of the whole D deficiency, and wasn't aware there were symptoms that went along with D deficiency. Could somebody fill me in...like I said, I found out about mine because of regular blood work. Also, anybody notice any side effects from the 50,000 D pill, I took my first one today, so I'm not sure if I should expect side effects or not.

I was surprised to find that I'm low too since I never use sunscreen and love the sunshine but I heard that dark complected people (me) are more likely to be low than light complected. Something about the ability to absorb.

My doctor just put me on twice a week prescription vitamin D after my level came back low (normal is 32; mine was 20). Between that and the iron supplement I am feeling much better. So for me, it was thyroid, iron and vitamin D. God bless my internist.

Hugs to all,
Marcy

I am doing 5,000 iu a day, my level was 22 out of an optimal range of 70-100. I dunno what is making me feel better the last few days because I have changed quite a bit of things. I take a b-12 injection, 2 multi vitamins, vitamin d, cal/mag liquid and progesterone oil cap.

Just wanted to add that deficiencies in Vitamin D has been linked to breast cancer, I too am getting my levels measured.

Anyone know the symptoms of low Vitamin D?

Plumeria

I had been on Vitamin D for years because there was a challenge on another site that I belong to and I was taking 5000 iu a day and when tested my levels were below normal! However, I discovered at the end of last year that I was taking the incorrect form, D2, D3 is the more active form. D2 has to be converted to D3, and as most of you know, sometimes we don't convert. Anyway, I have been taking the megadoses and my levels have only gone up 10 pounds...so I'm going to start taking the liquid, or emulsified form of Vitamin D3 because others have said they had much more success with that!


Here are some of the symptoms I found...although they can obviously vary.



Symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency

Scientists are just beginning to put all of the pieces together, but the first symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency could be: • Colds and Flu



• Periodontal Disease and Cavities



• Depression and Seasonal Affective Disorder

http://products.mercola.com/vitamin-d-spray/?aid=CD411
• Osteoporosis • High blood pressure

• Lung cancer

• Ovarian cancer

• Colon Cancer

• Asthma

• Breast cancer

• Multiple sclerosis


TJ








No edit, wasn't in my post that I could see. Sorry!

TJ

Another symptom is petit mal seizures. Not common but lucky me was having them when I was extremely low on Vit D3. Vit D is the ONLY supplement to act as a hormone in the human body. It works in conjunction with the parathyroid. So, when the pth is high then D is typically lower. Too much D can cause the pth to produce too little. It is a fine balancing act between the two. I'm doing much better now although I feel overall much better when I can sit in the sun for about 10 - 15 mins per day. The body more readily synthesizes the D3 from the sun better than a supplement. (although then we need to be concerned with our skin exposure......can't win can we?? lol) Hope this helps. Jzz

My doctor told me something very interesting today about Vit D. Apparently if they give Vit D to men with prostate cancer, their PSA levels come down ---

Here is a link if anyone is interested.... I think these finding are really exciting....

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/8017323.stm






I've just started taking Vit D - had to wait for my doctor to get hold of German crystals -- anyone else taking these?

I've been taking 50,000 per week, I'm on my 3rd week out of 4. My level was 25. My main symptom was FATIGUE! I actually felt better this week. Dare I say I had some days that I felt "normal" ?!?! HOPING HOPING HOPING that it continues. I know I need to keep up the excise. I think that has definitely helped. There is a good book called The Vitamin D Cure.

Thats great news! I hope it continues for you! I'm taking 20,000 iu every other day. You said your level was 25? What range is that in?

25 is definitely low. My pcp even said it was drastically low. Should not be below 30, but the Vitamin D Cure says optimal is 50-70 (I think). I get retested in June. Been making a point to try to get some sun too. It's hard because it's still chilly here and very difficult to expose skin without freezing. I just got about 10 minutes in before a cloud came along. Stupid cloud!

I know the feeling! Everytime I want to sit in the sun a big cloud comes out lol

Yes, 25 is low --- I'm at 11 I hope I start to feel better soon.....

My vitamin D level was low.My dr had me taking 14,000 units per week.I also had to have a bone densitity scan.The scan turned out fine.I still take 7,000 units per week,I feel much better.

Rhonda P

I am taking 2000iu a day of vitamin D-3. No sides from it at all. I also take cod-liver oil. I have been doing some research and have found that it also works like an anit-viral, killing virus pathogens within 3 days. It is wonderful stuff!

Vitamin D is found naturally in fish (such as salmon and sardines) and fish oils, eggs and cod liver oil. Naturally I find it in my medicine cabinet in a bottle. LOL! OK...I eat samon, fish oil, eggs, and cod liver oil. LOL.


(HealthDay News) -- Certain amounts of vitamin D may be able to prevent up to half of breast cancer cases and two-thirds of colorectal cancer cases in the United States, according to two studies by researchers at the Moores Cancer Center at the University of California, San Diego, and colleagues at other centers.



Shebee

I was recently told my vitamin D was low and to take an extra 1000 iu a day and I can feel a difference in how I feel. I see some people are taking such a higher amount 14,000, 50,000 is that safe? I don't know what the limits are just wondering.

The researchers determined that, in North America, in order to achieve a 50 percent reduction in colon cancer incidence, individuals would likely have to receive 2,000 IU per day of vitamin D. In order to halve the risk of breast cancer, women would have to receive 3,500 IU per day. The median adult intake of vitamin D in the US is 230 IU per day. ---University of California, San Diego (UCSD)

Anyone taking more than 1300 IU's per day should have periodic blood tests performed to be sure that not too much Calcium is being absorbed. Personally, I think that 14,000 - 50,000 is way too much for long term use. Perhaps the high dose is necessary to get their blood levels up and running? However, since they are under a doc supervision, it is probably ok for short term use.

You can Overdose on A & D, but I think that it would be hard.

Shebee

In order to overdose on the Vit D, you would have to take something in the order of 2 MILLION IU a day, and none of us are going to do that. That works out to something like 56,000 400Iu pills!! I mean can you IMAGINE?? LOL! It would take DAYS to swallow that many pills!!!

Large doses, like 50,000IU are given on short term basis only to bring levels up to normal, and this is even given to BABIES who are deficient. I believe it is very safe, so long as you continue to be monitored, and stop once your levels have reached normal.

I am very interested in this discussion after seeing my alternative Dr. today.

I told my Dr. that I still get over anxious and somewhat depressed when I think about all the things I USED to love doing, especially traveling to different places around the world, but now I dread having to fly, be away from home etc.,.....and she suggested I may have a vitamin D deficiency, and to do a blood test.

Normally I would have said, 'no way'!...as I love to be out in the sun, but I guess these days I don't spend so much time outside due to family....when I was single and had no children (9 years ago) I was always on week long beach holidays and sitting in the sun at every opportunity....(I was a travel agent)

So when Carol said dark complexion people are more likely to be deficient, then I guess it is possible I could need an extra boost.

Plumeria...now you've got me worried about the link with breast cancer...I am about to go for my follow up ultrasound for a 8mm 'nodule' in my left breast. I am praying that they can't find it anymore!

Is there a certain make of Vitamin D supplement that is recommended, just in case I need it?

thanks

Caz

Caz,

I am going to ask my primary doctor to test for Vit. D deficiency and if I am low, I'll let you know what my naturopath prescribes.

My condition was precancerous and not cancer so I was very lucky. PLease get that breast nodule check, early intervention is always important. It is probably a cyst.

Can you PM me on the fiber and other supplements you are taking. You have a really good cholesterol profile as I recall and would like to know what you are taking.

Thanks so much,
Plumeria

Good morning Plumeria!

I am taking the following:

1.For fiber = 'fractionated pectin' by Thorne
2.Buffered time released Vitamin C with bioflavinoids by Country Life 1000mg x 2 daily
3.High potency B-100 sustained released x 2 daily..Trader Joe's (only $3.99!)
4.Omega 3 (liquid form) 1 tbsp before bedtime by Nordic Naturals
5.Udo's Choice super 8 probiotic 1 x daily

Yesterday my Dr. gave me 'Adreno Distress Guard' by Perque, which enables stress hormone balance....because of my high cortisol and I am to take 2 per day....the ingredients have Rhodiola 300mg, Relora 500mg, Perilla Oi 800mg and Medium Chain Triglycerides (from raw palm fruit) 250mg and smaller amounts of other things.

I HATE taking all these, but I figured they must be helping in some way and I know that I can stop a couple once I begin to feel better....and I could do without spending $$$ too!

Caz

That is good to know! Thanks for the good information... With the bios and vitamins I only take 47,000 pills a day. 56,000 would just be way too much for me. LOL!

Shebee

Thanks for the giggle!!!!

Very funny Shebee!

can anyone tell me how much a vitamin D test is? can it be done directly with a lab online?

I was told by my alternative wellness Dr. yesterday to get one done, but don't want to spend $$$ getting one.

thanks!

caz

Caz,

My Kaiser doctor was able to order the test (Vit. D) that my naturopath recommended, so my Kaiser insurance is covering it, otherwise if done through my naturopath it would cost $70.00.

Thanks for the supplement information. The fractionated pectin by thorne, is this a powder or capsule, anyway, how much do you take and when? I am hoping this might help with my very high cholesterol.

I too take several adrenal support supplement, I take 200mg rhodiola by Thorne and MACA by Medik Herb (3300mg - 3 capsules/ 2X Day).

I too take so many supplements but I think they are all helping and yes, I am spending a fortune.

All the best,
Plumeria

hi plum....thanks again for the info

I take one capsule (not powder) of the 'fractionated pectin' after each meal....(so 3 daily).....listen, after I had been taking it for about 3 weeks I suddenly had a cleanout!!!...I had 4 bowel movements last Monday and 4 times the next day too!!! ....I think it must take a few weeks to work, plus I had drank a lot more water last mon/tues because it was very hot here.

It will shift a few pounds anyway!

good luck.

caz

Thanks, Caz. I PMed with more specific questions.

Plumeria

Update on my recent vitamin D test....

My level is 36.8ng/mL

So I'm guessing that means its OK?!.....but I did look on a couple of sites that said the optimal is 50-70.

What does everyone think?

Should I supplement anyway, and if so, how much is good?

I'm not worried about it, but would love some feedback from all you knowledgable people here!!

Caz

Caz,
My gyno said my vitamin D was low at 29 recently. She went to a seminar and said that was one topic they discussed. It was found that menopausal women should be at higher than what drs say is normal. She would like to see 70. She is having me take 2000 ius a day and let me tell you it has helped a lot. Hardly any more shaking, anxiety lower, hot flashes, night flashes, etc. 90% less. I just went to Walmart and got it.
Hope I helped,
Robin

That's helped a lot Robin...thanks!

Thanks Robin, I agree the upper level is best for "optimal" functioning! You have a great doctor!!!


TJ



Thanks Robin, I agree the upper level is best for "optimal" functioning! You have a great doctor!!!


TJ

Is it best to get a 'sublingual' D or doesn't it matter?

can anyone suggest a good one.....not too costly (things are beginning to add up!)

Cheers!
Caz

Hey Robin, you are so blessed to have a Gyno like that, you really are... That is great that she takes the time to look into other therapies, not just prescribe more meds!!! That is great... Next time you see your Gyno, tell her I am jealous.... Just kidding that is awesome, I so wish more doctor's to her approach!!!!

I also am taking Vitamin D, think its been a year ago when doctor did check on that along with the routine lab work think here they routinely check on your vitamin D levels now. I take a once a month Vitamin D 1.25 MG softgel pill. I honestly don't know if its helping or not. I have not had any hot flashes or night sweats but alot of other symtoms, if the vitamin D is helping keep those other things at bay then I guess I would have to say its helping alot, I don't want to discontinue taking to find out though!!!

I'm reviving this thread as I would still like some advice on vitamin D......

Are my levels - 36.8ng/mL considered low enough to supplement?...I believe they are, however not sure how much I need to take and what is a good make?

thanks again!

Caz

I talked with my alternative Dr. yesterday and she told me to take 10,000mg a day....I asked her for how long, and she said 'a long time'!

My level was considered 'sub-optimal' at 36.8ng/mL.....the preferred range for menopausal women is 50-70ng/mL.

I was wondering does anyone take that much per day continually (10,000mg)- I realise some people here have taken up to 50,000mg, but on a short term basis, so I am skeptical whether I should take 10,000mg and if so for how long to get my level up into the 50-70 range.

I am still having on/off issues with my sleep (getting 4-5 hours, then awake, restless and hot the rest of the night) and am just about had enough of it, so was wondering if maybe D3 will help?!

If anyone has had good luck on this please let me know!!!

Caz

Hi, I do like Vitamin D. I truly think it helps me with my moods!! What more I can ask for I don't know.

I worry about taking too much though because apparently - according to this thread - there is a concern that you can get kidney stones.

To help you sleep, have you tried taking liquid calcium/magnesium?

Maybe - just maybe, we put too much emphasis on the amount of sleep we get. What I mean by this is, if your wide awake with only 4 to 5 hours of sleep then maybe that is all your body needs? I wish I could survive on less sleep. I am an 7-8 hour a night gal. I wish I was a morning person, but no matter how much sleep I get, I am a tad grumpy in the morning!!! I wake up feeling kinda wasted sometimes - lol - like I have a hangover...it takes about an hour before I feel human. I wish there was something for that!!! I love those people that wake up early and are ready and raring to go. I would be too - if I was going to DisneyLand or something...but to get up JUST to wash dishes from the night b4 or make the bed - FEEEERget it.

IMHO - I can't help but think that is alot of Vitamin D Caz, but then, I AM NOT a Docta and this is a good thing!

Peace,
Suzanne

Hey Caz,

I was taking 50,000 ius of Vitamin D to get my levels up but when tested they had only gone up 5 points! Now I'm taking 10,000 ius a day along with calcium and magnesium supplements because adequate levels of vitamin d are necessary for proper calcium absorption. I know someone else personally who had taken this dosage for about 6 months and has slowly seen improvement along with the calcium and magnesium...so it does take time.

In regards to sleep I think it is a serotonin issue as well as a body ph issue... Long story short, I've been trying to get more fruits and vegetables into my diet and stopped eating protein at dinner (supposed to help to make your body more alkaline which is better for sleep)...just eating alkaline foods...fruits and vegetables (along with a small amount of potatoes (potatoes not prozac) mostly and I'm sleeping better without any sleeping aids. I do sip on homemade ginger tea at night so I think it is a combination of those things. For a comparison, even with aids I was only getting 4 hours, now I'm getting 6-7 which is major for me anyway!

If interested, there is an alkalzing drink recipe that I can give you...


Peace and Blessings,

TJ

Hey Caz,

I was taking 50,000 ius of Vitamin D to get my levels up but when tested they had only gone up 5 points! Now I'm taking 10,000 ius a day along with calcium and magnesium supplements because adequate levels of vitamin d are necessary for proper calcium absorption. I know someone else personally who had taken this dosage for about 6 months and has slowly seen improvement along with the calcium and magnesium...so it does take time.

In regards to sleep I think it is a serotonin issue as well as a body ph issue... Long story short, I've been trying to get more fruits and vegetables into my diet and stopped eating protein at dinner (supposed to help to make your body more alkaline which is better for sleep)...just eating alkaline foods...fruits and vegetables (along with a small amount of potatoes (potatoes not prozac) mostly and I'm sleeping better without any sleeping aids. I do sip on homemade ginger tea at night so I think it is a combination of those things. For a comparison, even with aids I was only getting 4 hours, now I'm getting 6-7 which is major for me anyway!

If interested, there is an alkalzing drink recipe that I can give you...


Peace and Blessings,

TJ

I am taking 20,000iu every other day under the supervision of my doctor. He is going to test for Vit D range in 3 months. I was pretty low too --

I'm taking 10ug of vitamin D3 every day. How does that translate to iu's or mg's? Does anyone know?

Regarding sleep, I attended a lecture by the head of the sleep lab of a major university who said that as long as you get 4 hours uninterrupted sleep, your body and brain's needs are met - although of course many people are going to feel too tired with that. If you feel sleepy during the afternoon, it's a sign that you haven't had enough sleep at night. One theory is that humans may have evolved to have two sleeps in each 24 hour period, which is why we get drowsy in the afternoon if we're short on sleep. If you don't suffer drowsiness during the day however, but are fresh and alert, then whatever sleep you're getting at night is probably enough. Unless I have between seven and eight hours sleep at night, I'll get drowsy in the afternoon. However I don't have to sleep continuously to get enough, I can have one or two periods of waking, and eventually go back to sleep.

Regarding uninterrupted sleep, apparently we wake slightly every 15 minutes (I think he said) to shift position but in the normal course of events, go back to sleep immediately and don't remember it. If we're particularly stressed (or presumably disrupted hormonally) however, then we'll come into full wakefulness during some of these times.

There was also a tv show about sleep here in the UK recently which confirmed that eating protein produces wakefulness whereas eating carbohydrate produces drowsiness.

I had the opportunity to speak to the person giving the lecture afterwards and asked him about the menopause. He said that women wake with hot flushes. A drop in body temperature prompts drowsiness, ready for sleep and a rise in body temperature triggers waking. He told me to supplement with estrogen. When I said I was contraindicated for systemic estrogen, he said it does get better in time. This wasn't much consolation at the time, but it has got better and I usually sleep six hours uninterrupted now, and tack on an extra one or two by going back to sleep.

He didn't mention waking with adrenaline surges or tachycardia! I wish one of these sleep experts would direct their efforts towards understanding what happens to sleep for women in peri!

Hi TJ

Which make of calcium/magnesium are you taking?.....I guess I need to get some of that too...boy am I rattling these days!

Thanks for everyone's great advice!

caz