Vitamin D deficiency: anyone had this?

Posted by EllAmster @ellamster, Sep 4, 2022

I have had bad health issues for years. I would every once in a while tell my GP who then said it was all in my head, it was stress, it was the traumas. I told them I didn't go outside and didn't live and eat healthily, but nothing was done, they have a 'next' mentality so I recently switched GP. He immediately sent me to the lab for bloodwork. Not only that: the results came in not even two hours later!

I was diagnosed with major vitamin D deficiency. There are weird and very off values concerning muscle and mass as well, which only proves what I wrote about a while ago: I have lost so much muscle due to depression and only sitting on the sofa with the laptop for work. I haven't been outside in years, living an online life that was a bit easier to manage, avoiding extra stimuli that would create flare-ups of the traumas I worked on during therapy (which is still ongoing).

My major concern is: can the damage of this deficiency be reversed? I have had so many complaints about my health for YEARS that now seem to come together. I was so depressed for so long, have tingles and strange sensations all over my body especially in my legs, I can't concentrate and focus, am very forgetful, have headaches, high blood pressure and my heart doesn't even react well to the medication anymore. I am, all things considered, quite the mess.

Does anyone here have any experience with this?
I hardly go outside, I know I should get some sun, but this is not yet possible for me (too stressed, too much happened). I am a mess! I used to be outgoing and moderately active a few years ago but something bad happened and I'm working through it with help, until that time I won't go outside, but I think I may be getting there.

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@callalloo
The maximum daily recommended allowance for vitamin D is 4000 IU a day.
My doctor had me take 6000 IU
because my vitamin D was virtually nonexistent due to long term seizure medication’s, both of which alter vitamin D’s metabolism.
She lowered it to 2000 but my level went down so I'm in on 3000 and my level is steady.
Get a vitamin and mineral profile test and let your doctor decide the correct dosage.
Good luck to you,
Jake

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Just about everyone in the US pacific Northwest has vit D deficiency. 🙂

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@jakedduck1

@callalloo
The maximum daily recommended allowance for vitamin D is 4000 IU a day.
My doctor had me take 6000 IU
because my vitamin D was virtually nonexistent due to long term seizure medication’s, both of which alter vitamin D’s metabolism.
She lowered it to 2000 but my level went down so I'm in on 3000 and my level is steady.
Get a vitamin and mineral profile test and let your doctor decide the correct dosage.
Good luck to you,
Jake

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Thanks for the reminder that many of us have differing needs for vitamin D and other minerals and vitamins. And, as long as one has a knowledgeable physician, it's good to work with her or him on some of these things that are easily measured with blood tests.

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@cookierockwell

I had a real struggle for years with very low Vitamin D. I tried several different prescription Vit D, and a number of different brands of OTC Vit D. None brought up my level adequately.

Finally, I tried Dr. Tod Cooperman's recommendation of Source Naturals Vitamin D-3 liquid drops, and it brought -- and has kept -- my level in the high-normal range. You hold it under your tongue for 30 seconds, then swallow. Pleasant, mild citrusy taste.

In the summer when I'm out in the sun swimming almost every day, my level goes up, and I just take fewer drops.

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A friend of mine had a similar experience. Apparently absorbing something sublingually through the mucus membrane, is a completely different process from ingesting it and having to go through the GI tract. Maybe more medicines should be formulated to be administered sublingually? And it might make them more easily bioavailable as well.

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@ellamster

Thank you both so much!
This really helps. I am so sad. i experienced so much and now this new doctor tells me it's all due to the vitamin D problems.
Your words really help, this also shows me how much I will need to go outside, maybe I will try going into the garden a bit every day. Walking would do me a world of good as well but that's not yet possible. I will go into the garden a bit and fiddle with some plants as if I'm terribly busy with them, maybe try sitting on a chair in a while.
Good to know the effects can be reversed. I am sad this also affects my immune system.

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See John’s response about D3, K2,. As someone else mentioned, Magnesium (Glycinate has high level of elemental magnesium & most easily absorbed)is also essential for utilizing the D3. 45 mcg K2 to 1000 IU D3.
Sometimes a high dose D3(50,000 IU) is prescribed.
I once suffered from a D3 deficiency, had muscle, joint pain, depression, fatigue. My doctor also checked my thyroid. And if one is pre-diabetic or diabetic body needs increased levels of D3 & magnesium.
evolve
Keep striving towards improved health.

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Suggest subscribing to ConsumerLab.com.

They have the most thorough review of Vitamin D research I have seen and are more up to date on it than most physicians.
For example, the Rx dose of 50K is D2, not D3 and there are different blood tests to monitor it than the usual Hydroxy D my (not quite up to date) physician orders.

Regarding getting outside, it’s good for mood and morale to go out in the morning light and appreciate the beauties you can find in your environment. Look for them. They are there. When you discover them, rejoice!

However, even when I did six hours per week of morning workouts in an outdoor pool my Vitamin D dropped to below normal levels. So we need to keep on top of it and ask that Hydroxy D be tested so we can find the right balance according to our bodily needs.

I sincerely believe everyone can find something useful on a regular basis in ConsumerLab.com.
Best regards.

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Hi
I had it a few years ago. Its interesting that it contributes somehow to MS...
I have other autoimmune disease. Mine seems fine now because I supplement.

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I was diagnosed with a severe Vit D deficiency in 1993. My biggest difficulty was stress fracture in both legs & feet. I tried being physically active with Ballroom Dancing Lessons and Water Aerobics. I ended up with stress fractures from each. The diagnosis was Osteomalacia.
I was prescribed 50,000 units Vit D for about 2 1/2 years, raised my Vit D level & the fractures stopped. Remember this was 30 years ago when computers, computer games, cellphones weren’t “the thing”.
Kids still played outside—sunshine! My diagnosis came from an Endocronologist who then remained as my PCP until 2008. When I was first diagnosed, I would work 8 hours a day, come home & spend the ending laying on the couch—just so tired. It definitely caused anxiety & depression which were treated with medication. As my Vit D level in my blood went up, my Vit D supplement was reduced. I am now almost 75. don’t have dementia or Alzheimer’s, and am not diabetic. I believe healthy diet and good hydration are Essential. Do your homework and best wishes.

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Well sun is very important for you so you should go outside I think it's reversible but you really would have to work hard on it you should make time to go outside at least 30 minutes a day and you'll be happier and try to exercise 30 minutes a day but really going outside is the best thing for you that's probably part of your depression you need to talk my name is Debbie thank you I hope you feel better

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...have similar issues; low vit d; 3 yrs ago had c diff, glaucoma diagnosis, lost 4 of the few friends I had , and dr changed my meds.... so have spent most of last 3 plus years in my home... was busy bee before, mother, wife, worker, enjoyed cooking etc., not particularly an outdoor person per se but gardening, short walks, visiting neighbours : all gone and I just cannot seem to go for a walk even up and down my street... so yes dr recommended 2000 iu of vit c and some vit b - as do not eat well due to ibs d and fecal incontinence. I would trade a week of this life per one day of happiness and who i used to be....

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