1. < Osteoporosis & Bone Health

Vitamin D Not Responding to Supplementation- Seeking Insights

Posted by chaiyosef @chaiyosef, Feb 12 6:26am

I’m a healthy 46-year-old dealing with persistent insufficient vitamin D levels despite increasing supplementation over the past year, and I’m hoping to hear from others with similar experiences. For several months now, I’ve been taking 40,000 IU of Vitamin D3 per week, but my levels are still not going up.

Additional concerns:
• I have osteoporosis, so getting my vitamin D levels up is crucial before starting treatment.
• My PTH (parathyroid hormone) has been mildly elevated at times, but my specialist does not believe it’s a major factor.
• My cholesterol has significantly increased despite no dietary changes, and I wonder if there’s a connection.
• I maintain a balanced diet, including dairy and other calcium sources, and exercise regularly, including weight-bearing activities.

Has anyone here experienced vitamin D resistance or poor absorption?
Did you find any underlying cause (gut issues, genetic factors, or something else)?
What strategies have worked for you?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Osteoporosis & Bone Health Support Group.

kristie2 | @kristie2 | 4 days ago
In reply to @ijh "My endocrinologist switched me to prescription dose Vitamin D2 as my body wasn't responding to D3...." + (show)
@ijh

My endocrinologist switched me to prescription dose Vitamin D2 as my body wasn't responding to D3. Although my levels are finally staying within the range, they are just barely in range and certainly not where she wants them. I have an appointment to see what the next step is. I have autoimmune thyroid disease as well which has been fluctuating in terms of levels. Low D can impact that and I am noticing other things now being impacted. I will be inquiring about taking the Calcitrol blood test, which is not the commonly done one, to see what that may show. I will ask her about adding K2 and/or magnesium.

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Have you added a full spectrum Vit K that has 500 Mcg MK-4 & 100 mcg MK-7 to help with the uptake of Vit D. If not you may want to consider adding.

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1 reply
chaiyosef | @chaiyosef | 1 day ago
In reply to @ijh "I had to laugh as my husband suggested I do the same thing, but sunlight doesn't..." + (show)
@ijh

I had to laugh as my husband suggested I do the same thing, but sunlight doesn't seem to do it for me personally. It's certainly not enough despite Rx supplementation of D2 (D3 does not seem to get absorbed). My values in the middle of summer last year barely moved and I was out daily for at least an hour with no sunscreen. Sunscreen can actually impact the absorption of D so it's recommended to go outside without it for 15-20 minutes, at least. I just keep using my Dutch ancestry on the lower levels. Fair skin and land below sea level must be a contributing factor. 😉

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I appreciate all the thoughtful comments here. Just to update — my vitamin D levels are now replete since I switched to liquid D3 in olive oil and took it with meals. Magnesium may also be helping now. Thank you again, and wishing you and all of us clarity and success each one’s process.

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chaiyosef | @chaiyosef | 1 day ago
In reply to @kristie2 "Have you added a full spectrum Vit K that has 500 Mcg MK-4 & 100 mcg..." + (show)
@kristie2

Have you added a full spectrum Vit K that has 500 Mcg MK-4 & 100 mcg MK-7 to help with the uptake of Vit D. If not you may want to consider adding.

Jump to this post

Thanks so much for the suggestion — I really appreciate it. I actually had a lot of trouble raising my vitamin D in the past, but things finally shifted when I started using liquid D3 in olive oil with meals. I’ve also started taking magnesium malate, which I suspect has helped with both absorption and regulation. I haven’t added K2 yet and may revisit that. For now, my levels are finally stable and replete, which has been a relief. Wishing you all the best on your health journey and really grateful for the shared wisdom here.

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