One of our blog members (RN who does't get a flu shot) told me she ups her vitamin D intake in winter from 5K to 10K. I asked my PCP, and she put me on 10K for winter. Of course, vitamin D level has to be monitored. Mine has never been above 60.
Here is a link to Dr. Weil's article (also copied and pasted below):
Vitamin D is an essential micronutrient with a central role in maintaining health. I recommend prudent daily sun exposure to support the natural production of vitamin D in our skin as one of the best ways to get enough of this vitamin. But if, like many these days, you have few opportunities to go outside due to work, school or weather, you may be at risk for vitamin D deficiency. Decreased or insufficient levels of vitamin D have been linked to:
- Suppressed immunity: Our innate systems of defense may not function efficiently without adequate vitamin D, allowing increased susceptibility to infectious agents.
- Increased risk of chronic disease: Low levels of vitamin D have been associated with a higher-than-normal risk of heart disease and several kinds of cancer.
- Heightened inflammation: Vitamin D is a key cofactor in regulating inflammation throughout the body.
Falls: Older persons with low vitamin D are at a greater risk of falls, which combined with a greater risk of weaker bones, are a major cause of hip fracture and chronic pain.
Speak with your doctor about checking your 25-hydroxy (25-OH) vitamin D level, and ask if supplementation may be needed. In the United States, everyone who lives north of a latitude line connecting Atlanta and Los Angeles will synthesize very little D during the winter, as the sun’s angle is too steep to be effective. Therefore, it is helpful to know your levels in the summer and winter and adjust dosing accordingly. In general, I recommend 2,000 IU of vitamin D per day; look for supplements that provide D3 (cholecalciferol) rather than D2 (ergocalciferol).
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I had taken 50K once a month before I was diagnosed with MS. I developed excruciating migraines and kept going to doctors pretty certain I had a brain tumor. After a CT scan and extensive research, I figured out I overdosed on vitamin D. Of course, my PCP at the time told me you cannot overdose on vitamin D. Migraines stopped as soon as I stopped taking 50K and switched to a daily. My PCP put me on a once a month dose because people forget to take it! She is no longer my PCP.
My old pcp told me my vit d was too high and to go to 2000 ever other day from 5000 everyday and I came out of remission because of the low dose. My neurologist told me I should not have listened to her and I’ve been on 50,000 for the past two years. My current PCP defers to my neurologist about my treatment
My body has appreciated the 50K per week dosing as well, and I finally broke out of the 40’s (to 70🎉). My PCP told me not to take any extra D after seeing my result...which makes me giggle considering they saw a normal calcium level also. 🤣🤦♀️
I do 6,000iu per day and during the winter 8,000iu a day. Have been doing this since 1996. My neurologist checks my vitamin D level 3-4 times a year. Works for me 👍🙏😁. Ken 🐾
My ms nurse warned me to make sure there is no calcium added to the vitamin D, as the calcium can cause stones in the bile duct, gall bladder, kidneys and bladder. She said to make sure it was pure, blessings Jimeka 🦋
Eek! I've been on Calcium D3 for osteopaenia for years. I think i had better contact MS nurse who just usually treats me with contempt because I can still walk!
Absolutely agree! I had been on calcium (prescribed by my mom) for many years. I already have a kidney stone. My new PCP told me not to take calcium. And the Chinese doctor I was seeing who overdosed me on mercury acted like calcium was the worst thing known to men.
Will phone MS nurse but as I have no physical problems apart from cognitive issues, I am guessing I will be low priority as usual. My GP now insists I have to specify exactly what my cognitive problems are - difficult to do when you're undergoing a pwriod of stress induced fatigue and I am over 60!
Sorry to moan but I just feel nobody cares at all. Will keep thinking about all those poor drowning refugees and those escaping persecution, that should help put things in perspective!
And do not stress yourself thinking about drowning refugees and politics in general. These things are beyond your control and, to quote my husband, you have enough problems.
She's a very good neuro but as i say, i am low priority at the moment. All funding in our NHS is being targeted to younger people especially those with cancer. I don't have an argument with that in a way because I can see it should be high priority. However, those of us who have lived here and been working here for the past 30 plus years have funded it all. We don't have health insurance here. Thanks for caring
Be pushy and vocal and insist on attention to your needs! If you are too meek (like my husband), you'll never get proper attention. You deserve it, and your age shouldn't matter.
OMS also recommends increasing the dose during winter months, and I believe it’s from 10,000 in summer to 15,000iu in winter, but only after getting the labs drawn, of course.
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