Vitamin D Deficiency - Sqad Advice Please

[Ann]

I went for a whole set of blood tests last Friday due to lots of symptoms which my doctor wondered if I could have a thyroid problem (tiredness, depression, nail peeling, muscle aches and pains in legs and feeling chilled all the time) On Monday evening (mid evening to my horror - worried me to death as they don't usually work late!) I was phoned by a doctor from our practice, who I didn't know, telling me I needed immediate medication for a Vitamin D deficiency. I asked what what the accepted level and what mine measured and apparently mine is 21 when it should be 50-70??

He went on to say he advised me to take Aciferol 1000 IU tablets daily which I started on Wednesday. Boots the chemist seemed surprised at the strength and told me they didn't keep many in stock of 1000 strength so, thinking that was a very high dosage, I looked it up on the internet and found it's so low it's virtually useless to build levels up again and is often only used for maintenance. Is this correct? Some people take 50 times that amount weekly.

Since taking one on Wednesday and one yesterday I started feeling nauseous and had griping pains in my tummy and last night and today have had violent episodes of diarrhoea (not sickness but I have no appetite) Could this be connected to the tablets or is it a viral bug I have picked up which is just coincidental happening at the same time. I daren't take any more tablets until I know if its the tablets not agreeing with me.

What is your opinion Sqad about Vitamin D deficiency - it seems to me that its suddenly become a bandwagon doctors today are jumping on as we haven't had much sun in the uk recently so half the population must be low!

We have booked a fortnight in Lanzarote at the end of this month so will my levels build up naturally?

I was also worried to read on the internet that Aciferol should not be taken by patients who have Sarcoidosis due to calcium levels. I told the doctor this before I read that its not advisable in these patients. I had Sarcoid 16 years ago but gradually over the years I have gone "into remission" and take no meds for it now, but am awaiting test results for ACE levels regarding this. Many thanks.

[Sqad]

Well.....not my area and perhaps slaney will see your post and give you a more in depth answer.

My knowledge of Vit D is:

1) it seems to be the disorder of the moment.

2) the main cause of deficiency is dietary.

3) Lack of sunshine , seems popular.

4)Mild osteomalacia, kidney and live problems being rare causes.

21 seems to me borderline and non big deal.

With your blood test being "not too bad" i would suggest that 1000IU daily would be a reasonable dose to start with.

I don't feel that your past history of sarcoidosis should inhibit the use of Aciferol.

To sum up.....nothing to worry about Lanzarote is coming at the right time and on return you can have your VitD levels checked again.

I would say that your gastro-intestinal problems are a side effect of your tablets. Continue them over the weekend and if they persist, see your GP on Monday.

[Ann]

Thanks for your prompt reply Sqad :)

Re: dietary, I do try to eat healthily, I eat lots of green veg, salad and fruit, and also have tinned mackerel or herrings at least once a week and have taken Omega Fish oil tablets daily for the past 25 years.

I haven't been out for walks this Winter as much as usual due to having dodgy knees but whenever the sun is out I do try to snatch a few minutes sitting on the patio (albeit with my coat on!) with my face up to the sun! O to live where you do Sqad! Would be heaven!

I will wait until my tummy feels better (but have just tried half an omelette as I've been ok this afternoon) then try one more tablet over the weekend to see what happens but I didn't really think I would get a reaction like this from vitamins? Are they known to cause diarrhoea and tummy pain?

Many thanks for your time Sqad - I'll also see what Slaney says. x

[Sqad]

Just had a thought...Peter Pedant seems knowledgeable about the scientific aspects of medicine, so perhaps he may add a post.......

[Ann]

Thanks, wonder if he subscribes as an alert like you must do, or whether he looks in randomly?

I'd be grateful for any advice on what else to eat to up my levels of Vitamin D thanks ..............

[Sqad]

Ann...I don't thin k that diet has anything to do with your particular Vit D problem.

[anneasquith]

ann. have you read the leaflet you should have received with your medication ?

[Ann]

Anne - it was a "split" packet and unfortunately Boots said they didn't have the information leaflet in the box! Looked online but it's a bit vague.

[Eve]

My levels keep going low, no matter how often they top them up, for me I think maybe related to a bile acid malabsorption condition I have (something to do with fat soluable vitamins) and I am not a fan of the sun or bright light (maybe dry eye related) and do tend to keep covered up, curtains closed (although light ones which let light in), wear a hat outdoors, can't tolerate a lot of cow's milk etc...

I tend to be prescribed Hux D3 20000iu Colecalciferol capsules to bounce it up and then look to have it checked after the lighter sunnier months where it can build up more naturally and check if it needs topping up for the Autumn/Winter months.

I've been tested for thyroid a few times before now and they have either checked or I've asked for Vitamin D levels to be checked as usually that which comes back low.