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High dose Vitamin D continuation with normal levels
I have been on Vitamin D for a couple of years (50,000 once a week), ever since my osteo diagnosis in 2024. In March 2024 my level was 23; July of 2024 after a couple months of prescription D it was up to 48 and has stayed there (50 most recently). I am experiencing constipation from I believe the calcium (1200, plus whatever calcium I get from food) in combo with the D. My gastro doc (IBS for 20+ years) thinks maybe, he said try Miralax. Would rather fix the cause of the problem than add a laxative; what if it works too well?!? I guess my question is do any of you take vitamin D2 prescription strength with no end in sight, even if D levels are around 50? And what about D3 (seems like a better choice). I asked (email) my endo's office about getting off prescription D and the answer was that my chart said to take it (not the question I asked!).
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@mwallj are you referring to the Consumer Labs that publishes studies investigates vitamins and supplements for quality? I didn’t see anything about the upper limit of optimal is 40. Many Functional Medicine and Naturopath doctors say 50 to 80. My doctor says 60.
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1 ReactionI did reach out again; this time endo said fine to switch to OTC D, 5000/day. Wondering why I was on it for so long after my levels were good, but I am not a doctor! Still seems high to me; 3000 seems more than adequate but I am very happy to get off 50,000 per week. He did not specifically mention D3, but everything I've read out there (says it is a better choice; raises levels quicker, etc.). I've always been leery of adding magnesium because of the reputation of laxative effect but since my IBS-D has moved to more IBS-C at the moment I may try it; although I do eat foods that are high in magnesium, but it is hard to get a proper amount I believe.
@jozer
Magnesium Glycinate is less likely to cause laxative effects. It might be a better option for you.
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2 ReactionsI've been taking New Chapter Bone Strength Take Care which includes calcium, D3, K1, K2, magnesium, strontium, and vanadium. What I like about this line is the amounts are modest as I believe my diet is adequate plus I've been treated for decades with OP meds.
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3 Reactions@jozer I took 5000 D3 for years no problem…increased to 10K in winter. Now the recommendation for my age is 2000. As far as the magnesium goes I can tell you I take just under 800 mg as part of migraine protocol. Never have a problem. Start low and increase slowly to whatever is recommended or what you tolerate without GI issues. I sleep so much better. I have a friend that has IBS-D and it has reversed it.
@tillymack I’m taking the same supplement. Tiny tabs, so I’m taking 4 instead of 6 tabs…am continuing with the D3 I’ve taken for a long time..the version I take has less magnesium, easier on bowels. Not yet on meds, will try with diet and exercises…my OP may have come from cancer treatments, not sure.
@nycmusic
I just learned about the tiny tabs version!
In case you haven't tried the slim tabs, I wanted to mention that they are easy to swallow and I've had no bowel issues at all.
Good luck!
@oknowwhatpixie Magnesium glycinate helped me with constipation. I buy tablets in 50mg, 100mg, and 200mg. Usually I take 200-300mg a day, and I lower my dose if the laxative effects become a problem.
@daisy17
Interesting the glycinate version did not cause any laxative effects for me. I supplement to help with migraines.
The citrate and oxide versions seem to have a more laxative effect on me.
Vitamin D should be based on your levels and other needs. Mine have varied and different doctors have had different recommendations
In the process of figuring it out for myself and getting more bloodwork to verify what I’ve supplemented with.