With recent Dx of VDD - test result 14.2 - I ordered some Vitamin D3 softgels.
I took a 5000 IU gelcap on Wednesday and two of them on Thursday - so 15,000 IU in two days.
I only thought I was in pain before. Today has been awful. Muscles and joints.
Can that much VitD3 do that? Help. Thanks.
Posted by lax mom (Member # 38743) on :
My daughter has a vit d level of 11. She was Rxd d3 50,000 Iu 2x/week for 2 mos.
I have taken 40,000 iu/day very briefly when mine was 25.... Now that sounds scary. It made my level 100...not good... but now it's 60ish while taking 10,000/day.
I don't know about the body symptoms. It made me feel better.
Posted by Kudzuslipper (Member # 31915) on :
I have a similar d count. I was told first to take 3000 a day... When that didn't move the numbers enough I was told to take 5000 a day. But I was also told by my llmd that I could easily take 10,000 a day that it takes a really long time for d3 to cause a caustic level. But my pcp is more conservative.
I will say though that my first time taking d3 I also had the leg pains and joint pains. I thought it might be an allergy to lanolin where most d3 comes from. Even though they say it is purified do that it no longer has the lamb or wool protein, my leg pain went away when I switched to a fish sourced d3. ( I can't wear wool or use lanolin it gives me a rash)
Now I rotate between veggie sourced, fish sourced and cod liver sourced (which also has 200 of vit a.)
Try a different source.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
It may take your body awhile to get used to it. But yes, the source could make a big difference too.
In some circles, Vit D is said to decrease the available magnesium in the body... so make sure you are getting plenty of mag.
Posted by steve1906 (Member # 16206) on :
; ; ; I just thought I'd add this from - (Mayo Clinic.
What is vitamin D toxicity, and should I worry about it since I take supplements?
Vitamin D toxicity, also called hypervitaminosis D, is a rare but potentially serious condition that occurs when you have excessive amounts of vitamin D in your body.
Vitamin D toxicity is usually caused by megadoses of vitamin D supplements — not by diet or sun exposure. That's because your body regulates the amount of vitamin D produced by sun exposure, and even fortified foods don't contain large amounts of vitamin D.
The main consequence of vitamin D toxicity is a buildup of calcium in your blood (hypercalcemia), which can cause symptoms such as poor appetite, nausea and vomiting. Weakness, frequent urination and kidney problems also may occur. Treatment includes the stopping of excessive vitamin D intake. Your doctor may also prescribe intravenous fluids and medications, such as corticosteroids or bisphosphonates.
Taking 50,000 international units (IU) a day of vitamin D for several months has been shown to cause toxicity. This level is many times higher than the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for most adults of 600 IU of vitamin D a day. Doses higher than the RDA are sometimes used to treat medical problems such as vitamin D deficiency, but these are given only under the care of a doctor and only for a short time.
Although vitamin D toxicity is uncommon even among people who take supplements, you may be at greater risk if you have health problems, such as liver or kidney conditions, or if you take thiazide-type diuretics. As always, talk to your doctor before taking vitamin and mineral supplements.
Vitamin D2, which is the drug company version, is ergocalciferol, which is from a plant source.
Vitamin D3 is what is in most health food store supplements, and comes from animal sources (fish, lanolin).
The reason the prescription for 50,000IU of Vitamin D2 is given is because this Vitamin D form must be converted into D3 first...and not all of it survives the conversion. So they have to prescribe more to get the same effect.
Razzle - I read the link - perhaps I missed it - where does it say that Rx VD2 converts to D3?
I guess I did not know this.
So the Rx version not so bad after all?
I think I would prefer a plant source anyway.
I ordered the NOW VD3 5000 IU gelcaps.
I got a bit confused because I have a bottle of Dr Weil's 1000 IU tablets. VD3?
I obviously had not been taking them.
The bottle has expiration date 10/2013.
I would like to ease myself into taking the D. 4-5 months past expiry date OK to take - maybe?
The 1000 IU sounds like a better way - to me.
Thanks.
Posted by Razzle (Member # 30398) on :
Sorry, I mis-spoke (probably remembered incorrectly). I meant D2 is less efficiently converted to the active form than D3.
Here's what Dr. Mercola has to say about this:
"Regardless of which form [of Vitamin D] you use, your body must convert it into a more active form, and vitamin D3 is converted 500 percent faster than vitamin D2."
Not sure if the expired supplement is safe - best to call the company and ask.
It is likely the 1000IU tablet is Vitamin D3...most Vitamin D supplements are D3. It should specify on the label which form of Vitamin D is in the product.
Posted by Rumigirl (Member # 15091) on :
You couldn't possibly have vit D toxicity from that little vit D and in such a short time.
Your symptoms must either have been from a possible sensitiviy to the source, ad you mentioned, or some reaction from your body finally getting more D.
1,000 IU/day isn't enough for your level. I would say 5,000/day at least. 10,000 would be fine. Of course, I am not a doctor, let alone your doctor, but I've been worked in the field for decades. Talk to your doctor about what dosage he/she recommends.
It takes quite a while to bring such a low D level up. Sun exposure would be great, but we are a ways away from that.
Posted by susank (Member # 22150) on :
Thanks. I also doubt toxicity.
Last night I took another VD3 5000 IU softgel. Today feel dreadful.
It is NOW brand - no idea the source.
I called about the Dr Weil 1000 IU tablets I have.
Seems they stopped making them four years ago.
They - Weil - now have a 400 IU tablet that is made from plants/vegetables.
I don't see how I can order those except through his "company". Too tired to research this.....
In the meatime what brands are others here using? That come in the lower doses - to start out with.
Wool/lanolin, fish or plant sourced? Thanks.
Posted by Ellen101 (Member # 35432) on :
I have had a similar response when attempting to take vit D to raqise my very low level. I always experience horrible hip and leg pain. I gave up for awhile and just recently started again at a very low dose only 1000mg a day.
You could be reacting to something in its make up. This time I made sure to look for a brand that is sugar, starch, yeast, wheat, gluten, soy, milk and shellfish free. It's actually the Trader Joes brand. So far so good Posted by susank (Member # 22150) on :
Thanks. VitD3 has a long half-life? How long?
Posted by Nancy L (Member # 42733) on :
Have you all read the Marshall explanation that patients with chronic infections have low levels of Vitamin D and that we should NOT take Vitamin D supplements?
That if we have a chronic lyme infection, taking vitaminD makes the Bb react by suppressing our immune system?
When my regular doc saw the results of my tests originally, and my vitamin D was in the deficient category (very low), she immediately prescribed large doses of D.
I took it for about 10 days and regressed and had aches and all the bad symptoms. I did not relate it to the Vit D until I read the Marshall explanation.
Then I stopped taking D, and showed my doc the report, and she agreed I should stop it while having this infection.
When I stopped, I began to feel much better, and have not had the bad symptoms since then, a few months ago.
However, this winter I visited Fla for a week and got lots of natural sun on me, and did not have the same terrible symptoms.
Here is the Marshall link on Vitamin D in chronic infections:
Years ago I studied the MP - maybe that is what influenced me to stop taking VitD.
I think I will have to increase my levels with food. Possible? And sun - whenever it comes.
For so many years I was so tanned and fit/toned from riding and working with horses.
Now I am white as a sheet and saggy.
I also used to eat lots of tuna and eggs. Stopped that - could not stand the smell.
Still cannot stand the smells. My mom has agreed to make egg and tuna salad for me. In her house and bring it to me.
Yolks and tuna good sources for VitD, right?
Thoughts? Thanks.
Posted by Nancy L (Member # 42733) on :
Don't know what foods are high in D.
The sun is supposed to be the best source, and your system keeps you from absorbing too much D from sunlight, so you can't OD. It can't be through glass, though, I read.
Posted by Kudzuslipper (Member # 31915) on :
I just took too much too! I took 10k today. Taking two 5k pills I thought were 1.
Posted by steve1906 (Member # 16206) on :
Sunshine is the best source
#1: Cod Liver Oil Cod liver oil has been a popular supplement for many years and naturally contains very high levels of vitamin A and vitamin D. Cod liver oil provides 10001IU (1667% DV) per 100 gram serving, or 1360IU (340% DV) in a single tablespoon.
#2: Fish Various types of fish are high in vitamin D. Typically raw fish contains more vitamin D than cooked, and fatty cuts will contain more than lean cuts. Further, fish canned in oil will have more vitamin D than those canned in water. Raw fish is typically eaten in the form of sushi. Raw Atlantic Herring provides the most vitamin D with 1628IU (271% DV) per 100 gram serving, 2996IU (499% DV) per fillet, and 456IU (76% DV) per ounce. It is followed by Pickled Herring with 680IU (113% DV) per 100g serving, Canned Salmon (127% DV), Raw Mackerel (60% DV), Oil Packed Sardines (45% DV), Canned Mackerel (42% DV), and oil packed Tuna (39% DV).
#3: Fortified Cereals A breakfast staple in the Americas, most commercial cereals are fortified with the essential vitamins and nutrients. Exercise caution and check food labels when purchasing cereals, be sure to pick products that have little or no refined sugars, and no partially hydrogenated oils! Fortified cereals can provide up to 342IU (57% DV) per 100 gram serving (~2 cups), and even more if combined with fortified dairy products or fortified soy milk. Products vary widely so be sure to check the nutrition label before buying.
#4: Oysters In addition to vitamin D, Oysters are a great source of vitamin b12, zinc, iron, manganese, selenium, and copper. Oysters are also high in cholesterol and should be eaten in moderation by people at risk of heart disease or stroke. Raw wild caught Eastern Oysters provide 320IU (80% DV) per 100 gram serving, 269IU (67% DV) in six medium oysters.
#5: Caviar (Black and Red) Caviar is a common ingredient in sushi and more affordable than people think. Caviar provides 232IU (58% DV) of vitamin D per 100 gram serving, or 37.1IU (9% DV) per teaspoon.
#6: Fortified Soy Products (Tofu and Soy Milk) Fortified soy products are often fortified with both vitamin D and calcium. Fortified Tofu can provide up to 157IU (39% DV) of vitamin D per 100 gram serving, or 44IU (11% DV) per ounce. Fortified Soy Milk can provide up to 49IU (12% DV) of vitamin D per 100 gram serving, 119IU (30% DV) per cup. Amounts of vitamin D vary widely between products, so be sure to check nutrition facts for vitamin D content.
#7: Salami, Ham, and Sausages Salami, Ham, and Sausages are a good source of vitamin b12, and copper. Unfortunately, they are also high in cholesterol and sodium, and so should be limited by people at risk of hypertension, heart attack, and stroke. Salami provides 62.0IU (16% DV) of vitamin D per 100 gram serving, or 16.7IU (4% DV) per ounce (3 slices). It is followed by Bologna Pork 56IU (9% DV) per 100 grams, and Bratwurst 44IU (7% DV) per 100 gram serving.
#8: Fortified Dairy Products Dairy products are already high in calcium, so it makes sense to fortify them with vitamin D. Milk can provide up to 52.0IU (13% DV) of vitamin D per 100 gram serving, 127IU (32% DV) per cup. Cheese can provide up to 6.6IU (2% DV) in a cubic inch, and butter provides 7.8IU (2% DV) in a single tablespoon. Check nutrition labels for exact amounts.
#9: Eggs In addition to vitamin D, eggs are a good source of vitamin B12, and protein. Eggs provide 37.0IU (9% DV) of vitamin D per 100 gram serving, or 17.0IU (4% DV) in a large fried egg.
#10: Mushrooms More than just a high vitamin D food, mushrooms also provide Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) and copper. Lightly cooked white button mushrooms provide the most vitamin D with 27.0IU (7% DV) per 100 gram serving, or 7.6IU (2% DV) per ounce.
* Foods fortified with vitamin D, like some dairy products, orange juice, soy milk, and cereals * Beef liver * Cheese
I don't follow the Marshall Protocol and especially about taking vitamin D3.
Personally I take 10,000 units a day in gel form. The body doesn't absorb the powder or pill.
Make sure it is D3 not D2. It is the D3 which is the sunshine vitamin which the liver converts to HYD 125.
It is the HDY 125 which is needed for a healthy immune system. Levels below 30 are deficient. Healthy is guessed at to be in the 50 to 80 ranges.
One typically need worry until it goes over 120.
The half life I believe is 6 months.
Posted by Razzle (Member # 30398) on :
In my opinion (based on my own research), the Marshall Protocol is only applicable to those who have a faulty Vitamin D Receptor that causes excessive conversion to active Vitamin D.
So get both the OH25 Vitamin D level and the 1,25 Vitamin D level checked. If the 1,25 level is high, then Marshall's Protocol may be ok for you...otherwise, it likely is not.
Posted by Nancy L (Member # 42733) on :
I know nothing about the Marshall plan EXCEPT the Vit D part.
He says high supps with the correct D (which I took), are contraindicated when you have a chronic condition from an active organism.
That the organism reacts to the high D supps by suppressing the immune system.
The D caused me much grief for 10 days before I happened upon that D link and stopped the supps.
But wonderful sun for a week did not cause this.
I go with what works or hurts for me. Glad others benefit from the D though.
![[Smile]](smile.gif)