Confused

[Popcorn12345]

If you have IBD abd have low vit D levels how do you raise them?

[bantam12]

I can’t take supplements so have to make do with sunshine when we have any ! my levels are always below the range but I don’t worry about it.

[Popcorn12345 in reply to bantam12]

But what if you have unbearable symptoms most likely caused by the deficiency?

[bantam12 in reply to Popcorn12345]

What is your level ?

Have you tried Better You Vitd spray ? it’s sometimes better tolerated as it bypasses the gut.

[phenomenolone in reply to bantam12]

my level of vitamin d less than 8 and b12 also below par

[Popcorn12345]

24.7nmol

[bantam12 in reply to Popcorn12345]

If you can’t tolerate capsules try the spray or you can be prescribed injections but my Endo advised against as once you’ve had it there’s no going back if side effects are a problem. My level ranges between 12 and 50 ish depending on time of year, currently 40 but I’m outside in the sun most days so should increase a bit.

[Popcorn12345]

Are you symptomatic?

What effects do you get from the vit d?

Did u take co factors with it?

[bantam12]

I have several chronic conditions so hard to know what I feel ! I do have severe fatigue but could be many reasons why. When my level was lowest I had parathyroid problem but it was the high calcium then that caused the symptoms, that’s since been fixed. Vitd just makes me feel really ill, I can take it for a few days then that’s it and no I’ve never taken co factors. The problem is taking one thing can upset another as most vits and minerals have to work together, so taking random vitamins can make thing's worse, I prefer to steer clear and rely of foods and sunshine. Have you asked your Gastro team or a nutritionist ?

[Eryl in reply to bantam12]

The active form of Vitamin D is calcifediol and it takes time for the body to produce that from the vitamin D. so you shouldn't get a reaction to the vitamin d in a few days so it is more likely that you're reacting to something else in the supplement. Vitamin D is fat soluble so you should take yor supplements after a meal containing fat or as a suspension in olive oil.

Food sources of Vitamin D include oily fish, red meat, liver and eggs but most vitamin D is made from cholesterol in the skin so get outdoors as much as you can especially around mid day but be careful not to burn in strong sunlight. It's better to limit your time in the sun rather than use sun block.

[Popcorn12345]

But if you have a gut problem and csnt absorb from food surely you need it through supplements?

[Sarahvit]

Hi Popcorn, I had low vitamin D levels about 8yrs ago. It was down to 28 and my doctor prescribed vitamin D 50,000mcg twice a week which slowly brought it up to 60-80 range where it stayed for several years. I recommend you talking with your primary care doctor. Low vitamin D caused major depression in my case.

[Viklou]

I'm chronically low in vit D too and take a maintenance dose of 1600 in a day. Most of vit D comes from the sun but somehow I think the small bowel is the place where this is absorbed so our bodies can utilise it (in simple terms). Most people in the Northern hemisphere struggle to get enough vit d in winter and it's recommended to supplement. Speak to your doctor and they can advise you better.

[Popcorn12345]

My doctor is zero help.