Ellen101
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 35432
posted
My PCP wanted me to supplement with vitamin D as my level was extremely low. She prescribed Vit D2 . I was supposed to take it once a week for 12weeks.
I just came across this article saying not to take D2, it should be D3????Now I'm concerned this whole time I have been on the wrong type.
Given the amount of pain I have in my back and hips I wonder if the other kind would have helped more.
posted
Vitamin D2 is derived from a fungus, and there is a patent on the process; that's why it is the only prescription vitamin D available. D2 makes you use up your native D3 quicker by binding dynamics, D3 fits the receptor better. The better way to go is to get D3 in soft gels and titrate up by 1000 IU/day, to a daily total that matches your decade. I'm 53, 6th decade, 6000 IU day.
Posts: 60 | From Maine | Registered: Jan 2012
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Ellen101
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 35432
posted
I'm wondering, why by decade?
Posts: 1750 | From United States | Registered: Dec 2011
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MichaelTampa
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 24868
posted
That approach of 1,000IU daily per decade is going to be way too low for some with lyme. I take between 25,000IU and 40,000IU daily, these days. There were periods where I took even much higher than that, as a result of other protocols I was on.
Posts: 1927 | From se usa | Registered: Mar 2010
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t9im
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 25489
posted
IMO Dr. Hollick and Dr. Prendergast are the two MD's to follow on Vitamin D and it is D3.
The supplement has to be in gel or liquid to be absorbed into the blood stream where it goes to the liver and is converted to Hydroxy 25.
It realy is not the amount of D3 one takes but the hydroxy 25 levels. Under 30 is deficient but optimal is really over 80 (although a MD will tell you 40).
-------------------- Tim Posts: 1111 | From Glastonbury, CT | Registered: Apr 2010
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t9im
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 25489
posted
Hi Michael:
I take 5,000 to 7,000 IU a day. Last March when I checked I was at 62. Hopefully the summer helped bring mine up.
-------------------- Tim Posts: 1111 | From Glastonbury, CT | Registered: Apr 2010
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sammy
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 13952
posted
Ellen, D3 is best absorbed by the body. Most doctors recommend a dose of 1,000 - 2,000 IU per day.
You can take too much vit D. I am currently seeing an endocrinologist specializing in osteoporosis and bone health. He is supposed to be one of the best in the country.
We discussed this today again today. He told me that surfers in Hawaii have natural vit D levels in the 50's with constant daily sun exposure. He said that people only get above 60 with artificial supplementation.
Levels too high can suppress your PTH and cause osteoporosis. Our body keeps these hormones in a delicate balance.
So please be careful. Take only the dose your doctor recommends and make sure your level is monitored regularly.
Posts: 5237 | From here | Registered: Nov 2007
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posted
I say by decade because the fat layer just under the skin is where the precursor to vitamin D is, and that layer shrinks with each decade we add. A 50 year old makes less vitamin D per minute of sun exposure than a 40 year old, who makes less per minute than a 30 year old, and so on. You can take too much, that is why it is wise to check levels while on a certain level of supplementation during the winter when sun induced vitamin D is less of an issue. In a native population in Africa, levels of 60+ where seen in 60 year olds, so that endocrinologist is mildly misinformed.
A new mother breast feeding her child will not spill vitamin D into the breast milk if her level is less than 50, indicating to me that 50 is the minimum at which our bodies have sufficient amounts to manage our own metabolism.
Posts: 60 | From Maine | Registered: Jan 2012
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beaches
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 38251
posted
I've been taking D3 for awhile and my level has finally gotten to where it should be. My kids have been taking the D3 also but for some reason their levels are still low.
Having an optimum blood level of D is so important for immunity to ward off infections like the flu.
Ellen, Sammy is right that the D3 is best absorbed. What type doc recommended the D2 for you?
The dosing of the D3 is the big question for me. I've been taking 2500 IU religiously and my levels are excellent. My kids have been taking 5,000 IU, but their levels are still low.
Sammy, in general I have found that the dose of Vit D3 that docs recommend (if they are even aware of the difference between the D2 and D3) is inadequate. I agree that most docs recommend a dose of 1,000 - 2,000 IU per day. That sounds right give or take for someone with an adequate D3 level but woefully inadequate for someone who is deficient.
From my readings, it would be difficult for someone to OD on D. I'd bet the majority here are woefully lacking this vital vitamin. The advent of sunblocks and sunscreens has not helped, but that's a topic for another day.
docluddite, I am very intrigued and interested in what you posted.
Posts: 1885 | From here | Registered: Jul 2012
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