Vitamin D. Odds are, you need more.
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I can relate to low Vit D levels as well...however....a deficency isn't just from not being out in the sun. You really only need about 15min in the sun to absorb enough Vit D. However-all of my docs (5 specialists due to having Celiac and other autoimmune diseases) agree that getting your Vit D from the sun isn't the smartest because the risks of being in the sun out-weigh the benefits of getting your Vit D this way. Clearly you would rather be low on Vit D than have skin cancer! I worked 3 years in a cancer clinic and getting cancer from tanning beds is very real (and of course the sun itself). You can have a low Vit D levels due to an absorbtion problem. I found out I was low on Vit D and numerous other vits due to lack of absorbtion-and the absorbtion problem was created from gluten intolerance.
My doctors suggestion? After I got my levels back up after using a perscription Vit D I now include food with higher Vit D and take a over the counter supplement. That is what works for ME, due to MY own diagnosis from my doctors. It's important to find out the cause of your Vit D def and treat it according to that cause. Just being in the sun more isn't going to help everyone. Also, often times it's not just Vit D that you are low on, so have a CBC (complete blood count) done and make sure ALL vitamin levels are checked before just popping a supplement or basking in the sun. Never self-diagnose/self-treat--that could lead to a whole other set of problems.
It's all about balance....eating a balanced diet and balancing your sun exposure. :-)0 -
Maybe that's my problem. I could sleep all day and night if you let me.0
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On March 1st, my complete bloodwork revealed I too am Vitamin D deficient. It showed me at 4 or 5. My doctor told me to take 4,000 IU daily until I get my levels to a more normal number.
I live in the Sunshine state. I love the beach, I go rollerblading and I walk. The last think I expected was to be deficient in Vitamin D. The Dr. told me that i need to expose as much of my body as I can to the sun. So sitting in traffic everyday doesn't count as much as i thought it did. :laugh:
Thanks for this topic. :flowerforyou:0 -
There are things called D Drops, people should look into them.0
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On March 1st, my complete bloodwork revealed I too am Vitamin D deficient. It showed me at 4 or 5. My doctor told me to take 4,000 IU daily until I get my levels to a more normal number.
I live in the Sunshine state. I love the beach, I go rollerblading and I walk. The last think I expected was to be deficient in Vitamin D. The Dr. told me that i need to expose as much of my body as I can to the sun. So sitting in traffic everyday doesn't count as much as i thought it did. :laugh:
Thanks for this topic. :flowerforyou:
No girl it doesn't..........LOL.
Put on that bikini and hit the beach as much as possible.0 -
On March 1st, my complete bloodwork revealed I too am Vitamin D deficient. It showed me at 4 or 5. My doctor told me to take 4,000 IU daily until I get my levels to a more normal number.
I live in the Sunshine state. I love the beach, I go rollerblading and I walk. The last think I expected was to be deficient in Vitamin D. The Dr. told me that i need to expose as much of my body as I can to the sun. So sitting in traffic everyday doesn't count as much as i thought it did. :laugh:
Thanks for this topic. :flowerforyou:
No girl it doesn't..........LOL.
Put on that bikini and hit the beach as much as possible.
LOL!!! You don't have to tell me twice. :flowerforyou:0 -
My doc sent me to a nutritionist who specializes in vitamin deficiencies. Here's some tips she gave me:
Eat WILD CAUGHT salmon a minimum of once per week. It's the highest D food out there. Do not waste your time on FARM RAISED, it only has a small fraction of the D as wild caught.
Take your Vitamin D with some fat. It is a fat soluble vitamin and is better absorbed when taken with some fat (cheese, peanut butter, etc). And always remember to take them! Supplements can't help you if it's in the medicine cabinet..
Get sun on your FACE ARMS AND LEGS for 15 minutes each day WITHOUT sunscreen (if you're going to be out longer, put it on after your 15 minutes is up) between the hours of 10:00 am and 2:00 pm.
She was a wealth of information. It's been hard, though. I'm finally up to 39. Finally. And the best range is between 50-100!! Long way to go, but doc started me on an additional (prescription) D in addition to the OTC stuff.0 -
My doc sent me to a nutritionist who specializes in vitamin deficiencies. Here's some tips she gave me:
Eat WILD CAUGHT salmon a minimum of once per week. It's the highest D food out there. Do not waste your time on FARM RAISED, it only has a small fraction of the D as wild caught.
Take your Vitamin D with some fat. It is a fat soluble vitamin and is better absorbed when taken with some fat (cheese, peanut butter, etc). And always remember to take them! Supplements can't help you if it's in the medicine cabinet..
Get sun on your FACE ARMS AND LEGS for 15 minutes each day WITHOUT sunscreen (if you're going to be out longer, put it on after your 15 minutes is up) between the hours of 10:00 am and 2:00 pm.
excellent edvice! :-)0 -
Please go outside, people.
I know you are trying to be helpful. But going outside for those of us in no sunshine climates will not help our levels.
I live in the beautiful but extremely cloudy AND rainy Pacific Northwest. We have zero sun for at least 7 months of the year. If I went outside for 16 hours and day, naked even, I would not get one drop of sunlight on me. I would rust! But No Vit D sun would reach my skin.
So for those of use in this climate please check with your doctor. This Vit D really does make a significant difference in our energy, lives, and over-all health.
I agree at level of 50-100 is best. No matter what your doctor tells you. They are human too and limited to what they have read and not all of them have done extensive reading on Vit D.0 -
Its good to share information, but its also true that we all find our individual fixes in life. Some points I'd like to share:
1. The interesting thing about Vitamin D deficiency is that you see it in folks that you'd normally not expect to see it in. Like people living in warm/sunny parts of the US. There are lots of reasons for this, but I think simply living too far away from the equator, where our ancestors originated, and spending too much time indoors are key causes. And unless you're a farmer or gardner, these are things that most of us can't do anything about. So, by all means, go outside, but as many posters have noted, being outside may not be enough.
2. Tanning beds. I dont' want to argue. And there *are* cases where its standard medical practice to prescribe tanning or UV radiation therapy. But, its similar to a medication. And like all medications, there are side effects, and everyone has to weigh the pros and cons of medications, supplements, etc. Tanning beds carry a higher risk of melanoma skin cancer than sunlight. But, for some people, that risk is worth it. But I think its important that folks know that tanning rays aren't like sunlight and have a different risk profile. Particularly if you're under 30.
3. Sunscreen. See above. People decide on their level of risk. I *don't* wear sunscreen. Ever. But I have a dear friend who got melanoma at the age of 27 and had to have part of her nose removed. She *always* wears sunscreen. She is also an outdoorsy person. She hikes, goes for long walks, camps, and spends a lot of time outside with her little boy. While I have a full-time office job. Different risks, different choices. What's important is that we're making informed decisions.
Now. Its sunny and 70 degrees out. I'm going outside.0 -
That's the worst advice I have ever heard! Disregard it completely. You should ALWAYS apply your sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside. You should sue that retard for giving dangerous advice!.Get sun on your FACE ARMS AND LEGS for 15 minutes each day WITHOUT sunscreen (if you're going to be out longer, put it on after your 15 minutes is up) between the hours of 10:00 am and 2:00 pm.
Same to the person who said their doctor advised them to use a sunbed. I suspect that was probably a lie, as sunbeds are considerably more likely to kill you than cigarettes, and doctors generally try to keep their patients alive. Bad doctors do exist, however, so I will assume it was a bad doctor (who should be reported) and not a liar on this thread.0 -
This is outdated thinking. Moderate sun exposure does not cause cancer or premature aging. Deep tans and sunburn do that. Smart sun exposure is HEALTHY. Some studies show that it even protects against skin cancer. Melanoma has been shown to decrease with moderate sun and increase with too much sun.
That's the worst advice I have ever heard! Disregard it completely. You should ALWAYS apply your sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside. You should sue that retard for giving dangerous advice!.Get sun on your FACE ARMS AND LEGS for 15 minutes each day WITHOUT sunscreen (if you're going to be out longer, put it on after your 15 minutes is up) between the hours of 10:00 am and 2:00 pm.
Same to the person who said their doctor advised them to use a sunbed. I suspect that was probably a lie, as sunbeds are considerably more likely to kill you than cigarettes, and doctors generally try to keep their patients alive. Bad doctors do exist, however, so I will assume it was a bad doctor (who should be reported) and not a liar on this thread.
Vitamin D regulates your immune systems. It's benefits affect your entire body and can't be understated. This outdated perception of the sun is harming society at an astounding level. More people get ill due to lack of sun than the other way around.
I can die if I drink too much water. That doesn't mean I should never drink water again. Moderation is the key. Be smart, get your sun and avoid deep tanning and burns. Your body will thank you for it.0 -
This is outdated thinking. Moderate sun exposure does not cause cancer or premature aging. Deep tans and sunburn do that. Smart sun exposure is HEALTHY. Some studies show that it even protects against skin cancer. Melanoma has been shown to decrease with moderate sun and increase with too much sun.
That's the worst advice I have ever heard! Disregard it completely. You should ALWAYS apply your sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside. You should sue that retard for giving dangerous advice!.Get sun on your FACE ARMS AND LEGS for 15 minutes each day WITHOUT sunscreen (if you're going to be out longer, put it on after your 15 minutes is up) between the hours of 10:00 am and 2:00 pm.
Same to the person who said their doctor advised them to use a sunbed. I suspect that was probably a lie, as sunbeds are considerably more likely to kill you than cigarettes, and doctors generally try to keep their patients alive. Bad doctors do exist, however, so I will assume it was a bad doctor (who should be reported) and not a liar on this thread.
Vitamin D regulates your immune systems. It's benefits affect your entire body and can't be understated. This outdated perception of the sun is harming society at an astounding level. More people get ill due to lack of sun than the other way around.
I can die if I drink too much water. That doesn't mean I should never drink water again. Moderation is the key. Be smart, get your sun and avoid deep tanning and burns. Your body will thank you for it.
Thank you, Zoe. Our forefathers didn't die from regular sun exposure. It was the times of bikinis and pools and OVERexposure is what did it.
No, I'm not going to sue the dietician who gave me this advice. And oh, by the way: my mother DIED from melanoma. I use the sun in small amounts each day (15 minutes a day) to PREVENT GETTING IT.
Julie
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I too have a vitamin D deficiency. I had fatigue, depression, etc. I feel so much better after being on supplements. Going outside isn't always an option when you live/work in NY and the sun is only out while you are at work, not to mention it's freezing outside. Also, being in the sunlight gives me a headache for some reason.
Obviously, don't self diagnose, go to the doctor and ask them to check your levels. I found out when I switched doctors and the new doctor had a bunch of tests ran just to make sure I didn't have anything.0 -
The advice label on my cod liver oil supplements say the RDA for Vitamin D is 200 I.U., and one daily tablet provides 100% of this.
I think I'll stick with this and the grey cloudy skies of London. No way am I getting on a sunbed! I shall forever remain pale and interesting.0 -
How old is that bottle? The RDA for vitamin D was raised - I think in 2011. I believe RDA for your age is 600 IU, but check out this link for values:The advice label on my cod liver oil supplements say the RDA for Vitamin D is 200 I.U., and one daily tablet provides 100% of this.
I think I'll stick with this and the grey cloudy skies of London. No way am I getting on a sunbed! I shall forever remain pale and interesting.
http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-HealthProfessional/
Remember you need to take your skin color, age, weight and location into consideration when calculating how much you get from the sun. The only real way to know is to be tested.0 -
How old is that bottle? The RDA for vitamin D was raised - I think in 2011. I believe RDA for your age is 600 IU, but check out this link for values:
http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-HealthProfessional/
Remember you need to take your skin color, age, weight and location into consideration when calculating how much you get from the sun. The only real way to know is to be tested.
The 'best before' date is January 2013, so it's not super old...
I'm very white (and naturally blonde, despite my photos), 28, 133lb and and have always lived in cloudy grey climates. I burn within about 15 minutes of being in strong sunshine (and that's British summer sun which is mostly non-existent anyway).
So I really don't think I'd benefit from any additional sun exposure, because I'm simply not used to it. I do suffer from eczema in the winter, which I know vitamin D would improve, but regular moisturising tends to fix that anyway.0 -
Me too. I take an additional 2000 iu daily.0
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About 4-5 years ago my Vitamin D level was 7. I got a few Vitamin D shots,did not get retested, from Oct 2011 I have been taking 2000 units daily.
Checked my Vitamin D level last week it was 33. I can tell you I have general sense of wellbeing, joints do hurt, but I am definetely happier,more focussed than 4-5 years ago. My doctor advised me to increase dosage to 4000 units daily .0 -
That's the worst advice I have ever heard! Disregard it completely. You should ALWAYS apply your sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside. You should sue that retard for giving dangerous advice!.Get sun on your FACE ARMS AND LEGS for 15 minutes each day WITHOUT sunscreen (if you're going to be out longer, put it on after your 15 minutes is up) between the hours of 10:00 am and 2:00 pm.
Same to the person who said their doctor advised them to use a sunbed. I suspect that was probably a lie, as sunbeds are considerably more likely to kill you than cigarettes, and doctors generally try to keep their patients alive. Bad doctors do exist, however, so I will assume it was a bad doctor (who should be reported) and not a liar on this thread.
My doctor got my insurance to pay for the tanning bed and the evidence is CONTRARY to everything research indicates.
The sun, nor the UV rays from the tanning bed is the problem. Burning your skin past the first layer is what is detrimental. If you gradually up your exposure and become tolerant there is nothing unhealthy about it.
These sunscreen makers have made everyone scared for no reason. Sunscreen is part of the reason so many people are Vit D deficient.there is some evidence, largely arising from correlational studies and in vitro experiments, that particular sunscreen ingredients (such as oxybenzone, benzophenone, octocrylene, or octyl methoxycinnamate) may be paradoxically linked to increased risks of malignant melanoma, a rarer but more deadly form of skin cancer. It has also been linked to vitamin D deficiency.[1] The broad areas of concern are:
potentially carcinogenic properties of some sunscreen ingredients
vitamin D deficiency caused by reduced exposure to ultraviolet light
incomplete protection against the full ultraviolet spectrum combined with increased time spent in the sun0 -
More proof you need Vitamin
http://www.naturalnews.com/035282_vitamin_D_lung_cancer_prevention.html 0 -
I think I need to go get some bloodwork done w/ my doc......Since moving from FL to WA I've had a very difficult time w/ weight loss, always tired and grouchy etc. Something just feels "off" about me and this would make sense. Thanks for all the info everyone!0
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bumpin for info..thanks! I also deal with very low vitamin D myself but hadn't read all this before so I appreciate you taking time to share.
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I don't disbelieve your doctor got the insurance company to pay for use of tanning beds but sadly as we all know some docs also approve of hcg as well and welcome their patients too it. My common sense tells me tanning beds for anyone is not healthy no matter if you're high risk for skin cancer or not, but that's me and what I believe to be true.
That's the worst advice I have ever heard! Disregard it completely. You should ALWAYS apply your sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside. You should sue that retard for giving dangerous advice!.Get sun on your FACE ARMS AND LEGS for 15 minutes each day WITHOUT sunscreen (if you're going to be out longer, put it on after your 15 minutes is up) between the hours of 10:00 am and 2:00 pm.
Same to the person who said their doctor advised them to use a sunbed. I suspect that was probably a lie, as sunbeds are considerably more likely to kill you than cigarettes, and doctors generally try to keep their patients alive. Bad doctors do exist, however, so I will assume it was a bad doctor (who should be reported) and not a liar on this thread.
My doctor got my insurance to pay for the tanning bed and the evidence is CONTRARY to everything research indicates.
The sun, nor the UV rays from the tanning bed is the problem. Burning your skin past the first layer is what is detrimental. If you gradually up your exposure and become tolerant there is nothing unhealthy about it.
These sunscreen makers have made everyone scared for no reason. Sunscreen is part of the reason so many people are Vit D deficient.there is some evidence, largely arising from correlational studies and in vitro experiments, that particular sunscreen ingredients (such as oxybenzone, benzophenone, octocrylene, or octyl methoxycinnamate) may be paradoxically linked to increased risks of malignant melanoma, a rarer but more deadly form of skin cancer. It has also been linked to vitamin D deficiency.[1] The broad areas of concern are:
potentially carcinogenic properties of some sunscreen ingredients
vitamin D deficiency caused by reduced exposure to ultraviolet light
incomplete protection against the full ultraviolet spectrum combined with increased time spent in the sun
I'm not knocking you or your doctor personally but hearing someone share that a doctor okay's something like this surprises me! OK, well not really, not after hearing post after post of all the docs out there that give away handfuls of diet pills and hcg stuff. Ah! This world is crazy!:noway:0 -
I was very interested in the posts I read here regarding Vitamin D deficiency. I have just been diagnosed with Vitamin D deficiency, with a level of 11. I, too, have been put on 50,000 IU a week for 8 weeks. I just took my first dose last Thursday, so am very anxious to see what the results will be in a few weeks. I have been so tired when I come home from work all I want to do is hit the recliner. I also have high cholesterol, so I know I need to exercise, but just don't have the energy. The posts I read here were very encouraging.0
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With levels that low high dose supplementation is needed, the body does not begin to store vitamin d until your levels are greater than 40. Once you reach that mark, lower dose over the counter supplementation will suffice. A word of caution, drink water like there's no tomorrow. High dose vitamin d increases risk of kidney stones greatly! I am currently working on my second stone! Surgery to remove tomorrow. This horrible pain is worth the benefits of vitamin d however. Of course people metabolize Things differently, but I do work in medicine and see a direct correlation to ergo cholecalciferol and renal stones. Drink drink drink.0
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Mine was at 7 as well. It took four rounds of high dose vitamin d to even get it up to the low end of the normal range. I can't tell you how much better I felt. I also wasn't incorporating enough fat in my diet, so my vitamin D wasn't being absorbed. It's a learning game.0
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There's a wealth of information on this thread!! I appreciate it being started and for those of you that shared what's working for you and what all you know about low vitamin D.
I believe my last test was 4 or 5. So I take it twice a day but had never heard of the very large amounts until now..that peaks my interest, I may talk to her about that out of curiosity.
Happy Spring!:flowerforyou:0 -
i have this same problem. just diagnosed in february. i have been on a high dose of vitamin d for a month and a half and it's helped tremendously. i feel a lot better. my levels were 26, will be getting it retested in a few months to see if this worked. i hope my level is in the 40s at least but we will see. i also live in ohio. your daily multivitamin really isn't enough. i would say everyone needs to take at least 1000 IU and those who are deficient a lot more like 2000 IU daily once they get levels under control. it is only dangerous if you take a huge daily dose like 10,000 IU daily... i think even 4000 IU daily is ok. i'm not a dr. this is based on research and talking to my dr0
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After moving from Memphis TN to Duluth MN I too had to start taking Vit D. I feel better after taking 2000 IU daily 0
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