Vitamin D confusion: Hello, I would be very... - Thyroid UK

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Vitamin D confusion

Agik profile image
Agik
56 Replies

Hello,

I would be very grateful if someone could answer some of my questions regarding vitamin D & being hypothyroid, please. I looked up at some links here but I am still not sure about some points.

To give you some background info, I have been on 100 mcg Levothyroxine for almost 3 years. I am on healthy diet, avoiding any meds or any calcium rich foods up to 4 hours after levo. Tired as hell. After a long battle with my GP, I was referred to an endocrinologist, which turned out be a waste of time. It took a huge research to choose an endo but both my GP and myself came up with the same name (independently)!! When, full of hopes, I went to see her in November, I wasn't seen by my preferred specialist (even though my GP asked in the referral to see her, not someone else) - because at the hospital, they did not get the referral! The letter from my GP got lost!). The endo I saw did some tests (and the results obviously were in THEIR range) and said I might have chronic fatigue syndrome. This endo referred me to a chronic fatigue clinic to be assessed but there is a waiting list, so I have no clue how long this waiting is going to take...

In the meantime I went back to my GP, got some more blood tests done and they show that I am vit D deficient. I put up the results, perhaps some would like to comment. Now I am on ADCAL-D3 (1500mg/400 I.U.) twice a day. The levels of calcium were not tested! Bone profile was tested a few weeks ago and came out as fine. I am to be tested again in a months time. And here are the questions:

1. Why calcium & vit D, not just vit D on its own?

2. Doesn't 800 I.U. per day seem to you far too low?

3. Can I just top it up with pure Cholecalciferolum (D3 in drops)?

4. From the leaflet: "This medicine should not be taken within 2 hours of eating foods rich in oxalic acid (e.g. spinach and rhubarb), phosphate (e.g. bran), or phytic acid (e.g. whole cereals)." After reading upon it I decided to not to eat anything with it, 2 hours before and after. What do you think? Am I being overcautious? Some resources say vit D should be taken with food. I am confused!

Thank you

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Agik
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Poshpenny profile image
Poshpenny

There are others who know far more than me, but you can get your own higher dose d3 supplements. I take one of 5000iu. Vit D is one of the supplements that I believe I would really miss if I stopped taking it, back to aching bones, creakiness,, generally feeling old. They say 50 is adequate, I didn't find it so, and when last tested was up in the 90's. I would swear that high level is keeping my tennis and golfers elbow in check (they always clear up every summer, so I'm sure it's vit D related tendonitis). 1,000 IU which is what I was taking last winter, got me a level of 50, but I was in agony.

shaws profile image
shawsAdministrator

If you haven't had a recent blood test for the thyroid gland request a new one. Ask for a full thyroid function test (GP may not do it but ask anyway) TSH,T4, T3, Free T4 and Free T3. Say you want to know if your T3 level is low as that's the active hormone you need and you may not be converting T4 sufficiently. If she's not done a vitamin B12, iron, ferritin and folate ask.

Always ask the surgery for a copy of your blood test results for your own records and so that you can post if you have a query.

Don't take levo on the morning of the test, and have it as early as possible (TSH is highest then and that's all the doctors appear to take notice of). Take levo afterwards.

If you've had a recent thyroid hormone tests she may not do another one but tell her you feel you need some more hormones and could she add 10mcg of T3 on a trial basis for 4 months.

Always take levo with 1 glass of water about an hour before breakfast. If you take some Vitamin C with it it helps the conversion. If you take supplements/medication take these 4 hours apart.

Spareribs profile image
Spareribs

Try taking 5000iu D3 a day for 3 months and let us know how you feel (ignore shin pain etc to start).

D3 is better - tabs/softgels from H&B or tinternet cheaper - I took drops in milk & now have boost spray. Avoid extra calcium - it causes trouble, and re-test in 6 months time. Best if you can add in Magnesium and K2 (and Vit A).

Yes low vitamins is a Thyroid thing, D3 controls calcium. cholesterol, antibodies - it's a building block to health - if you can afford £300 buy a UVB lamp or £300 can get you to Spain for the winter - sadly not enough sun even there - yet! Although sunshine is free - it's impossible to find in the UK until April. Best wishes, Jane :D

(Oh and check irons, ferritin, folate & B12 as they're probably low too).

danceforever profile image
danceforever

New research now says you do not need calcium as well as vitamin d, plus some calcium affects your heart and most doctors are stopping calcium replacements for that very reason.

1000mg per day of vitamin D is ample, but if your levels are expremely low, doctors will dive you up to 10.000mg daily for a month, then back on 1000mg daily as a maintance dosage.

vitamin D is a natural pain killer so the more you take , the less pain you will have too.

Because THYROXINE causes muscles spasms, it would be better to take magnesium in place of calcium.

You do not need to take the 2 together anymore.!!!

No you do not need to take vitamin d with food.

And one pottle of yoghurt will give you your daily dosage of calcium, and is much healthier than pills

danceforever profile image
danceforever in reply to danceforever

I forgot to say....high dosages of vitamin D will cause constipation, so keep up your greens

Angel_of_the_North profile image
Angel_of_the_North in reply to danceforever

I've never found that - I thought it was calcium that caused constipation, I take 2000iu of D3 in an oil emulsion.

Spareribs profile image
Spareribs in reply to danceforever

...second time I've seen someone say Vit D causes constipation (high dose)- I've never seen a connection? I thought it sorted out that cholesterol (oiling the body). Well magnesium should sort it too! ('dose of salts').

Also didn't know it was a natural pain killer - although it did work for me & stopped the muscle spaz too - I am told B12 is taken for pain in the USA.

We all feel better with sunshine 'tho, in lots of ways - roll on Spring! :D

(my D3 drops were from sheep wool - they're outside all year I suppose - compared to cows & pigs).

in reply to danceforever

From what I understand, high dosages of Vit D allow your body to utilise magnesium in your body better, and so upping that will unmask magnesium deficiencies, and that's what'll cause any constipation...

Marz profile image
Marz in reply to danceforever

I too had read that taking calcium with D was of little benefit. Cannot for the life of me remember where :-( Perhaps you do - if so would be grateful for the information.

Thanks... :-)

Spareribs profile image
Spareribs in reply to Marz

could be Mercola

articles.mercola.com/sites/...

Marz profile image
Marz in reply to Spareribs

..thank you :-) x

danceforever profile image
danceforever in reply to Marz

Hi there,

My Endocrinologist told me, about 2 yrs ago.

He said there was new research showing that the calcium is causing heart problems in most people, more so than benefiting the bones, and that vitamin D dosage ,should be increased instead, of taking calcium, and if a person feels they really want to take calcium, then the best way is to have a pottle of yoghurt daily.

He gave me a copy of the article from his Medical Journal, to read.

I have also seen 2 stories on the news on tv in the past year.

He was dosing me up on calcum too, and as I was having so many palpatitions, he said to stop taking it.

The palpatitaions stopped within 3 days.

I now take1000iu (mg) of vitamin D one day, and 1500iu(mg) the 2nd day.

I noticed too that my pain levels have dropped after increasing the vitman D.

I only use vitamin D from the health food shops, as I cannot tolerate the ones from the doctors.

good Luck..

Spareribs profile image
Spareribs in reply to danceforever

good luck to you too!

Marz profile image
Marz in reply to danceforever

...D is anti-inflammatory which in turn reduces the pain.... I take 10,000IU's as I have Crohns as well as Hashimotos.

Middleagemadness profile image
Middleagemadness in reply to danceforever

Hi. I was interested to read that you mentioned Thyroxine causes muscle spasms. I did not know this. Maybe you can answer a question that I have asked time and time again but never got an answer that helps.

Ever since I have started on ERFA NDT, I have had internal muscular trembling 24/7 ( like i have had way too much coffee ). It feels like I am on the verge of cramping now all the time and my muscles feel weak, and full of lactic acid.

I also notice recently ( I have just managed to raise it to 90mg ( T4 31.2 now) that, if I stand for a long time eg at a concert, or do certain exercise for more than half an hour I get terrible cramps in my feet and legs. This has only started recently, since I raised the NDT. It's so band that I have to take Vaium to calm it down ( which obviously I don't want to do). Does all NDT do this or should I try a different type eg Armour? Thanks.

danceforever profile image
danceforever in reply to Middleagemadness

hello......Re: thyroxine and muscles spasms....

In my case, it is because I am extremely sensitive to the medication, but my Endocrinologist told me that most people are taking too much thyroxine, because their doctors are following the tsh levels, and not the T4, and when the tsh is still low after 8 weeks of treatment, the doctor will push up the dosage of thyroxine, instread of waiting a little longer for the tsh to lower on its own.\

He said the thyroid medication is a waiting game and a person must be patient with lowering the tsh levels.

In my case, I got so sick the levels were hitting 180 and I was not meant to live.

6yrs later, the levels are 29.

We know now that for me, the level will always be high.

What doctors seem to forget is ......EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT!!!

Not everyone can tolerate the high dosages.

It has taken me 5yrs to even get on 1( 50mg) pill a day.

That is because I have an extreme sensitivity to the stuff, and I just have to take what I can, when I can.

My Endocrinologist says, that most people are sensitive to medication, and in the case of thyroxine, if you push the dosage up way too fast, it will cause muscle spasms, nausea, migraines, pain in joints, and even increase your fatigue.

There is a fine balance and people need to follow how they feel, before following the blood test (TSH) results.

Not only that .....I was given a blood test everyday for 7 days, following the t4 and tsh levels, and everyday was different, which told my doctor, that our levels change daily, and change dramatically.

Which again proves we must slow down on our dosage.

Most doctors tell you to take a dosage for 4 weeks, then increase.

In my case, I could not increase for 6 months at a time, and even then I could not increase daily, it was weekly.

I learnt that when the muscles spasms started, then I had to cut back on my pills for a week, then increase slowly again.

But please remember, my situation is quite extreme.

Basically though, too much thyroxine causes muscle spasms.

Just be aware of how fast you are increasing your dosage.

danceforever profile image
danceforever in reply to Middleagemadness

To Middleagemadness, I forgot to mention to you, about ARMOUR.

that has t3 in it, and some people cannot tolerate the T3 like that.

I can't.

I was put on T3 when I was very sick, and within 10mins of taking it, I was vomiting and it caused instant muscle spasms to the point of complete stiffness.

T3 is very potent when taken directly.

this could be the problem with you if the spasms are severe.

One way to take note is if the spasams get worse within an hour of taking your pill, then ease throughout the day, and then get worse again after the next pill.

That will be your answer.

Its the T3 in the Armour.

Spareribs profile image
Spareribs in reply to danceforever

May I add, that necessary thyroid hormone replacement isn't 'medication' - it's simply what the body requires, but cannot for various reasons.

Doctors following TSH & overprescribing? I think not! (it's usually the opposite). Following FT4 would be better, but symptoms best. After 5 years of obvious signs and symptoms (inc a PartialT) I've now been diagnosed to a blood test?...

NDT was used successfully for over 100 years and the T4/T3 combination similar to human requirement. It's only in relatively recent years it has been 'updated' by synthetic T4 only 'medication', which c.12% are not happy with - I am trialling this at present.

I humbly suggest there would be other factors at play - due to modern diet deficiency - which may in itself contribute to the Thyroid gland going into protected 'limp drive'.

(iron, ferritin, folate & B12 and Vit D - these are only for starters - there are more)

As Kimarina stated, 'other deficiencies are revealed' - this applies to Thyroid hormone too as we know nutrients are required to make it work, 'you fix one & another appears'. It takes a long time to be ill, & likely longer to feel better.

Muscle spasms. twitching, tremor are often calcium related - adequate Vit D (& K2) help sort calcium. Paresthesia however is often B12 (& complex) related. J :D

danceforever profile image
danceforever in reply to Spareribs

The T4 is definetly pushed up to fast, for people with sensitivities, which in turn, will cause 'muscle spasms'....(and many other symptoms) to the poor patient.

Magnesium is better for spasms, twitching tremor, but then again, they are also symptoms of hypothyroidism, so one has to research, experiment and decide for themselves, what is best for 'their' body, as everyone is different and reacts differently.

From many years of research I have found that people can also be flooded with too many unnecessary vitamins/pills/potions, while trying to find relief.

Yes they have a place, but again, there are people who are sensitive to the vitaminB's.

Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism is well known to cause sensitivities to multiply Pills, medications, alternatives, herbs etc.

A lot of my clients have these sensitivities and do not realise, until they stop .

Most times, less is more.

Middleagemadness profile image
Middleagemadness in reply to danceforever

Thank you. Interesting what you say about being more sensitive to meds/supplements. I have Hashis, adrenal fatigue and osteoporosis and am going it alone because GPs don't know enough and cannot precsibe NDY which I think is disgusting. I cannot convert T4 or take Levo and take a lot of supplements from B's, magnesium to Calcium ( not carbonate ).

The private doc I was seeing says he can't do any more for me and is hot happy to prescribe Erfa if I don't pay to see him again, although I am doing ok myself on 90mg. I told him off for not spotting that my iron was at the low end of normal, as was my calcium so seeing him is a waste of time and money.

Thanks to this site I took extra iron and hey presto - my hair stopped falling out and I was able to raise the Erfa. I still feel like I have a washing machine going on inside me - which no-one can explain though and don't feel "well", but I can get through the day.

I just wish I could see an Endo doctor in Sussex that knows how to treat Hashis and how to interpret the blood results properly and is up to date with treatment/symptoms. Is it too much to ask if one is having to pay privately for an doctor experienced in all thyroid issues?

danceforever profile image
danceforever in reply to Middleagemadness

Hi Hun, I feel your pain.

I was the same with struggling to convert T4, and was pushing in the supplesments etc.

What I learnt was that none of the supplements were really working properly, because my thyroid levels were seriously bad.

As with you, the doctors told me they could no longer help me.

So I had to help myself.

I stopped all supplements, did hours of research and spoke to a very clever pharmacist, who actually saved my life, with his advice.

As my sensitivity was / is, so severe, he suggested cutting my 50mg pill into 1/4 and start very slowly, and build up very slowly.

From my experience when we are that sensitive, there is no point in pushing the pills in too fast.

Most doctors say to take your pill daily and then they take another blood test in 8 weeks.

Being sensitive, we have to take a lot longer than the average person.

I am NOT saying for you to do this.

I am only explaining my situation, and how I managed it.

It took me 2 yrs before I even thought about taking any new supplements.

Our main focus......is .to get those blood levels into some sort of normal order.

As I said above, when our bodies are struggling so hard from the thyroid problem, taking too many supplements can hinder our goal.

If you do decide to continue taking all your supplements, then please do, but perhaps consider cutting the dosage down.

Whenever I start on something new, I always cut the pill into 1/4 and start small.

Some supplements say take twice a day.

I can only take it once every 2nd day.

If I react, I stop, because that is my body saying I do not need it at present.

I will try again a week later, if I get the same result, I will never try again.

Our body knows what we need, we just need to slow on lower doses.

Even with supplements.........start on a 1/4 and gradually build it up.

What we need to remember with hypothyroidism is that our liver is very sluggish, which means our elimation is extremely slow, which in turn means the thyroxine stays in the blood longer than a person who is not sensitive.

Which is why we need to start slowly and gently.

And thyroxine has a long duration in the body, so again, we need to be the turtle, not the rabbit!!

I know a lot of people suggest "de toxing' the body, but from my experience the sensitive people get very sick doing this.

If they want to try a detox, they again, need to go slow.

Instead of once a day, it has to be once a week.

It's all very frustrating and hard for people being so sick, but I can't stress enough............go slowly!!.......You will get better, it will just take a bit longer than you want.

Take care, and Good Luck.

xx

humanbean profile image
humanbean in reply to danceforever

1000mg of vitamin D3 may be ample if people absorb it well. But if they don't it might not be enough. I took 1000mg of vitamin D3 per day for a few months and then discovered my levels had actually dropped. I now take 3000mg per day and my levels are slowly rising.

Marz profile image
Marz

vitamindcouncil.org

A very good site with lots of interesting articles. You can also sign up for a Newsletter - which does help us to keep up to speed !

:-)

helvella profile image
helvellaAdministratorThyroid UK in reply to Marz

Agreed, Marz, and specifically their booklet, linked from here:

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu....

Rod

Marz profile image
Marz in reply to helvella

So important to keep reminding everyone - thanks Rod :-)

Spareribs profile image
Spareribs in reply to helvella

And the NOS doc (Osteo society)

nos.org.uk/document.doc?id=...

Satu2015 profile image
Satu2015

Hi first of all, I am so sorry for your experience with your endocrinologist. My experiences have not been encouraging either. I went to see a nutritionist how ever - the experience was way more rewarding. There is a link between parathyroid and d-vitamin. Whilst thyroid looks after metabolism and calcium balance, parathyroid also looks after calcium balance in blood and bone strength accordingly and hence calcium levels should be checked when checking d vitamin and parathyroid levels. Have you tested your adrenal function too? If adrenals do not function well they do not signal properly to the thyroid to produce thyroid hormone. Ultimately it is the pituitary gland which signals all glands upon secretion of hormones. What helped me a great deal was a combination of pituitary, adrenal, thyroid glandular tissue.

Agik profile image
Agik in reply to Satu2015

Satu2015, thank you - it was so upsetting and frustrating that I left the building in tears. Then I went back in to complain to PAL but they couldn't do anything because the hospital did not receive GP letter!

One of the tests that my GP ordered after this distressing trip to endo was to see how the parathyroid are going but they are fine, though I need to ask for the results for everything tested in December.

I asked the endo about adrenals but he simply dimissed it!

Satu2015 profile image
Satu2015

I also had low d vitamin levels but my system for some reason was not able to absorb d vitamin no matter how high dosages. What helped was coriander oil. Here some other health benefits of coriander oil: Because vitamin-D is "fat soluble", it needs healthy fats to be effective. Coriander seeds are loaded with fatty acids and essential oils. In fact, they contain 28.4% of seed weight - in total lipids!

There is ample evidence to suggest that vitamin A and K are necessary for proper assimilation of vitamin D. One serving of coriander contains roughly 400% the RDV of vitamin-K and ample amounts of vitamin A.

Common toxic metals like mercury, lead, aluminum and cadmium - impair your body's ability to produce sufficient vitamin D. Coriander oil has shown to aid in the removal of mercury, cadmium, aluminum and lead from the body!

Getting "natural vitamin D" from the sun is surely the best way, yet poses great skin cancer risks if you are antioxidant and/or omega 3 deficient!

And actually, omega-3 fat deficiencies are a far more significant risk factor for deadly skin cancers than sun exposure! Coriander oil provides you with a great source of omegas and antioxidants!

For omega 3 boosting power, coriander oil has been shown to increase the natural bioconversion of alpha-linoleic acid to EPA and DHA in animal studies.

Marz profile image
Marz in reply to Satu2015

..there has also been research about VDR's ( Vitamin D Receptors ) in people with Hashimotos. Receptors preventing uptake - first posted by Helvella....

Polaris profile image
Polaris in reply to Satu2015

Really interesting about coriander oil containing K2 , which as you say, is very important for assimilation of vitamin D3 into the bones.

I'd recommend, "Vitamin K2 and the Calcium Paradox - How a Little Known Vitamin could Save your Life", by Kate Rheaume-Bleue.

In this book, she refers to a study done in 2011 and published in the BMJ, which found that, for women taking calcium supplements, the increased risk of heart disease outweighed the benefits to bones. The answer is not to stop taking D3 but to add K2 to ensure it goes into the bones and not the arteries and soft tissues.

Marz profile image
Marz in reply to Satu2015

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/245...

Here is the Research Paper I mentioned earlier ....

Agik profile image
Agik in reply to Marz

Thanks, Marz. This is another issue I have to sort out. No one has confirmed yet if I've got hashi or not.

Marz profile image
Marz in reply to Agik

..a blood test of the anti-bodies should sort it - anti-TPO and Anti-Tg...

Jackie profile image
Jackie

Hi Make sure your calcium is in range, if too low, below range, then you need calcium with the D, If over range D cannot be taken safely.

Jackie

Satu 2015 is right. I am too Vit D3 deficient, this was picked up on by a really good gp I had in the past who did a parathyroid test. I have been on calcoes ever since 2 x daily, and will be on them for life. Vit D needs calcium with it that's why they prescribe a combination. I take mine 4 hours after thyroxine and it can be taken with or without food, that's what the gp told me. They are a bit chalky to chew so I eat a piece of choc after to remove the taste of them. Whether or not you need to supplement them with extra vit D, I am not sure, however, I do take very good multivitamin. Having the other bloods done that Shaws suggested is important too, as you may not be on enough thyroxine, or it could be something else causing the fatigue or a combination of all things. It will give you a full picture. Post the results when you get them.

Gps/Endos will try to keep you within their range, not your range.

Marz profile image
Marz in reply to

Sorry I am not sure about the fact that D needs Calcium ? I thought that D improved the production of calcium within the body - hence why K2 was needed to ensure the D went into the correct places. Best not to remain in the blood and cause heart problems. Please point me in the right direction :-)

in reply to Marz

Um, am not really up on K2. All I know is what gp said, just that I needed a combo of D3 and Calcium for it to be absorbed, cant have one without the other.

Sorry, that's all I know x

Here's an invaluable clip on Vitamin D deficiency: thefatemperor.com/blog/2014...

He recommends 4000-6000IU cholecalciferol per day during winter time or due to deficiency, which is the equivalent of 100-150mg per day. To put that in perspective, in the middle of summer the body will make 10,000IU in about half an hour.

I think the one thing to always consider with supplementation is that although some vitamins can be taken at very high levels without any real threat of toxicity (as long as its the natural form, ie. B12 and Vit D3, the body will excrete the excess), but because of the synergistic relationship between certain groups, if you feel sick taking high levels of Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol - most bioavailable form) or B12 (methylcobalamin - most bioavailable form), it'll be because they're revealing deficiencies in other areas. Vit D3 commonly reveals deficiency in magnesium as higher levels make the magnesium more available to the body, and therefore quickly depletes what little stores you might have. Same with B12 - it makes iron more available to the body, so again, a boost in B12 will show up any deficiencies in iron storage (ferritin). I know B12, iron and folate all work together, but really sorry, I don't know much about folate (my levels were fine and it makes for super confusing reading), except that folic acid is its synthetic counterpart, and the more natural form is 5-methyltetrahydrofolate. Not sure if that helps any...

Spareribs profile image
Spareribs in reply to

Thanks for the link Kimarina

I'm only 5 mins in to the hour & half vid, but he's hit on 2 fav theories already - at last someone agrees that D3 (sun) is essential for breast milk & human evolution wouldn't even have happened without it..... :)

I also agree that although we tend to supplement one nutrient at a time (per finding out which one we're low in) they do all work together and will reveal other deficiencies, a good multivit is essential - but they aren't perfect for the individual needs. J :D

(Vit D is fat soluble and it IS possible to over-do it - but it would be difficult and have to be very high levels - well over 250 mnol/l and without A, K2, Mg - as far as I've read anyway - best test regularly).

PS - he quotes 40 as adequate - this is the USA measure (x2.5 for UK = 100 nmol/L)

Marz profile image
Marz in reply to

Kimarina - I have just watched the video you linked. Really VERY good and one of the best I have seen - for many reasons. Thank you. I do think it is so important - that it is worth putting this in a separate post so more people will get to see it...am happy to do it if you are busy :-)

in reply to Marz

Yes please. :-)

Marz profile image
Marz in reply to

Done - :-)

beach45 profile image
beach45

Some links: endocrineweb.com/conditions...

articles.mercola.com/sites/...

As far as being tired in addition to Vitamin D deficiency, a lot of people talk about ferritin levels; if that is not at the right levels then the thyroid hormone will not work efficiently along with if a person has adrenal fatigue and even too high cortisol can inhibit proper utilization of thyroid hormone by the body; there are also issues of leaky gut as are the vitamins and minerals being properly absorbed in the gut; then with Vitamin D supplementation especially at higher levels to make sure that Vitamin K2 and Magnesium are taken as well as Calcium; a lot of people don't know about the Vitamin K2 and plus care has to be taken with Vitamin D and high dosing to be sure Magnesium and Vitamin A are not being affected by depletion; the Facebook Magnesium group talks about if the Magnesium is dosed properly then there is not the need for such high dosing of Vitamin D as Magnesium supplementation will take care of bringing up Vitamin D levels yet that is a whole other story; plus recently I read some medical article that Vitamin D deficiency is really due to an underlying health problem and when that is fixed, the D levels will come back to normal; such as autoimmune problems and not properly treated hypothyroidism as like some said supplementing a little with some T3 medication as sometimes the T4 only routine is not sufficient and the person will still be tired because they are not converting T4 to T3 properly; even if your T3 levels are in the "lower end" of the lab value ranges you may still feel lousy and tired.... like the STTM people say, you need to have all your ducks in a row; I was told by a PT expert recently to be sure I am taking Vitamin D, Calcium and Magnesium together; and I was going out into the sun a lot and still deficient in Vitamin D; my levels were under 20 and now with 2000 IUs daily from October 2014 onward my levels are in the low end of the range, around 31 and now my special doctor here in the States wants me to take 5000 IU of Vitamin D yet it causes constipation for me and yet I know I need to in order to get my levels up to 60 at least where she would like me to be at for the thyroid hormone to work more efficiently and for me to feel better; yet I get confused sometimes with Too Much Information out there what is the really best thing to do; I had RAI in May 2012 for Graves and still working out how to get some weight off of me, to basically jump start my metabolism, and tried different types and combos of thyroid hormone (NDTs made my TPO antibodies rise too much), so it's been quite challenging (I am on a T4/T3 compound now 3 times a day) and learned from my fatigue and tired feelings daily that so many other things needed correcting too which I'm slowly working on and that gut issue is big for hypothyroid people too so, it is like a lot of stuff has to be done simultaneously and care to be sure that one Vitamin or Mineral is not depleting the body of some other necessary Vitamin and Mineral; (example my zinc supplementation very important for thyroid people can off balance the copper in one's body, drain the adrenals if too much is taken and it was messing with my iron absorption, so I backed off and ferritin levels started to come back up!).. it is a true balancing act and having a very good doctor help guide you is so important too; I have been on this roller coaster ride since Graves started with me in 2010 (although years prior misdiagnosed and never treated properly I found out) and well lot of experience as I go to the Holtorf Group here in the USA and they are expert with treating all this thyroid stuff and chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia and metabolism issues.... I like this from STTM group too about "Ducks in a row!" as a simple list.... Best of Luck! Please keep us posted! stopthethyroidmadness.com/d...

Agik profile image
Agik

Dear All, thank you for so many replies. I shall now read all of them and look at the links too. There is so much information to take on. I just hope it won't make me more confused ;-) . I'll try to answer to each of you. Thank you

Spareribs profile image
Spareribs in reply to Agik

as you can see Vit D is one of our favourite subjects!

800 iu is too low - many report no difference at those outdated levels - OK if you're also having actual sunshine 'tho!

It doesn't need extra calcium if it's in your diet already - milk, cheese, yoghurt etc. (parathyroids regulate it too).

alternatively... you could have 10 tabs of cod liver oil (which contains other goodies too) or 10 tins of sardine/pichards per day. Well I couldn't anyway...

It is a fat soluble 'vitamin' (a pre-hormone) and if you get to a good level (125 nmol/l) you'll start saving it - otherwise you just use it. Good luck Jane :D

Hanala1 profile image
Hanala1

I'm hypothyroid, on 150mcgs per day of Levothyroxine. Last year my health plummeted, everything ached, my brain was mush and I had a host of other problems, including having trouble picking up heavy objects as it felt like my fingers would break. Tests didn't reveal anything but I asked to be referred to an expert on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, who suggested to me & my Docs that I could be Vitamin Deficient. Tests proved that my deficiency was really severe.

I've been on Vitamin D (Fultium-D, 800 IU capsules) ever since. Daily to begin with until my levels returned to normal, then every other day to maintain the Vitamin D in my system...without food. I don't have calcium tablets as that was never tested. As I understand it, Vitamin D is responsible for providing Calcium for all our needs and without it, we don't absorb Calcium. Assumably, they are of the mind that if my Vitamin D levels are normal, then the Calcium has now recovered too.

Following my lack of Vitamin D, I developed pain in my hip which would also twist out of place when I walked...an x-ray revealed that I now have arthritis in that hip joint.

My Thyroid is regularly tested to assess any changes that might have occurred. Good luck.

elsa142 profile image
elsa142

Hello...it's all horribly confusing isn't it. I don't know much about anything, but what I do know for sure is that ad-cal is a waste of time, it is calcium carbonate....basically, chalk, and has a very low absorption rate. If you want a calcium supplement it must be calcium citrate.

Mercolas newsletter today

Vitamin D, K1 and K2articles.mercola.com/sites/...

jezebel69 profile image
jezebel69 in reply to overnighthearingloss

Was good to see I dont have to give up my whole egg mayonnaise - its quite high in K2 :)

overnighthearingloss profile image
overnighthearingloss in reply to jezebel69

Especially if you buy good quality eggs.

Since doing so I really think the extra expense is worth it. When you are used to good quality eggs there's no going back to anything less.

Agik profile image
Agik

Thank you, Londinium. I watched all three videos with great interest. Now moving onto reading! There is so much to take on. Interestingly dr Holick advices to take calcium whereas dr Mercola says that he would not do that and that supplementing magnesium is a better option!

stockman27 profile image
stockman27

Hi, I saw a Professor around two years a and he said that most people in the uk are low in Vit d. I was put on a low dose from Boots chemist. The prof added that if I lived in Europe or the US my Vitd levels would be five times higher than the recommended levels. I now see a dr from Belgium and I take 5000 iu a day imported from Luxembourg.

Vit d and calcium go hand in hand an v it d make the calcium absorb into the bones, other wise it just come out of your body.

Now!! I am sure you all know this but calcium binds with thyroxin and makes it less effective. Vit d raises the levels of calcium in the bloods , there fore you should not take Calcium or Vit d until at least five hours after you take your thyroxin. I would take it with the evening meal.

Low vit d will give you depression, lethargy aches pains etc.

Good luck

John C

danceforever profile image
danceforever

1. Why calcium & vit D, not just vit D on its own?.......It is best to take VitaimD on it's own.

2. Doesn't 800 I.U. per day seem to you far too low?......It does seem low, but it all depends on you levels from the bloods. Most doctors will put you on their pill, which you take once a month, but some cannot tolerate this, so they choose a natural form. Start low to see how you tolerate it, then push it up slowly every 3 weeks. when you feel your pain levels drop a little, then you know you have the right dosage.

3. Can I just top it up with pure Cholecalciferolum (D3 in drops)?....Yes of course, it is the best way to go.

good Luck..xx

Agik profile image
Agik in reply to danceforever

Thanks for that, Danceforever. The results are on the pic attached. D2 below 10 and D3 25.4!!

Spareribs profile image
Spareribs in reply to Agik

Vit D2 levels are insignificant in most analyses, however D3 below 25 would be deficient - see Holick and many others to research why - or find sunshine or supplement!

Kimarina's link is very good too - lots of answers to your question- good luck! J

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