More on the Vitamin D (non)controversy

[JackieCalifornia]

Here's the kind of thing I read that makes me wonder if the jury is still out on Vitamin D:

"High-Dose Vitamin D Increases Risks for Falls and Fractures in Older Women

"Unexpectedly, a single very high dose of vitamin D appears to increase risks for falls and fractures among older women, according to a JAMA [Journal of the American Medical Association] study. Editorialists emphasize that the findings 'do not alter the importance of correcting widespread vitamin D deficiency.'

"In the study, some 2300 high-risk women aged 70 or older were randomized to annual treatment with 500,000 IU of cholecalciferol (self-administered as 10 pills on 1 day) or placebo. The treatments were taken during autumn or winter months for up to 5 years.

"Vitamin D recipients showed a higher rate of falls than placebo recipients — 83.4 versus 72.7 per 100 person-years. Fracture rates were similarly increased — 4.9 versus 3.9 per 100 person-years.

                ==> HERE'S THE MONEY QUOTE:  "*****The editorialists speculate that very high doses may trigger metabolic protective reactions, leading to paradoxical decreases in vitamin D levels.***** Alternatively, vitamin D increases may lead to increased mobility, and thus more chances for fracture. They conclude that " 'daily, weekly, or monthly dosing ... appears to be the best option.' "
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In other words, high doses of Vitamin D have some known adverse consequences that are not understood or explained, but JAMA, the high church of medical publications, says 'Take it anyway!'

fwiw.

[dugganwi]

My LLMD recommends that I take at least 5,000 IU of D3 daily. A lot of us in the midwest have D deficiencies in the winter anyways so I've been taking it even before my diagnosis. There is some research that shows a link between D deficiencies and increased depression among other things. Some even go as far as saying that vitamin D deficiency is an epidemic in this country as our diet seems to have less and less. Sunscreen also prevents you from absorbing D naturally leading to possible deficiencies. I read somewhere that being in direct sunlight without sunscreen for only 15 min can cause your body to manufacture upwards of 15,000 IU... My LLMD suggests D3 as it is said to help boost your immune system... I will most likely cut back to 1,000 IU daily once I start to feel better. Very interesting topic.

[JackieCalifornia]

Tracy,

That's very interesting about Mg strengthening the Lyme biofilm.  I haven't read that anywhere else.  Are there some articles or websites on that point?  I'd be very interested in reading them.

Thanks!

[Tracy9]

Magnesium helps strengthen the biofilms of Lyme....which is why is can be dangerous to take.  Using it topically is better; in epsom salt baths or Magensium oil.

[wonko]

BTW, If I had to say if/how supplementing D makes me feel, I'd say that it is always difficult to decipher given the "background noise" caused by the TBI.  However, I do think I feel less of the unnatural heaviness in my limbs, esp. legs, when I'm taking some D supplements.  

It's subtle, but an encouraging benefit.

[wonko]

To supplement or not, that is the question!  

I too keep running into both sides of the argument.  Lately I was reading about how supplementing Mg can somehow encourage the cyst form of Lyme.  The very same day, my doc told me to take more Mg.  Of course with D the back-and-forth is all over the place, but yes yet again my D came in low on testing so I'm again being nudged to supplement at higher doses.  

My lazy middle-of-the road approach is to supplement, but not in high doses.  There is Rx D at 50,000 IU's.  I take at most 5,000 IU's a day.

So when I have a deficiency that shows up on labs, I supplement, but I try to use the relatively small guns.

Thanks for sharing this, er, interesting JAMA blurb.