Vitamin D levels falling despite supplementation?

[girli1111]

Hi, my GP picked up a vitamin D deficiency a few months ago, so prescribed a supplement. I’m on hydroxychloroquine, methotrexate and folic acid. A recent check, 3 months after I started supplements has shown that my vitamin D level has fallen further, despite daily supplementation. I was telephoned by the surgery and they’ve made a phone appointment for two weeks time. Has anyone else experienced similar? I’m wondering why my vit D might be falling. Thanks

[Simba1992]

How much are you supplementing with? Daily dose?

[girli1111]

It says ‘800 IU of cholecalciferol equivalent to 20 mincrograms vitaminD3

[gailboddy in reply to girli1111]

I have the same problem ... was told by GP to take at least 3200 IU daily for 12 weeks

this is the second time it has happened to me but the dose was enough to get my levels up for a couple of years ... Maybe check the dose with your GP

[girli1111 in reply to gailboddy]

Thank you, I guess that may be the next option, that’s a big dose you are taking, four times my current dose!

[Simba1992 in reply to girli1111]

This is not enough to get your levels up. Not even for a normal daily dose if you want to have an optimal D 3 level. You would need to start with 10000iu and go on with 5000iu until you reach optimal level of 70-150mol

You need to have a serious talk with your doc. This is not rocket science and every medical doctor should know how to get your levels up. This being so very important in protecting from viruses and infections among other things. Good luck. Simba

[girli1111 in reply to Simba1992]

Thank you. It makes me so cross that we have to do all our own research and can’t rely on these ‘professionals’! Armed with this sort of information I will be ready for my telephone appointment. Where is that ‘optimal levels’ info from please?

[Simba1992 in reply to girli1111]

Here is some info on how to treat d3 deficiency that you can share with your doc when planning to get up your levels. With the supplementation you have been given is not enough to increase your level. if your levels do still not increase despite correct supplementing plan it's an idea to check thyroid function since issues here are known to affect d levels. Good luck.xSimba

sps.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploa...

[girli1111 in reply to Simba1992]

Thank you, I will take a look. Thyroid levels have been checked repeatedly over the years as fatigue is a constant issue.

[Kalimera57 in reply to Simba1992]

I’m off to see my GP on Tuesday as my vitaminD is low so this info will really help me. Thanks Simba. I’m in awe of your knowledge. Do you have a medical background?

[Simba1992 in reply to Kalimera57]

😊

[AuroraB]

Exactly the same has happened me on 800iu cholecalciferol diligently each day. So suspect just not a high enough dose for me.

[GillyGangGong]

You need to take vitamin k2 and magnesium too from what I have read. there’s a Facebook group with a protocol that can recommend the good ones

[Joy_1]

Hi

Have to agree with others as it sounds like you may need a high dose initially to get your level up. I was initially taking 3000ius a day for a couple of months. That brought my levels up to where they needed to be. I was also advised to spread the dose across the day to maximize uptake. So I took 1 vitamin D3 with each meal.

May I also suggest going forward that you do not drink tea/coffee around the time you take any vitamins. The caffeine reduces the body's uptake of vitamins. I usually leave at least 1 hour between taking vits and drinking tea/coffee.

Joy

[girli1111 in reply to Joy_1]

Thank you, that’s worth knowing about the tea and coffee.