Vitamin D
I see in the discussion on Vitamin D many people seem to be taking massive doses. The recommended dose of D3 which I take together with calcium is 800 iu, which I believe is what the government is issuing. Mine is already prescribed
I don’t have the link handy, but too much is shown to be bad for your bones rather than good
Maybe someone will have a different opinion
Yes I do have a different opinion though Im not recommending everyone to take what I take - people should do their own research.
But RDAs for most vitamins are known to be notoriously low. As I said on the other thread I have checked with my consultant about taking 3000iu and he says it is fine. And my bone density as measured by dexa scans over the last 6 years is improving.
Editing in: the improvement is WITHOUT taking osteoporosis medication.
Hubby has one a day. GP put me on 4 a day I also take multivitamins which have vitD in. I have to take once a week tablet to do with bone density
I always took 2000 iu daily October until April. But since listening to John Campbell and doing some research I’ve been taking 4000 iu daily since last April .
Ditto. Hubby was sent 3 month supply of 400iu but, after watching John Campbell & others discussing it, I'd already got ourselves started on 4000iu.
This is something that’s come up over on the BHF forum in the last week, funnily enough.
Up to a max of 4000iu a day is currently considered a safe dose. There are a number of medics and scientists that advocate significantly larger doses than that on the basis of previous studies, but the most recent research shows that high doses may actually have a negative impact on bone health rather than any benefit; more is not necessarily better, particularly when it’s one of the few vitamins where overdose and toxicity is a real possibility. Studies looking at daily doses above the 4000iu threshold have universally only included participants without underlying health conditions, with the exception of obesity, so there is literally no data on the issues of toxicity and negative bone impact in people with other medical problems. Interestingly, in obese patients, a significant proportion failed to achieve the desired concentration even with huge doses in excess of 15000iu a day, but they think that’s tied to the fact that it’s a fat soluble vitamin and the lack of conversion via fat burn if someone is very overweight and not working to address that. Vitamin D is often deficient in a wide number of underlying health problems, including lung and rheumatology conditions, so taking a supplement is a good idea, but I’d argue periodically getting tested to check levels is sensible if you’re taking more than the nhs advised top up dose of 400iu.
Basically I take 3000iu daily. This amount is based on my blood results over a number of years and as been discussed with my specialist.
Its very much an individual thing Catlover, some people have been deficient in previously years and important to keep the levels up especially through the winter months, ie to be sure levels don't drop into the deficient range.
When I was deficient years ago, my doctor advised me to take 1000 IU daily on that dose alone within 3 months my levels were within UK considered normal range. On my own initiative I do increase the dose to 2000IU daily through the winter months sometimes I take 3000IU if there is added threat to health.
During summer I drop to 1000 IU daily especially so with poor sun exposure, there are many reasons to take into account depending on global location, individuals lifestyle , age, deficiency.
Deficiency and medication we take for treating lung infections damages bone health too but with that many other factors are involved as well, a good diet can help provide the body with the other nutrients, vitamins and minerals also essential to bone health and health generally.
You are right its important not to overdose, the key to health is the body has a good balance of nutrients to stay healthy and I agree further health issues can occur when there is an imbalance caused by excessive amounts of D (or other) in the body.
I do have my levels checked annually for Vitamin D deficiency which help to determine if levels are in the normal range. I would say others also have their levels checked if they have been deficient previously but for sure there will be those who take massive doses and do not have levels checked which is very dangerous I agree.
Welcome here, stay well and safe.
I was once prescribed 20000iu to be taken once a week for 6 weeks - seemed a very high dose, so I spread it out over 12 weeks, but it’s still less than the maximum 4000iu per day officially recommended (gov.uk/government/publicati....
UK gov recommended normal daily amount as safe is 400 IU but I note further down 4000IU is also mentioned. Certainly for people unsure to discuss doses for specific health needs under guidance of ones own doctor is advised.
After reseach I consider myself erring on the side of caution in taking only 2000iu daily plus the multivitamin & minerals & healthy diet. Do have a look at the video links 2greys has put
I am taking 10,000 IU,s every other day .
Vitamin Supplementation
Vitamin D
