D2 vs. D3 and Calcium Supplimentation

[pep88]

K, I started reading another post, started to answer that post, then decided that this needed to be a topic up for discussion...

So none of my parathryoids were damaged (supposedly) during my surgery over a year ago (that was in answer to the other post...).  And I think I had issues with Vit D and calcium even before my TT for cancer, but I still have constant issues with Vit D and calcium a whole year later.  I can't seem to get them up and keep them at normal levels.  They've always been at the low (k, so the vit D, not even in the range) end of the spectrum...  Even taking 50,000 units of Vit D2 a week, with some over the counter D3 supplimentation, has not gotten this in line!  

I would like to know more about vit D2 vs D3.  I've done some reading and do know that D2 is the form that gets converted into the active form of D3 utilized by the body, somewhat like T4 being converted by the body into T3.  My conflict comes with which suppliment is the correct one to use to bring your levels into the normal range.  

I've asked this of my Dr who says that D2 gets converted into D3 and it's the suppliment to take.  He says I'll be on it the rest of my life... (at 50,000 IU's a week... YIKES!)  Taking anything (except for thyroid meds for the rest of my life, scares me!)  My pharmacy says that most docs put you on 50,000 IU's per week or bi-weekly for a few weeks or months to bring you within range, then switch you to D3 or some other normal over the counter suppliment.  I've also read online that D2 interferes with D3's ability to work well within the body.  So, you can see my confusion.

Has anyone done any real research they'd care to share?  I'm sick of everyone in my physical life giving me a different answer, so I'm turning to my "virutal life" for info.  I fear that without a resolution to the D2/D3 issue, my low calium and "fun" cramps that come with that, will never really end...

[Rachel4]

I take 5400 IUs D3 daily (for the past two months) to treat a deficiency. If you've been taking D for awhile and haven't shown improvement I believe a good question to ask is why isn't your body absorbing it? Could there be a gut issue?

[rumpled]

I take 2000iu of D3 daily on doctors orders. I take D3 as the body absorbs it better. I have low D reading and a parathyroid issue.

[KelDC]

Not sure if this is helpful or not, but my aunt has been on Vitamin D (not sure about the D2/D3) and calcium ever since her TT 30 years ago (they nicked one of her parathyroids). About 3 months ago, a new doctor told her she didn't need it anymore and told her to stop it.  She said she felt weird about it, but she listened.  Her levels plummeted.  She then got a new endo who told her yes, she will have to take the supplements for life. She also told her she needs a medical ID bracelet that identifies her calcium/D issues, because God forbid she end up in the hospital w/no one to speak for her --- no one would ever believe she needs the dosages she takes daily.  It makes sense, but it never occurred to me!

So, yes, you can safely take the supplements for life if needed. I don't think most people need to,though.  It can take a long time to straighten out, though.  I hope that is not the case for either of you!

[pep88]

A bump for morning coffee drinkers.  Liz and I need help with this one...  Any input?

[Liz94]

Those are some good questions that I'd love the answers to as well. Ever since my TT a year ago I've been on 50,000 iu once a week of Drisdol (prescription Vit. D).  My doc told me I'll take till February and he'll check me again and maybe consider switching me to an over the counter form.  Right after my TT my vitamin D was 13 (very low.)  After being on the 50,000 iu once a week for almost a year my last check it was at 25. I'm kinda scared to go off of the prescription, who knows what will happen?  But, I'll definitely ask questions next time I see the endo.