Prescribed Vit d

[foxglove]

I was given a script for Vit.d (3200) to take for 8 weeks as gp was concerned about some of my liver funtion results. I was told (phone call from I don't know who) that my vit D levels were low. I got a copy of my bloods results and no vit D test on them! I couldn't get copy of results till I had nurse appt. so I didn't know at the time that no vit d tested I paid for a private test and my level vit D was 93.5 (in the adequate range) I have phone appt with gp on Fri. this week so maybe some explanation....do you think? I realise my vit. d not that high but I worry about taking supplement if I don't need!!!

Maybe gp has a crystal ball - ha-ha

[chrisw740]

Unlike Iron supplements and vitamin A for example, vitamin D is likely safe even when supplementary to your dietary intake or sun exposure (unless taken in very high amounts over some months) Your GP it seems was just being prudent as low levels are often reported in people with liver disease along with higher incidence of bone problems. The main consequence of vitamin D toxicity is a buildup of calcium in your blood (which has it's own serious complications) so not taking calcium at the same time is sometimes suggested.

This balancing act is different for each individual and just goes to show how there's not one rule that covers us all.

In addition, poorly produced commercial supplements are always best avoided but that seems not to be the case here as yours was prescribed. As always best sticking with the advice of your primary health care provider/Dr who is aware of all your needs.

[kensimmons in reply to chrisw740]

What units are we talking about here? When you say 3200 do you mean IUs?

I am sure your doctor knows what the correct way forward is.

[foxglove in reply to kensimmons]

It is indeed 3200 IUs, I don't know anything about vit. D I have never taken a supplement as I assumed people in uk got enough from sun. I am very fair skinned so I assumed enough made it's way through skin. Thanks for reply

[kensimmons in reply to foxglove]

Then you have nothing to worry about regarding being told to take "too much".

This study concluded just two years ago and 7 years long and now peer reviewed studied people who were given Vitamin D 5,000 to 50,000 IUs a day as a supplement, around 2 to 16 times more than you.

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/306...

Daily oral dosing of vitamin D3 using 5000 TO 50,000 international units a day in long-term hospitalized patients:

Insights from a seven year experience.

Vitamin D deficiency is common due to both lack of adequate sun exposure to the skin, and because vitamin D is present in very few food sources.

Deficiency is strongly linked to increased risk for a multitude of diseases, several of which have historically been shown to improve dramatically with either adequate UVB exposure to the skin, or to oral or topical supplementation with vitamin D.

(SNIP) - (Edited so it's not too long)

In summary, long-term supplementation with vitamin D3 in doses ranging from 5000 to 50,000 IUs/day appears to be safe.

[foxglove in reply to kensimmons]

Thanks - reassuring!

[kensimmons in reply to foxglove]

You're very welcome. All the best.

[foxglove in reply to chrisw740]

Thanks for reply, I would be very surprised if Dr is aware of my needs???!!! But it seems to be the case that a short course of vit. d won't do me any harm.