Vit D (25 - OH), who is experieced?

[LazyMoose]

My vit D-25 -hydroxy was tested last October '09. So that was after a whole summer of sun.

Results: vitamin D-25:    37  range: 20 - 100 ng/ml

So my test last year said I was optimal. But is it really?

A note from Quest lab said optimal D is anything over 30, even though their rage drops to 20, weird.

I have taken one Nature Made vit D, 1000 IU at night for 2 months - cant tell any difference, none at all.

I never retook the test since the endo refused, saying my levels did not need supplementation.

[ShelleyN720]

I've read that the food we eat isn't as nutritious as in the past because of the soil being depleted of minerals, processing, etc. D3 doesn't come from many food sources (I think they add it to milk)
I suspect that I have been low in Vitamin D for a long time but was never aware because I had no visible symptoms of D deficiency. Some supplements you can feel a difference - like with magnesium. Others not much. Like Vitamin C - I don't feel any better or worse by taking it, but I do because I know I don't eat citrus or fruit as often as I should (and I live in Florida!)
I take quite a few supplements (although not without caution and research)
I think anyone with a thryoid disorder, especially auto-immune like Hashis has a special need for supplementation. Our endocrine systems (hormone balance) is whacked out. However, it often seems that the doctors don't treat the total body, just parts of it.
I've not had one doctor talk to me about diet, exercise, hormones (other than thyroid med) I want to be well. Sometimes I am not sure doctors know how to get us there.
This forum has been the greatest help to me.

[LazyMoose]

I'll goggle it.  I do see people here always telling newbies to get D tested, so I just assume more would be able to describe the symptoms.

It was very obvious to me when I started to take the correct magnesium - thats why I continue to take it. If you cant tell a difference, makes no sense to take something..and vice versa.

[ShelleyN720]

My levels stay low (30-35) in a range of 20-80. (even with taking 4-5 IU's of D3 a day.
I don't know how to explain it...I just feel better taking the supplements I take. D3, B12, B Complex, 2G of C, selenium, magnesium, calcium...etc
I know I need D3 for my thryoid hormone med to work at optimum level.
Google Vitamin D and thyroid meds. That was enough info for me.

[LazyMoose]

So what is the noticeable difference for those if you that need D, and take it?

What symptoms were present, that are now gone?

Was anyone here low, but in range and feel better with D in the upper end of the range?

thanks

[redheadaussie]

It IS a hormone made via UV light in our skin. It is  Vit D3.  Without it we'd get ricketts and horrible other things wrong with us!

[ShelleyN720]

Right, it is like a hormone is what I have read as well.

[Brucergoldberg]

I am inexperienced but mine is 30.   I am taking 2000 icu a day.  I was told that vit d is not really a vitamin but more like a hormone?

[redheadaussie]

Due to my low calcium after the TT and taking 6 x 600mgs of calcium citrate and STILL having low corrected calcium, I insisted on the Vit D test. I was very low at 33  Started on 2,000 iu per day and got up to 175, which is slightly higher than the normal ref range here in Land of Oz. I noticed I had less mood swings, FAR less depression and my Parathyroid hormone test showed slight improvement and I was able to drop one of the calcium tablets.

The new recommendations of dosage on Vit D is 2,000-5,000 iu per day.
When I was in USA I bought Schiff brand and it was about $7.00 for 100 tablets. (I brought back 3 bottles) I have just run out here and bought a brand known to us Aussies and had to pay $25.99, for the same amount and dose as the Schiff. Grrrrrrr... our supplements are way too expensive.

BTW just because you spent time in the sun doesn't mean you will get enough VitD. It is highly relevant at what latitude you live in. Here in the southern part of Australia our UV rays come in at an angle greater than at the equator, so we have very low levels in the general population of Vit D. So if you live nearer the northern part of US you will be lower on Vit D than someone who lives in the southern part.

[ShelleyN720]

My Vitamin D hovers between 30-35 based on my labs the last 2 years (reference range of 20-80) I would like to be at 50.
My endo has not suggested supplements, nevertheless, I take them.
I take 4,000-5,000 IU a day with a meal - still stays at 30-35. Disappointing.
I believe anyone with osteopenia or osteoporosis with a lab value of 30 or less shouled definitely be supplementing D3, calcium & magnesium.

[kl42]

just ofc pill vitamins

[LazyMoose]

5000 a day in what form?

[kl42]

mine was as low as 12.. was tested months later it was 40 take 5000 a day. doctor told me optimally your best at 70 80 thats were you receive the most benefits,

[Liz94]

Well, I had a total thyroidectomy 4 years ago and as part of my labs after surgery they tested my vitamin D. Came back at a 13 which was seriously low. And I live in Texas and run outdoors almost every single day. I was started on 50,000 iu of Drisdol (rx Vit D) once a week. Took it for 6 months and got rechecked. It was 25. Still too low. Ended up taking it once a week for 2 years before my level got above a 30 which was where my endo wanted it to be. Now I take 50,000 iu every other Monday along with my calcium plus D everyday. And my endo checks my levels every time I have labs done.

I was told to take my vitamin D capsule after a meal that includes fat for optimal absorption. And I did not notice any change in how I felt after my level went to normal. But I had so much other stuff going on with being hypo and RAI and all that good stuff that I have no idea what was related to what.  All I know is, I finally feel good now after 4 freakin years!

[LazyMoose]

In anyone's experience:

1) have you had these levels tested in summer and winter (darkness) to compare the effects of natural light on Vit D levels?

2) Does raising Vit D increase good sleep?

3) When is the best time to take it for effectiveness and thyroid med timing? (I take dessicated piggy thyroid 3X day).

If it seems beneficial to take more again at a higher dose, I am looking for the most affordable and effective ways to increase with out any special prescriptions - on my own.

I would rather not continue  treating things assuming health insurance will always be there - why I continue to learn about this stuff. (Thats the best thing about NDT med only $20 per month cash).

thanks all!