Vitamin D Deficiency

[minmtn]

For anyone wishing to learn about the multitude of conditions that happen as a result of Vit D deficiency, you can read the New England  Journal of Medicine article by Dr. Michael F. Holick, noted as the world's renown expert on Vitamin D by the Vitamin D Council (www.vitamindcouncil.com) by going to www.vitamindhealth.org and clicking on "original journal articles".  There is also an external link to a presentation made by Dr. Holick to the European Calcified Tissue Council that is very entertaining to watch and includes the most incredible information.  It is a live stream and if your computer screen goes black, just click any key to watch the rest of the slides.  Your doc can't help it if s/he doesn't know about the current Vit D levels.  30 used to be the bottom acceptable number, but now it is 50 -- and that is just to maintain minimum Vit D.  If your level is 32, don't let someone tell you it is "normal."  You'll see from the NEJM article that every cell in your body has vit D receptors.  Low Vit D can cause everything from osteomalacia (adult form rickets) that produces bone pain and muscle pain to cancers, MS, etc.  If your Vit D is low, your body cannot absorb calcium no matter how much you take or get in your food.  Then your calcium is low which leads to heart conditions and everything else listed in the article or on the ECTS video.  When your doc checks your blood, however, your calcium will look normal.  That is because your body is busy robbing calcium from your bones and teeth to meet the needs of your vital organs.  Your doc has to measure ionized calcium, not serum calcium, to obtain an accurate calcium level for a person with a vit D deficiency.  Most docs did not learn about this in medical school.  Dr. Holick has been doing this research for at least 30 years.  I know a hospital administrator who explained to me that it takes new medical information a minimum of 20 years to make it into mainstream medical practice.  Some of you are frustrated that you cannot find out what "causes" the deficiency.  There is not enough Vit D in food or today's multivitamins.  (see video/read NEJM article).  Most of us MUST take a supplement.  And most of us are not in the sun 10 minutes each day with 25% of our skin uncovered.  Most docs are skeptical of new information until it is proven, proven, proven again.  They want to make sure they don't make their patients sick.  Educate yourself.  You can also read a newsletter and articles about current Vit D info on the vitamindcouncil website.  Amazing stuff.  One of my docs suggested I try an antidepressant for my symptoms of numbness, tingling, cramping in my feet, chronic infection, deteriorating teeth, terrible joint, muscle, bone pain.  Maybe I should go back and ask that doc which antidepressant he would recomment for the Vit D deficiency he missed?  I believe the current treatment is 50,000 iu/week for 8 weeks, then perhaps every other week if the level is still low.  I now take 4,000 iu a day (from wholesale food store or drugstore).  The American Academy of Pediatrics just raised their recommended limits and even newborns should be getting supplements.  10 minutes of sunlight every day can help unless you live above Atlanta, Ga and then you can only make D a few short months of the year.  Otherwise, take a supplement!  This condition is considered epidemic by many doctors.  And more and more of them are learning about this problem every day.  You can search on any medical condition i.e. "Parkinson's and Vit D deficiency", "asthma and Vit D deficiency" and you will be amazed at what you find.  I would also recommend sending a question to a MedHelp Expert.  It is a very reasonable fee and you will get a specific answer emailed back to you that can also benefit your online friends.  It worked for me.  I have about 5 friends who recently found out they are deficient.  Good luck, everyone! Don't be D-ficient!!! minmtn


This discussion is related to Vitamin D Deficiency ?.

[Joni686]

I have been Vit. D deficient off and on as far as I know for 3 years now.  I was on 50,000.iu once a week and then it was found that a mega dose such as that did not do the job as well and a daily dose.  I now take 6000 iu per day and sometimes more because in my last workup I was a bit deficient again.  I also have lupus and I have been told my disease causes the deficiency but I also wonder if the lack of Vit. D might have contributed to me getting lupus.  As the woman said in the first post a few years ago, I have all the fatigue, muscle and joint pain etc.  I have also had issues with the electrical system of my heart and a chronic cough.  I would suggest to everyone to have their Vit. D checked and if they are having other symptoms such as fatigue and/or pain they push to get answers.  I have learned with lupus that I have to be my own advocate.  I do not just take what one doctor says as the truth.  I have made a few doctors mad but hey the very first one I went to told me I had Mono and didn't even know what an ANA test was.  The only reason I knew to ask for an ANA test was because I knew someone with lupus.  I couldn't believe this PCP did not know what that was.  Since then and a few other idiots i have come across, I question everything and read as much as I can.  Thanks for posting this.

[gadgetsmidnight]

Thank you for posting this.  I have recently been diagnosed with Vitamin D def.  I had been suffering from being off balance (rocking like on a boat), extreme fatigue, muscle and joint pain just to name a few of my symptoms.  I had to push to get a Vitamin screen.  Turns out two vitamins were low to extremely low.  Vitamin b12 and Vitamin D.  I hope the medical community gets educated quicker than you mentioned.  I am starting the Vitamin D at 50,000IU weekly.  I cross my fingers that this helps the symptoms.

[minmtn]

Have you been to a cardiologist about the electrical disturbances and chronic cough?  Checked ionized calcium?  Some people have a condition called Wolff-Parkinson-White disorder (WPW), an accessory electrical pathway in the heart (that shouldn't be there.)  There is a very distinctive pattern on ECG that identifies the disorder.  If that is ruled out, there is research out there that both conditions you mention -- lupus and  Vit D deficiency -- can cause heart trouble.  

Some people cannot metabolize Vit D due to digestive disorders.  

Aug 2009  Lupus and Vit D
http://omrf.org/OMRF/News_Releases/Releases/2009/20090804.asp

www.vitamindcouncil.org/newsletter/2006-may.shtml
. . .Dr. Hardin, from Columbia University, presented evidence that blood levels above 50 ng/mL should help patients with lupus. . .

Search "Lupus and Vit D" or "Lupus and Vit D deficiency" and see what you find!  Again, I would highly recommend reading Dr. Holick's New England Journal of Medicine article available on his website, www.vitamindhealth.org.  Or google his name "Dr. Michael F Holick" -- there is a lot to read related to his research as well as the research of others.  I read that in 1971, it was Dr. Holick that identified the test now used to diagnose Vit D deficiency.

Best wishes to you in your quest!

[minmtn]

Good news that your Vit D deficiency was diagnosed.  I hope you are taking the 50,000iu for 8 weeks.  Often it is also prescribed to take every other week for a few weeks and then start the daily dose.  2,000 iu or more is what many people are told to take.  Did you find out the number?  How low your level was?  If it was much below 30, your calcium was likely not being absorbed because Vit D must be intact to activate calcium, therefore many people end up calcium deficient.  If your doc does a serum test to check your calcium, it will appear in the "normal" range because it is being leached from your bones and teeth so that your heart and other vital organs can function.  ionized calcium is what must be measured.   If it is low, take calcium citrate, not calcium carbonate.  The vitamin D council newsletter reports that there were so many new research projects on Vit D at this year's annual meeting, that they could only select about 300 to be presented.  If you're interested, you can read a summary by Dr. Cannell, the Council director:  www.vitamindcouncil.com  Be patient as your Vit D is repleted.  It takes time to feel better and it is gradual.  You may not notice a sudden improvement even when you finish the Rx Vit D.  It is very important to take the daily dose and get in the sun for 15 minutes (cover your face) with 25% of your body uncovered whenever you can.  If you live above Atlanta, Georgia, you won't be able to make Vit D from the sun until sometime after February -- it is impossible at that latitude.  (See Dr. Holick's NEJM article)  The evidence is good that the therapy you are taking will work!    

[minmtn]

To learn a lot about Vit D deficiency symptoms from one of the world's top Vit D scientists, go to www.vitamindhealth.org.  Under External Links, click on the ECTS link -- a video presentation (very entertaining, by the way).  Also at the same site, click on Original Journal Articles for the New England Journal of Medicine articles.  The old bottom number was 30 -- the current scientists use 50, therefore, a level of 11 is quite low and with Vit D not working, one's calcium would also be off.  If 50,000 iu remains a problem after trying it the 2nd week -- you're only taking it once a week, right?  -- then try getting over the counter 2,000iu and taking about 6,000 iu each day (after discussing with your doc.)  Also, lots of info at www.vitamindcouncil.com.  Both sites have info about diabetes and Vit D deficiency.  Good luck!  minmtn

[gadgetsmidnight]

I just started the 50,000IU weekly of Vitamin D, I have 12 weeks worth.  Boy did it make me nauseated.  I did find out that my level was 11.  They haven't done any other testing, but I might see if my PCP will do an Ionized calcium level.  I have an appointment with an endocrinologist in March. (I was diagnosed with Diabetes 3 or 4 years ago and now with the vitamin deficiencies the PCP wants to pass me off.)  I have been reading through the Vitamin D council's website.  I am still overwhelmed and hopefully if I keep reading, things will begin to make sense.  Thanks for commenting.

[Joni686]

minmtn, I have one of the best cardiologists right here in Houston.  He has had many reports written on him.  He is the one that took care of me when I had vasculitis around my heart and fluid around my heart, it was due to the lupus being very active not WPW but thanks for the suggestion.
I have also studied quite a bit on Vit D and I have been on 50,000.iu a week and now my levels are doing better by taking 4-6,000. daily.
I'm glad you have found someone you believe in and can follow his lead.  I personally have learned that my vit. D levels are much better if I am in the sun a few minutes whenever possible and also taken once a day.
Thanks for your suggestions.
Good luck...

[Joni686]

Gadget...  I meant to mention to you.  Ask your doctor about Metanx since you are low on B vitamins.  It is a prescription of folic acid and B vits and I couldn't get out of bed without it.  It is really awesome!

[gadgetsmidnight]

I have not heard of Metanx.  I will ask my PCP.  I think he will probably have me wait and talk to the Endocrinologist before he makes anymore changes to my medications, but it can't hurt to ask.

[Joni686]

Good luck.  It's only a high potency vit B and folic acid from what I've been told.  If I miss it one day I feel a difference.

[MNheidi]

I've just been found to have a VitD level of 28, though was told the bottom of the range was 30 so only told to take a supplement of 2000/day. I'm frustrated becuase I've not been able to find a dr in MN to help me with many years of health issues. I've recently found I'm allergic to gluten (am being tested for Celiac) and milk, have had chronic fatigue, muscle pain/weakness, skin/hair issues, multiple digestive issues, and mental clarity/concentration issues for more than 10 years. I've been told it's due to candida overgrowth, leaky gut, stress, and in my head. Very frustrating to say the least. My most recent tests are being done right now and had to push my dr. to do most of them. What I know for sure is that I haven't felt like myself for many many years. I am a single mom of 2 girls and need to figure this out to be there for them like I need to be. (Also, my oldest was just diagonosed with several allergies as well, including gluten.)
What I'm wondering is if you happen to know of any drs in MN that would support the research of Dr. Holick and/or the issues I have that may be tied to his research. I'm extremely frustrated from going through years of this and have yet to find an MD here that supports any of it vs. just take something and go home. I've been told many times now that since I already feel better from the diet changes due to the allergies that I should be happy now.....what about the fact that I'm still exhausted, my heart races just going up the steps, I'm always cold, my muscles/joints hurt 24/7 and my mental clarity continues to be a challenge as well? Any help from you or any of the readers woudl be welcome.
MNheidi

[MNheidi]

Another question, if I've been unable to absorb vitamin D due to my digestive issues, would taking a supplement do any good? Would I need to take more due to less being absorbed?

[veggiemom1436]

I'm so confused over the whole Vitamin D thing.  My son has hypercalciuria and an elevated Alk. Phos., so I'm having him tested for D deficiency through ZRT labs since I can't get ANY doctor, not even his Nephrologist, to test him.  He has teeth problems (which are not a typical issue in our family) and obviously the excess loss of calcium in his urine, so I'd think it would be a given to test him. He was breastfed for a very long time (3.5 years) and never received supplements,nor was I taking any, never drank cows milk. I just never took or gave D due to lack of information, or research on my part. I should have been more diligent.  Usually I'm hypervigilant when it comes to their health. He's also 1/4 asian, so perhaps his risk is even higher, I don't know. I do allow some outside time w/o sunscreen, but our summers are short!!

My level is currently 34 which the endo feels is too low, so I'm supposed to start back up on supplements.  It appears that the small amount of 2,000 IU's isn't doing the trick since my level has gone down by 2 since I was last drawn.

[Joni686]

Two years ago I was told by an internist that 2000 iu per day was too much and I might get Vit. D poisoning if I took that much.  My gyno had me on 50,000. iu a week for six weeks but another doctor told me it doesn't get absorbed properly unless taken daily and trying to get a little bit of sun if possible.  I finally got my vit. D level right taking 6000iu a day and while I can't get any sun at the moment I will be getting at least 10 minutes a day with no sunscreen this summer.  That's what has finally worked for me this last year.  My level is normal.

[gadgetsmidnight]

Got some labs done.  Nothing wrong with my thyroid or parathyroid.  
Ionized Calcium 4.88mg/dl  range is 4.8-5.6mg/dl

So I am thinking that is good.  
This weeks Vit D did not make me sick, so maybe last week was just a fluke.  I did take this weeks with a little food.  There was a post not to long ago in a different part of this website that showed a study on how long certain symptoms take to clear if they are related to the Vitamin D def.  If I can find it again, I will try to post the link for everyone.  It was very interesting.

[gadgetsmidnight]

Here it is.  I hope it works.
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Undiagnosed-Symptoms/what-happens-after-treatment-with-vitamin-d-deficiency/show/1151898

[dite]

Hi all, I just read through the forum. I was prescribed the weekly vitamin D3 pills and just started yesterday. My D was at 19. I am hoping this will help me. I have had fatigue for years and was diagnosed with Idiopathic Hypersomnia after a sleep study didn't show anything wrong. My iron & B vitamins always come up normal, as does my thyroid. Still, I take iron and B6 and B12 pills daily & they help a little. I hadn't known about Vitamin D though, and it makes sense that I would be low since I never go out in the sun without sunscreen, lived in Northern latitudes most of my life, and don't eat much dairy.
I am still confused about a few things. I don't have any of the pain symptoms that everyone else seems to have, just fatigue/tiredness and weakness if I exercise. Also I had some skin problems, which my Dr diagnosed as sebhorric dermatitis. Since I started on the D yesterday my skin feels much better.
Another thing I was wondering about was that 2 times now my Drs have written on my lab results that my platelets are "low", but they said it's nothing to be concerned by. I still can't figure out what that means and whether it's something related to low D.
I am definitely going to stop avoiding the sun so much from now on, and hopefully I will be able to do all the things I used to once I get my energy back.

[minmtn]

If you haven't had a chance to watch this entertaining video by Dr. Michael Holick, one of the world's top vitamin D scientists, just grab some popcorn and go to www.vitamindhealth.org.  The video is the 2nd item under" External Links: Presentation to ECTS".  You will learn a lot and laugh a lot during the approx 30 minute video.  Once you click on the link, it will take about 3 minutes or so to buffer, so just wait while it loads.  You don't need to do anything else except watch.  There will be a small screen with Dr. Holick at the podium and then after he introduces his topic, you will see a second screen displaying his his slides to the right side of the first screen.  While watching, your screen may go black -- just tap any key on your computer keyboard to bring the image back up.  ALSO, There are answers to just about any question you can think of related to Vit D deficiency on this website from Dr. Holick's posted Live Webinar forum:  www.vitamindhealth.org/?p=63#more-63.  You will be able to read his answers to specific questions on Vit D and a multitude of medical conditions.  His New England Journal of Medicine articles are linked near the top of the main web, www.vitamindhealth.org, under "Original Journal Articles".

[minmtn]

Low Platelets & Vit D.  Here is a message I found from an RN to someone else outside this forum:  

Hate to be didactic, but have you had your Vitamin D levels checked? They should be at around 60-80 ng/dl, otherwise you will need to increase the IUs you are taking until you get above at least 50 ng/dl. This is NORMAL, not therapeutic level. Without Vit D in adequate amounts, the body can't make immune system components, blood cells, etc. as well as hormones, enzymes, and Vit D is required to maintain healthy DNA function.  Jan Grossberg, RN, BSN

[KimbyKepp]

I was just diagnosed with low Vitamin D and I was wondering if anyone else on here has this problem. I have had this pain/ discomfort in the front of neck for almost a year. I am wondering if it could be because of low vitamin d. I have been going to my doctor about it over and over again and still have not got any answers. It feels like a constant tightness around the area of the thyroid gland, but it doesn't stay there, the discomfort moves up to my jaw and around to my ears. I also occasionally get little spasms in my throat that I notice especially after I take medication or vitamins. I know a lot of my other symptoms can be from low vitamin d but I have know idea about this, please if somebody has had something similar can you let me know?

[Joni686]

Kimby, I am not sure if low vit D can cause pain in that area but you never know and doctors don't know everything.  Have you started on Vit. D yet?  Did your doctor write an Rx for Vit. D or tell you how much to take?  I would suggest getting your D level up to normal and seeing if the pain goes away.
God Bless
Joni

[minmtn]

Sorry you aren't feeling well.  If the doctor you have been going to over and over is not a specialist in endocrinology or gastroenterology, perhaps someone in that specialty could help you.  My mom had thyroid problems and I believe she was told it may have started with Vit D deficiency.  But that may not be the situation for you.  Dr. Holick's website discusses how Vit D deficiency and resulting low calcium can trigger a condition called secondary hyperthyroidism or hypoparathyroidism -- I can't remember which.  You can watch the video that talks about this condition (among other conditions) at www.vitamindhealth.org and click on External Link "ECTS Presentation".  Wait for it to load, maybe 3-5 minutes.  Or read the New England Journal of Medicine article (Original Journal Articles) from the website.  The link is near the top task bar on the main web page.  Good luck and hope you feel better!

[painIsKilling]

Hi,
I was told by my doc that I have Vit D deficiency where it should be 32 I have only 6.1....I am suffering from severe headaches and body pains everywhere.....She suggested me to take 50,000 Vit D supplement per day for 3 weeks.....I am having headaches,ear pain, eye blur,giddiness, tired,joint pains

[minmtn]

Your doctor is right, except that your level should be minimum 50, not 32.  30 is the old number.  Also, ask your doctor to check your ionized calcium if s/he hasn't already done so -- not serum calcium!  You are probably very low in calcium because calcium cannot be absorbed if you are Vit D deficient.  The calcium to take is calcium citrate, not calcium carbonate according to Dr. Holick.  (Calcium citrate will prevent kidney stones - cal calbonate can cause them).  Ask your doctor to read Dr. Michael Holick's NEJM article or go to www.vitamindhealth.org and watch the video presentation (external link on website), "ECTS Presentation".  You should watch this also.  It will take about 3-4 minutes to load and 35 min to watch.  Then while you watch it, if your computer screen goes black, tap any key on your computer and it will reappear.  You will learn about osteomalacia.   Or just search "osteomalacia".  That is what happens to your bones when you are Vit D deficient.  Your system will leach the calcium from your bones and teeth to meet the needs of your vital organs (heart, lungs) and you will suffer bone and joint pain as a result.  It is the adult form of rickets.  The substance inside your bones is like jello and is trying to expand and that causes bone pain.  When you finish your 8 weeks or so of the Rx 50,000 iu, you will likely be told to take 2,000 to 4,000iu per day or perhaps more. I was able to get my level up to about 30 after 3 months by taking 2,000 iu/day, but had to take 4,000 iu/day to get it above 50.  Now it is 50.

You will find a lot of info at this website also:  www.vitamindcouncil.com

Also found a note from the RN (see below) on another forum.  It was written to another patient.

If your doc has already checked ionized calcium and has you taking calcium citrate, then, s/he wins a prize!  Dr. Holick is listed as one of the top Vit D scientists in the world on the Vitamin D Council website.  If not, and you live anywhere near Boston, go see Dr. Holick.  Otherwise, if your doctor doesn't check your ionized calcium , find another doc!  Dr. Cannell is head doc at the Vit D Council.

The RN quote:  "Hate to be didactic, but have you had your Vitamin D levels checked? They should be at around 60-80 ng/dl, otherwise you will need to increase the IUs you are taking until you get above at least 50 ng/dl. This is NORMAL, not therapeutic level. Without Vit D in adequate amounts, the body can't make immune system components, blood cells, etc. as well as hormones, enzymes, and Vit D is required to maintain healthy DNA function."  Jan Grossberg, RN, BSN

Take care. Good diet, rest and if you can, get 10-15 minutes of midday sun each day, you will replenish your  Vit D "tank" more quickly.  If you do not live about about Atlanta, GA latitude, you probably can't make any Vit D from the sun yet -- until the weather warms up a little more and the sun is closer to where you live.  Therefore, the supplements will have to do the job.  Just tell yourself each day that you are building your Vit D back and you'll be feeling better soon -- it just takes a little time.  Good luck!