Vitamin D Deficiency

JamesOliver946
JamesOliver946 Posts: 1
in Food and Nutrition
I have light coloured skin and burn very easily when out in the sun which leads to me trying not to spend too much time out of the shade. This combined with the fact that I live in the UK and have just come out of the winter months where there was very little sun leads me to believe that I have a vitamin D deficiency.

Is that something I need to get properly tested for or can I just buy some tablets off amazon and start taking them?

Replies

  • _John_
    _John_ Posts: 8,646 Member
    'Shrooms brah
  • Rainboots80
    Rainboots80 Posts: 218 Member
    I was diagnosed with a vitamin D deficiency by a blood test. My doctor put me on a once weekly very high dose Vit D for 12 weeks. Now I take 2000IU of Vit d3 daily. We are just getting to spring here and I am hoping to get a lot more sun. It only takes 15 minutes a day to get enough from the sun but you need a large amount of skin exposed to get it. Also you shouldn't wash your skin right away.
  • Cranquistador
    Cranquistador Posts: 39,744 Member
    everyone could use more D
  • ashandstuff
    ashandstuff Posts: 442 Member
    Hello there! I've got chronic Vitamin D deficiency (due to a digestive/adsorption issue). It's never a BAD idea to get tested.

    It's a pretty simple blood test, normally checked with a yearly blood panel. Just ask the doctor for it and you should get results after a few days. Vitamin D is utilized by the body more effectively if you also get enough calcium.

    Your doctor can suggest the best course of action, depending on the level of your deficiency. If it's really low like mine, you could be feeling downright /terrible/. However, it is very easily managed once you figure out what works best for you.
  • Achrya
    Achrya Posts: 16,913 Member
    everyone could use more D

    I'm seriously D deprived, personally.
  • firstsip
    firstsip Posts: 8,399 Member
    everyone could use more D

    :wink:

    But seriously, OP. There is definitely a blood test to figure it out, but in general, getting more D won't hurt. It's pretty difficult to overdose on Vitamin D, particularly if you just used supplements from a pharmacy or store (1000-3000IU, for example). Even in the UK, as the sun gets stronger, you should also notice a difference.

    Keep in mind that, like most micronutrients, things go hand in hand in your body. Vitamin D3 is necessary for calcium absorption, magnesium is needed for Vitamin D absorption, etc. Luckily, magnesium can be found more easier in your diet than the amount of Vitamin D needed for a pale person in the UK who's coming out of winter.

    Speak with your doctor about it!
  • BusyRaeNOTBusty
    BusyRaeNOTBusty Posts: 7,166 Member
    Get tested. Overdosing on vitamin D is dangerous.
  • ovi212
    ovi212 Posts: 145 Member
    Almost everyone is deficient. It is really easy to take vitamins. My nutritionist recommended 1000IU
  • spoiledpuppies
    spoiledpuppies Posts: 675 Member
    I actually take about 6500 IU per day, and my level tested just about mid-normal. So I don't think there's much to worry about taking at least some of a supplement.
  • ILiftHeavyAcrylics
    ILiftHeavyAcrylics Posts: 27,732 Member
    I'd get tested by a doctor. I'm of the "don't take unnecessary supplements" mindset though.
  • eso2012
    eso2012 Posts: 337 Member
    You can get tested. In fact, my dr just ordered me to have a test. For Vit D, I am advised to take supplements because it is hard to get enough from sun (Canada long winters) or food.
  • eso2012
    eso2012 Posts: 337 Member
    Oh, yes, my dr also recommended 1000UI.
  • MyChocolateDiet
    MyChocolateDiet Posts: 22,281 Member
    I have light coloured skin and burn very easily when out in the sun which leads to me trying not to spend too much time out of the shade. This combined with the fact that I live in the UK and have just come out of the winter months where there was very little sun leads me to believe that I have a vitamin D deficiency.

    Is that something I need to get properly tested for or can I just buy some tablets off amazon and start taking them?

    This is your first post so I am going to take it seriously. I think that you might want to go to the dr. test route. i think it probably is true you have a deficiency but without knowing how much, how will you know how much to take and for how long? I hope you feel better soon.

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