Vitamin D?

Hi All,

Does Vitamin D help fight CLL?

(I'm *pretty sure? you cannot take gobs of vitamin d, just asking.)

[Newdawn Administrator]

I’m persuaded by the need to optimise Vit D levels for a number of reasons not just related to the haematological malignancy. You may find this article interesting;

sciencedaily.com/releases/2...

This extract stopped me in my tracks and made me consider possible implications although I appreciate that it's probably subject to conflicting scientific debate;

'Researchers at Mayo Clinic have found a significant difference in cancer progression and death in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients who had sufficient vitamin D levels in their blood compared to those who didn't.

In the Mayo Clinic study, published online in the journal Blood, the researchers found that patients with insufficient levels of vitamin D when their leukemia was diagnosed progressed much faster and were about twice as likely to die as were patients with adequate levels of vitamin D.'

My advice would be to have your Vit D levels tested, measured and supplemented if necessary by your physician...don’t attempt to self prescribe dosages (which is maybe what you mean by a gobful!)

I’m on a daily prescribed Vit D supplement and am aware of a positive improvement in my propensity towards opportunistic infection. However, I’m not sure whether it’s actively helping my bone health.

Newdawn

[Hidden in reply to Newdawn]

I'm sure glad I found this forum.

Thank you.

My D has probably always been ok. I will find out. Meanwhile, I requested with my PCP that we try to keep it as high as allowable and tolerable.

[Ellieoak]

When i read some studies I had my internist test my vit d. My initial test was 18. So I’ve been taking vit d supplements now I am up to 48, I am still taking them.

[Myrddin]

When my level was tested it was below the lowest recommended level. Maintenance supplement of 1000iu keeps me near the upper recommended level. Certainly had a positive effect on my energy levels which was a definite plus. Could be a placebo but works for me.

[Kagama]

I saw my specialized oncology Naturopath Dr. two weeks ago and she shared the importance of taking Vitamin D with CLL. As recommended, I will be having my levels checked before starting supplemention.

[lankisterguy Volunteer]

As Newdawn cited above, Mayo Clinic has shown that low D3 is associated with less desirable outcomes for CLL patients. It is unclear whether low D3 is a cause or an effect of some other cause. Mayo has a clinical trial under way to determine whether oral supplements of D3 will improve CLL patient's results.

High D3 also can cause problems see: mayoclinic.org/healthy-life...

SNIP: Vitamin D toxicity is usually caused by megadoses of vitamin D supplements — not by diet or sun exposure. That's because your body regulates the amount of vitamin D produced by sun exposure, and even fortified foods don't contain large amounts of vitamin D.

The main consequence of vitamin D toxicity is a buildup of calcium in your blood (hypercalcemia), which can cause poor appetite, nausea and vomiting. Weakness, frequent urination and kidney problems also may occur.

........

Taking 50,000 international units (IU) a day of vitamin D for several months has been shown to cause toxicity. This level is many times higher than the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for most adults of 600 IU of vitamin D a day.

Doses higher than the RDA are sometimes used to treat medical problems such as vitamin D deficiency, but these are given only under the care of a doctor for a specified time frame. Blood levels should be monitored while someone is taking high doses of vitamin D.

Len

[migirlusa]

It made a huge difference in my energy level when I was prescribed 5,000 iu of Vitamin D. I live in Michigan, USA where we are somewhat limited for sunshine.

[roszika]

Yes I am not convinced that Vit D helps with CLL. There have been lots of studies done with Vit D and also with Calcium. The jury is still out on that one