Could Vitamin D3 affect hemoglobin levels?

[Seaperson]

My husband ( 84 years old) has had CLL for at least 20 years. Two years ago they started him on Imbruvica 420 mg daily but stopped it after 14 months because his neutrophil count was so low. Since June of 2022 he has been getting Eprex injections (40,000 units ) weekly and taking Aclovir 400 mg twice daily. For several years his hemoglobin level has been between 90 and 100 but mostly under 100 (Canadian measure). About two months ago he started to take 2,000 international units of vitamin D3 daily. No reason except it had been prescribed for me and I thought it might be good for him as many who live in Northern Ontario have low levels. His Hgb after one month was 105 and this week after two months of taking the vitamin D3 it was 116. Just wondering if this is simply coincidence. He is definitely less tired than he was. Would be happy to hear others thoughts on this.

Thanks.

[lankisterguy Volunteer]

Hi Seaperson,

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I did a search and found several past trials and studies that attempted to connect D3 to hemoglobin, but the consensus concluded there was no link.

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

"The present systematic and meta-analysis study included 14 studies with 1385 participants from different countries. Vitamin D3 treatments (20 to 500,000 IU) on adults did not have a significant impact on the levels of serum hemoglobin overall. "

nutritionj.biomedcentral.co...

"Current review concluded that supplementation with vitamin D had no significant effect on hemoglobin and ferritin levels while positive effects on transferrin saturation and iron status were observed. Further clinical studies are required to determine the actual effect of this intervention on hemoglobin levels"

ashpublications.org/blood/a...

"Vitamin D replacement in subjects with iron deficiency anemia after iron correction does not improve hemoglobin concentration further."

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Len

[Seaperson in reply to lankisterguy]

Thanks for your comments. It will be interesting to see if the improvement in my husband’s hemoglobin levels continues. After a number of years it is hard to figure out what has caused the change. Appreciate your thoughts.

[Vlaminck in reply to Seaperson]

Studies cited say not "significant." But doesn't mean not any. And at the end of the day, if it is climbing and/or he is feeling better, then of course keep at it.

[Seaperson]

Thanks so much for your comments.

[Blue-bird_]

I'm not sure whether there is a direct link, but I started giving my partner vitamin D3 as well. I think that making sure his body is functioning as optimally as possible is always beneficial. If D3 raises his energy levels, which allows him to be more active, the increased activity may be what is helping his counts to rise.

My partner is about 6 weeks our from a stem cell transplant, so hard to say what is and isn't working yet, but if it doesn't hurt, it will probably help! I also give my partner organic cherry juice for the antioxidants, he isn't currently on any treatment though, so check for any interactions before adding cherry juice.

[Big_Dee]

Hello Seaperson

Did your husband have vit D tested? Not unusual for seniors to have low vit D. Blessings.

[Seaperson in reply to Big_Dee]

No it had not been tested as far as I know. He used to be outside a lot in the summer - golfing, cutting grass etc. This past summer because of the fatigue he was out very little so I suspect it was low. Will ask his oncologist on our next visit. Wishing you all the best.