Viamin D Deficiency

You would never think that living in Arizona, that vitamin D deficiency would be a problem. Wrong! It affects a lot of people here. If you google the latest research, there is evidence that it helps with colds and folks who are susceptible to pneumonia.

As have been sick on and off since February, my doc took blood levels and sure enough, very little D. I am on 150,000 IUs for the next 7 days. This research article was just released out of the UK:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases...0903154008.htm

Read further, and there is some thought that it can help folks who are susceptible to pneumonia. I read another article where they know believe that up to 40,000 IUs a day is safe.

It can't hurt me so I am giving it a try, and then I am supposed to get blood levels drawn again. I will let you know how it goes!

Another update. After seven days on the high dose, I am now taking 10,000IUs a day. Last week I hiked 47 miles in Lake Tahoe. I have not felt this good in six months. I plan to get blood levels taken, and I have to say, I am a believer.

Itself, only take the amount as directed by your doctor.

I've also been diagnosed with low D (and like you, in an area where sunshine isn't a problem!). Just had my blood drawn last week to see where it was, and I suspect it's low, given how exhausted I've been lately. I was only on a weekly dose of 50,000 IU, though.

But yes, it can cause a whole mess o' problems! Glad you're feeling better!

so do you guys use sunscreen or what?
i am a big believer in sunshine (no sunscreen needed here) and Vit D too.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Biciclista

so do you guys use sunscreen or what?
i am a big believer in sunshine (no sunscreen needed here) and Vit D too.

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Only when I'm going to be out for more than 30 minutes or so, and even then, usually only when it's during the high sun hours (between 10 and 3ish). But the rub is that I'm also very fair skinned, and might as well be a poster child for the risk factors of melanoma. So I have to balance the two.

That said, I should get enough D from being out when I am. So to be low is surprising.

Yes, my dose of vitamin D has all been directed by my doctor. In Arizona, you have to wear sunscreen. The sun is so intense that you will cause a lot of damage and aging to the skin without it.

I also read that the Vitamin D from the sun is not healthy anymore due to the UV. One article I read said that a tanning bed is a healthier way to get Vitamin D!!

Evidence based medicine. I have had the start of cold and coughs about six times this year. I take 150,000 units of Vitamin D for a couple of days, and I am all better! I am a believer. It's been under the supervision of my NP. I take 50,000 units once every 21 days as a maintenance dose. This has worked in light of the fact that it has been one of the worst flu seasons here in AZ.

what is frustrating about Vit D is that i have to take WAY more than is reasonable and i don't absorb it well.
I had been taking 5000 units daily for almost 3 years and was low this winter. so now I'm taking prescription doses as well.