Is there a vitamin d injection?: I am seeing my... - Thyroid UK

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Is there a vitamin d injection?

lare73 profile image
37 Replies

I am seeing my GP on Friday as my Vit d level is 10 and she has requested to see me.

I am wondering about asking for a Vit d injection instead of supplement so I have a large loading dose. Has anyone ever had one, I have read there is one for Vit d2 but not Vit d3 is this right?

I have ferritin of 13 and folate of 3.3 I am supplementing them. I need to start feeling well and if at least I get these levels up it gives me a fighting chance.

Thanks for reading :-)

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37 Replies
Jackie profile image
Jackie

Hi Yes there is , but my GP would not do them, usually for last for a period of time. Worked out for the best, my Corrected calcium was low ( essential tet before any D) then shot up above range, dangerous. If D in injection it would have still been in the body as it was I had to stop my D, all under an Endo.

Re thyroid,

Make sure you have a TSH, T4 and Free T3 test, GP`s often trying to save money. Only way to really evaluate.You may have to pay your self on line, but worth it if you can manage as you then should have the treatment you need,

best wishes,

Jackie

If you want more details, get back to me, click on "Reply to this" under the post

lare73 profile image
lare73 in reply toJackie

Thank you, I've had more tests, they are all on my profile.

I haven't had t3 though. Gp requested it but lab wouldn't do it.

Going to pay for it. Do you know if I can pay through the GP?

Not had my calcium checked, should I?

I am due back a work on Friday (nightshirt), after maternity leave. Very worried about it, :-(

Jackie profile image
Jackie in reply tolare73

Hi Baby congrats, Make sure you have B12 checked too, Iron supplement a good idea, best is Spatone, Amazon.If Taking Vit D ,vital to have calcium checked, the only one that matters is corrected calcium, any way always ask for results + ranges. Corrected calcium must always be in range as an electrolyte. I had to stop D when mine went too high ( good Endo), D is quite complicated and makes the calcium go up. It should ideally be given under direction of endo, via GP. It is a hormone. Re test both after 3 months and then occasionally.

free T3 test ( other useless), the GP may do it but a lot of nHS Labs refuse. Some people get it by asking GP if they can pay for it along with TSH, T4 that was usually about £10.My Gp hysterical at the mere mention!. I pay on line, dearer but next cheapest option, endo and I consider vital..Get back to me if you require details.

With a new baby vital you get the correct treatment, it can take a year with tests repeated and then drugs increased.

best wishes,

Jackie

lare73 profile image
lare73 in reply toJackie

Corrected calcium added to my growing list for the doctors on Friday! Eeek, she's very good and does listen but think she's going to start getting bored of my woes :-/

I am taking solgar b12 methycobalamin, I am 544 so mid range.

Vitamin b complex from solgar

Ferritin fumerate ... I am 13 so very low

Folic acid ..folate as 3.3 so well under range.

Waiting to see what she prescribes for my Vit d level of 10.

All my bloods and ranges are on my Information profile to avoid typing them every time :-)

Thank you for replying, I am fed up, like most who are trying to get to the bottom of the problem. I am going to ask for a ultrasound as I have a hoarse voice, discomfort when swallowing and now blood when coughing. Then if I have anytime left (doubtful) I want to try my luck at pushing for a Referral to dr skinner ..... Hmmmm

Jackie profile image
Jackie in reply tolare73

Sounds a good idea.Although of course, vit D etc really an Endo`s field rather than a thyroid doc Also make sure if she refers you that she will prescribe and test on his recommendation as a consultant always does..

good luck!

Jackie

lare73 profile image
lare73 in reply toJackie

Hi Jackie, had to come back to let you know, my doctor phoned me today, she has faxed a two week wait referral to ENT for my hoarse voice and bleeding. She also said she will refer me to dr skinner, I have to take his details with me to Fridays appointment.! And,, signed me off work. So, quite a result for a telephone call.... Now to see what Fridays appointment brings :-)

Jackie profile image
Jackie in reply tolare73

Wonderful. I am so pleased, you are half way there. My voice so bad that no one can hear me, as I am deaf, great fun! My swallowing also a nightmare. They have got worse over the years in spite of the correct thyroid treatment. Enlarged and nodules, common with auto immune I hope all goes well for you.

Best wishes,

Jackie

Ansteynomad profile image
Ansteynomad

There is, but I think you will find that it is D2, which is not what you need. I had one, which was supposed to be the answer to all my problems in that department. Unfortunately the result was a sudden drop in levels and feeling worse than ever. When I queried this I was told that I had been given the wrong advice when I had been told to stop my oral supplement!

I found a 5,000iu gelcap raised my levels steadily and my levels are no optimal.

I wouldn’t bother with an injection again.

AN

tracynoe profile image
tracynoe

I was given the injection 2 years ago as was unable to take any of the supplements due to being allergic to one of the components, It was a long time raising my vit d level and enev then it only rose a couple of notches. This year I was told that they no longer do the injection so was just left with low vit d, a couple of months ago I found a tablet that is suitable for vegetarians GP was happy to prescribe this new tablet and I have been on that since. As jackie says once that injection is in you can not remove it, at least if your taking supplements you can increase/decrease as required.

susanwilliams profile image
susanwilliams in reply totracynoe

what tablet did you find was ok I have been tryuing to take accrete500mg twice a day from gp but cant breathe come out in a rash and sick consultant says I need 1000,000 units per day and severe vit d defiencny can you tell me name of what you found ok to take so I can ask my gp for it as my gp horrendous would not change it ewhen told her I couldn't tolerate it said tough go without then but consultant not happy with bloods at all thanks for your help

ITYFIALMCTT profile image
ITYFIALMCTT in reply tosusanwilliams

susanwilliams This thread is 5 years old and very few members will see your enquiry. You'd be well advised to make a new post of your own and ask for advice. May I check the dosage as, at present, it reads 1000,000 or 1 million IU? I've never heard of that.

susanwilliams profile image
susanwilliams in reply toITYFIALMCTT

yes I have severe vit d deficiency that's what consultant put in letter 100,000units needed stat dose followed by fultium 800units long term ?

ITYFIALMCTT profile image
ITYFIALMCTT in reply tosusanwilliams

That's 100,000 or one hundred thousand not 1 million.

So, please mention that when you make a new post of your own (not this comment thread).

susanwilliams profile image
susanwilliams in reply toITYFIALMCTT

sorry part sighted did I press wrong button difficult to see how do I post a new post no good on computer plese

ITYFIALMCTT profile image
ITYFIALMCTT in reply tosusanwilliams

This tells you how to write a new post: support.healthunlocked.com/...

I'll look out for your post.

susanwilliams profile image
susanwilliams in reply toITYFIALMCTT

sorry just too difficult to see do you know what 100,000 units is in mg at all

ITYFIALMCTT profile image
ITYFIALMCTT in reply tosusanwilliams

If you want one hundred thousand IU that is 250mcg or 0.25mg

dietarysupplementdatabase.u...

thecalculatorsite.com/conve...

susanwilliams profile image
susanwilliams in reply toITYFIALMCTT

thankyou I sent for some vitd3 off internet suilable for vegan but ita all in german says 20ug pr tab and take one a day so unsure what mg they are supposed to be ok for those that cant tolerate the big accrete capsules I cant take but feeling very dizzy and stomach groaning wondered if it was correct dosage

ITYFIALMCTT profile image
ITYFIALMCTT in reply tosusanwilliams

ug and mcg are both symbols for 'micrograms' so you've ordered 20mcg tablets.

You need a very specialist dosage.

Can your contact the GP reception, tell them about the consultant's recommendation and ask them for someone to contact you with the correct dosage if you want to buy it yourself?

Vitashine is a vegan vitamin D supplement available in the UK: vitashine-d3.com/vitashine....

My concern is that it's difficult for you to obtain a product with the dosages that you're describing.

I'm tagging in SeasideSusie to see if she knows.

SeasideSusie profile image
SeasideSusieRemembering in reply tosusanwilliams

susanwilliams

I'm confused as to what you're doctor is actually saying you need.

He prescribed Accrete 500mg twice daily.

From the Patient Information Leaflet Accrete contains:

Each film-coated tablet contains 600 mg calcium (as calcium carbonate 1500 mg) and 10 micrograms of colecalciferol (equivalent to 400 IU vitamin D3)

so he's prescribed a daily total of 1200mg calcium and 800iu (20mcg) D3.

800iu D3 is barely a maintenance dose for someone with an optimal level already.

And why the calcium? Has your GP tested your calcium level, are you deficient and in need of a supplement? If not then you shouldn't be taking calcium. Taking D3 will automatically increase the uptake of calcium from food, so adding even more calcium is not a good idea unless you are deficient.

**

I'm not understanding exactly how many IUs your GP has said you need.

For someone with a severe deficiency, loading doses should be given which total 300,000iu over a period of time.

Here is the NICE treatment summary for Vit D deficiency:

cks.nice.org.uk/vitamin-d-d...

"Treat for Vitamin D deficiency if serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) levels are less than 30 nmol/L.

For the treatment of vitamin D deficiency, the recommended treatment is based on fixed loading doses of vitamin D (up to a total of about 300,000 international units [IU] given either as weekly or daily split doses, followed by lifelong maintenace treatment of about 800 IU a day. Higher doses of up to 2000IU a day, occasionally up to 4000 IU a day, may be used for certain groups of people, for example those with malabsorption disorders. Several treatment regims are available, including 50,000 IU once a week for 6 weeks (300,000 IU in total), 20,000 IU twice a week for 7 weeks (280,000 IU in total), or 4000 IU daily for 10 weeks (280,000 IU in total)."

Nowhere does it suggest 100,000iu daily. That is a massive amount.

If your consultant's letter has suggested 100,000iu daily, I think there may have been a mistake made either by the consultant or whoever typed the letter.

**

1000iu = 25mcg

100,000iu = 2500mcg = 2.5mg

**

If your GP said "Tough, go without then" when you said you had side effects from the Accrete 500mg, personally I would make a complaint to the Practice Manager. That is a disgusting way to speak to a patient. If you have severe Vit D deficiency then it needs treating.

**

What are the German vegan 20ug D3 tablets you've sent for? That's 800iu and no use for severe deficiency.

**

What is your Vit D level? I had severe deficiency with a level of 15nmol/L. Please say what your level is and give the unit of measurement - nmol/L or ng/ml

If your GP is not helpful, I will suggest something.

Say if you are vegan or vegetarian and if you have a thyroid problem, specifically autoimmune thyroid disease.

susanwilliams profile image
susanwilliams in reply toSeasideSusie

hi my gp is hell she put me on the accrete I have osteoporosis I'm on strontium aswell which my consultant put me on much to gp s disgust regarding expense tried everything else nothing worked consultant did my bloods said very low vit d defiencny 23nmol/l wrote copy of letter to me as gp cant be trusted to contact me to go see her when told her I was having bad effects with accrete she just said tough go without then so not had anything the letter from consultant states needs to be treated with high dose vit d sup 100,000 units stat dose followed by fultium 800 units long term got letter yesterday will be ph gp for appointment tomorrow but she usually disagrees with everything consultant wants with the sarcastic phrase well if he wants u on it let him pay we are not they think I'm costing them a fortune even moaned about cost of accrete so I was trying to get some that might suit me don't mind paying as long as right doseage as my gp terrible so sent for some off internet after reading someone who couldn't take accrete was buying these and was better to take but they arroeved and all in german they are vegavero suitable for vegans vit d3 20ug says take one a day tiny tabs I wanted to know if these were strong enough for what my consultant wants me on till I see him in feb as I know my gp will just not do as he asks

susanwilliams profile image
susanwilliams in reply toSeasideSusie

hi the tablets are vegavero vit d3 20ug 300 tablets says vegan on it my vit d level is 23.2nmol/l my gp hate this consultant as he perscrible the strontium in first place after all other stuff failed they were fumuing as the hed of practice all about money said I'm costing a fortune and if I don't like it leave but they will not prescribe stuff he recommends I cany go anywhere eles this is only quacks in area rest wont have me full up but also too far away out of area consulyant very good gp actually said consulatants only think of brand names not the cost even same with eye consultant they refused to give me drops he said he had to write letter stating I got top be on those drops as the cheaper ones are undoing good he truyi to do with glaucoma they making it so difficult for me my gpthey obly interested in the heroin addicts as they go to mine from allover they get extra fubding for those so if I cant tolerate the vit d tabs wondered if there was injection but would like to know if I have got correct dosage with what I sent for if not what I should ask gp for instead of accrete and with right amount consultant wants me to have so I am forarmed to ask for right thing and see what they say otherwise they will try give me adcal once wek tab again that didn't work either x

SeasideSusie profile image
SeasideSusieRemembering in reply tosusanwilliams

susanwilliams

I have just found your Vegavero D3 800iu x 300 tablets on Amazon, and it shows that the leaflet on back of the bottle has information in 5 languages, one of which is English.

800iu will not raise your level, as I said it's a maintenance dose for someone with an optimal level.

Your current level at 23.2nmol/L is higher than mine was when I was severely deficient.

I have quoted the guidelines which state 300,000iu over a period of time and it gives the usual doses recommended.

I raised mine from 15 to 202 in 2.5 months by self supplementing. I now maintain it at around 150nmol/L which is the top end of the range recommended by the Vit D Council - 100-150nmol/L.

IF you don't need the calcium included in the Accrete and IF you're not vegan, then you could use a D3 softgel. l used Doctor's Best bodykind.com/product/2463-b...

If you are vegan or vegetarian, you would have to decide whether D3 obtained from sheep's wool (where they would not kill the animal to obtain it) is acceptable to you, as it is to some vegetarians.

If you are going to supplement without involving your GP and the Doctor's Best D3 is acceptable to you, you could take 40,000iu daily for 2 weeks, that would equal the loading dose stated in the guidelines. Then reduce to 5000iu daily, and retest 3 months after the date you started supplementing.

If you need the calcium, then I suggest you get back to your consultant, clarify exactly how much he has suggested - and I think 100,000iu daily is incorrect - and tell him what your GP is saying.

I also suggest you should see another GP in the practice and make a formal complaint about this GP's attitude. I would also be complaining to her in person.

There are important cofactors needed when taking D3

vitamindcouncil.org/about-v...

D3 aids absorption of calcium from food and K2-MK7 directs the calcium to bones and teeth where it is needed and away from arteries and soft tissues where it can be deposited and cause problems.

D3 and K2 are fat soluble so should be taken with the fattiest meal of the day, D3 four hours away from thyroid meds.

Magnesium helps D3 to work and comes in different forms, check to see which would suit you best and as it's calming it's best taken in the evening, four hours away from thyroid meds

naturalnews.com/046401_magn...

Check out the other cofactors too.

susanwilliams profile image
susanwilliams in reply toSeasideSusie

I cant see the 40,000 iu ones on the link only 5,000 softcell caps do you mean I take 8 a day of those

SeasideSusie profile image
SeasideSusieRemembering in reply tosusanwilliams

Susanwilliams

There are no 40,000iu ones, you have to take 8 x 5000iu ones. They are small and easy to swallow. Only take that amount for 2 weeks, that will equal the loading doses your GP should be giving you. Then go down to 5000iu daily. Then retest 3 months after starting, so that would be February. You can use vitamindtest.org.uk/ if your GP wont test, it costs £28 to do a fingerprick blood spot test with them.

Once you've reached 100-150nmol/L you'll need to find your maintenance dose. That could be 5000iu alternate days (you'll have plenty of softgels left), it's trial and error, you may need more, you may need less. But because you are severely deficient then supplementing will be for life to keep within the range the Vit D Council recommends - 100-150nmol/L.

susanwilliams profile image
susanwilliams in reply toSeasideSusie

oops just seen this reply thanks you ans my question on the 40,000 ones I'm gonna follow your advice take them my quack wont test even sent me to hosp for blood tests so they don't have to pay never known such a bad docs thanks for your help much appreciated

susanwilliams profile image
susanwilliams in reply toSeasideSusie

no m not vegan or veggie or have thyroid prob but someone said this tab didn't have the side effects same as I was having cant breathe nausea sick rash on adcal and accrete so don't know if something in them disagrees ith me took a tab on ones I sent for feel bit dizzy stomach gurgling but ok breathing not as bad no where near like taking accrete

SeasideSusie profile image
SeasideSusieRemembering in reply tosusanwilliams

OK, well Doctor's Best D3 softgel might be suitable. It has only 2 ingredients - the D3 and extra virgin olive oil which aids absorption.

For the K2-MK7, go for Healthy Origins which again has minimal ingredients bigvits.co.uk/product.php?p... (they do a smaller one but not such good value)

And to avoid any fillers etc, you could go for magnesium powder. I use Natural Calm Original magnesium citrate powder, nothing else added, and mix with orange juice. Be away that magnesium citrate can have a laxative effect.

susanwilliams profile image
susanwilliams in reply toSeasideSusie

thankyou so what I sent for really is not strong enough is there a difference between vitd and vitd3 as condultant only put vit d what is the softgel do you put that on skin or somethingand would I need the k2-mk7 what eactly do they do amd where is the best site to buy these on please sorry to be so thick on all this you just expect a decent gp to follow consultants orders but no and its come from the head of clinc expenditure that gp the head one that is so nasty if have ill patients so no one else there to complain too she is making it very hard for me cos of my other ailments she dosent want ill patients as she told the dog walker who hadn't been for 18yrs told them I wish all my patients were like you ???? isn't it ill people that keep them employed ? x

SeasideSusie profile image
SeasideSusieRemembering in reply tosusanwilliams

susanwilliams

No difference between Vit D and D3 really. There is D2 and D3 but most supplements are D3. When testing, D2 and D3 levels are given - see results sheet from City Assays vitamindtest.org.uk/vitamin... and you will see that we have more D3 than D2.

D3 softgels are swallowed, same as any tablet or capsule, they just contain oil to aid the absorption of D3. If you read the information I have given you and the links, you will see that D3 is fat soluble so needs some kind of fat to be absorbed.

I have also explained why K2=MK7 is needed and what it does and I gave you a link where to purchase a good brand. I've also explained why magnesium is another important cofactor.

Don't expect a GP to know about the importance of K2-MK7 and magnesium where D3 is concerned, they're not taught nutrition so have no idea.

susanwilliams profile image
susanwilliams in reply toSeasideSusie

thanks i did read the links but as id never heard of the k2 mk7 and magnesium I wasn't sure if I needed it don't think gp s are taught much only how to fleece their funding I dsaw softgel was tabs caps after id replyed just sounded like a pain gel at first but could only see the 5000 strength not the 40,000 strength do you think I could take more than one of these I bought a day till get appointment to see quack usually upto 2wks at mine but not had too bad experience with one I took this morn just dizzy and griping tum for couple hours but fine now wondered if with hem being low dose to what I need if saf to take another tonight ? x

SeasideSusie profile image
SeasideSusieRemembering in reply tosusanwilliams

Susan

I gave a link to the Vit D Council's webpage that gives all the important cofactors needed, here it is again

vitamindcouncil.org/about-v...

Doctors Best softgels do not come in 40,000iu strength, as I said, their highest value is 5000iu so you need to take 8 a day for 2 weeks.

There are other brands that do higher IU values but I can't suggest any as I haven't used them. The Doctor's Best are an excellent supplement at a very good price.

Are you intending to see your GP to discuss taking any D3 supplement you buy yourself? Personally I wouldn't bother. If she's not prepared to prescribe loading doses for your severe deficiency, which the guidelines state she should, then I can't imagine that she will support you in any way with whatever you provide yourself.

If you were dizzy and had a griping tummy for a couple of hours after taking the ones you've already bought, it could be a reaction to the fillers and personally I wouldn't risk it again. If you order the Doctors Best ones they come in a couple of days.

susanwilliams profile image
susanwilliams in reply toSeasideSusie

just ordered them thankyou will be here in 2 days it said thanks for your help x

SeasideSusie profile image
SeasideSusieRemembering in reply tosusanwilliams

Susan

Start the D3 first, give it a couple of weeks and if no adverse reaction then add the K2-MK7. Give it another couple of week and again if no adverse reaction then add the magnesium. The reason for adding them one at a time is so that if you do have any kind of reaction then you know what caused it.

susanwilliams profile image
susanwilliams in reply toSeasideSusie

brilliant idea thanks is there any reaction usually to the d3 like I had with the accrete I think I must have bad reation to fillers in general because the eyedrops for glaucoma that consultant put me on uited me till nutty quack changed to cheap ones with fillers my eyes were burnt consultant went mad with gp for doing that diff consultant obviously but gp made him put in writing to them that only the brand namr must be used then how childish can a gp get and consultant then said they put fillers like a bleach in drops to make the go further least now I do get proper ones but couldny opens eyes properly for a week all red swollom terrible state x

SeasideSusie profile image
SeasideSusieRemembering in reply tosusanwilliams

Susan

Well, we're all different and no-one can predict whether we will react to anything. This is why I have suggested a D3 with no fillers at all, a magnesium powder with nothing but the magnesium, and a K2-MK7 that contains very little else other than the K2 and olive oil.

susanwilliams profile image
susanwilliams in reply toSeasideSusie

yes just wondered if anything was reported as common I really hope they suit me and work looks like it did for you

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