Vitamin D Testing with Bronchiectasis/MAC infection

My rheumatologist has monitored my vit D level for around 10 years because it was also initially low and I have osteoporosis (as well as bronchiectesis.) Medicare and my supplemental have always covered the entire cost. The requirement, as always, is that your physician document the need for the test.

Barbara, my Dr tests my Vitamin D annually as part of my Well Exam labs, and it’s all covered by Medicare without prior approval. My readings were low when I was in my early sixties already and she started then. She said it is a sluggish supplement to absorb for some people.I’m diligent to take it with my calcium, and with food containing some fat, as I was advised. Good luck!Jeanne

@heidi0974 @snoei Thank you both for your response.
Also I was told to take magnesium with the D and yes with fat. You may also know: "Magnesium helps your body absorb vitamin D better. "
I make sure I have had a meal with olive oil for the fat.
Hate to do it time wise in the busy life our health has given us, but, my rheumatologist retired and I need to search out another. Glad you reminded me.
Barbara.

What is the research that supports the need for more vitamin D for those with lung disease, and what are good sources of D? I take a supplement - in caps, 400 mg. a day, but I've never been tested for it.

Vitamin D is a crucial regulator of immune function and has powerful anti-inflammatory properties that directly impact the lungs. Low levels of this nutrient are strongly associated with a higher risk of respiratory infections and the progression of chronic lung conditions. If you test low in vitamin D your doctor may recommend higher doses of 1000-2000 per units day. Also, vitamin D is needed for optimal bone health. People with NTM and BE I would expect are at higher risk of osteoporosis. I take 1000 per day in addition to a calcium supplement. Hope this helps.

@byurose Have you had time to research benefits of Vitamin D on line.
Vitamin D helps in many ways but is most important, from many of our understandings, with the lungs in general and helping with infections.
If I am not mistaken many who we lost during Covid were found to have low vitamin D levels, per their findings in looking for answers with the Covid patients.
Glad you are taking Vitamin D but surprised if you haven't had your doctor, be it primary care doctor or other, test for your levels since you apparently have BE?
For myself due to my history with low D I take 10,000 IU nearly 4 times a week. So far for 10 years of taking that much my D level has never been too high when tested.
Barbara

@blm1007blm1007 This is an interesting thread to me. I’m 75, and my Dr started testing my Vitamin D levels in my 50’s.I was testing very low. After trying different strengths it was discovered my sweet spot is 4000 iu’s per day. I’m curious if this keeps me there now when my labs are done again in August, since my BE and MAC was diagnosed in October, and Brinsupri was started in December. Jeanne

@heidi0974 I think there is much to know about medications and Vitamin D levels, meaning if certain medications affect the D level.
After my hip replacement surgery 2015 and almost immediately starting medication, Forteo for osteoporosis, the D level went down to zero if not nearly close to zero. I was in horrible pain until I, yes I, figured out what caused it all. Low D.
The doctors I visited stating the pain I was in and who tested blood etc. all said, nothing is wrong..no findings. Told to rest my tendons.
Well they didn't test for D levels. It took my researching, gathering my medical records from just before surgery, and reflection of other matters, to know my D level was low before the hip replacement (30), to understand it was the D. I believe it was the medications for surgery and after surgery that caused it to go so low so quickly. I had been doing well, extremely well, with rehab for the hip replacement and it all went down hill after starting the Forteo.
At that time I began taking 10,000 IU Daily with olive oil and magnesium. I got my levels back up and they have stayed, so far, back up for 10 years.
When my sister, about that time, found out her D level was low she began taking 5000 IU, with fat and magnesium, of D and went back after six months for testing the D level with having taken that amount daily only to find out it had not changed. She increased it and it worked.
We are all different but knowing our D level is so important.
What the doctors apparently don't know is how much a person needs to take considering the person themselves and other factors when taking D.
Barbara

You also need to consider if the D you are taking is being absorbed. You might be able to take less of one that absorbs better. I use a D spray in the mouth and for me that absorbs better. Also important to take K2 if you take D.

@heidi0974 I would test for bone density if you have been on the big three for a long time. Last year I fell and fractured my arm and the surgeons said they counted up to 40 pieces. I think I was supposed to overhear them discussing the medication I had been on when they said with the medicine I was on and for the length of time it’s not a surprise that my bones were fragile. I had been on ethambutol, rifidin and azithromiacin for, I think 5 years as well as aricayce liposomal for 9 months. It eventually killed the MAC.
Now whether it was my age as well as the medication we will never know. I am now being treated for osteoporosis. I had been on vitamin D capsules for at least 12 months into my treatment. Just might be something to watch out for.
In my opinion it’s better to be safe than sorry.