My vitamin D deficiency: I am very new here, and... - Thyroid UK

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My vitamin D deficiency

katwin profile image
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I am very new here, and am hypothyroid having only been diagnosed last month. I have posted my previous blood results separately.

The vitamin D showed up as 35 - Deficient - (30 - 50 nmo1/L)

and not Severe Deficiency - Less than 30 nmo1/L.

My Serum vitamin D - (SLH) - Deficient at 35 was flagged in red, and I saw the GP yesterday for treatment. She seemed in rather a hurry with me, but she prescribed Invita D3 - 2 x 800IU soft capsules Colefalciferol to be taken daily for six months. With a blood test in 4 weeks time for calcium.

Am I borderline Severe Deficiency, and may I please ask your thoughts on whether my GP has given me a strong enough prescription?

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SeasideSusie profile image
SeasideSusieRemembering

No she hasn't given you a strong enough prescription but I doubt you'll get any more. 1600iu daily isn't enough to raise a level of 35nmol/L to the level recommended by the Vit D Council of 100-150nmol/L in a reasonable amount of time. You need a minimum of 5000iu daily and if it was me I would be taking more until I reached the recommended level, I would be following the NICE Clinical Knowledge Summary for Vit D Deficiency with a level of below 30, you are close enough.

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

However much D3 you take, remember the important cofactors that are needed vitamindcouncil.org/about-v...

katwin profile image
katwin in reply toSeasideSusie

Thank you so much SeasideSusie for your valuable and knowledgeable advice about the daily strength required to reach a reasonable level.

I will look out for the 5000iu strength capsules and start taking them forthwith. I have seen mention on this site that K2 will direct the calcium from Vitamin D toward the bones and teeth and away from arteries and tissue. Would it therefore be a good idea to look for 5000iu Vitamin D capsules with K2 included?

I will also start taking the cofactor vitamins and minerals, stated in the sites you have mentioned above.

SeasideSusie profile image
SeasideSusieRemembering in reply tokatwin

I have just seen in another of your threads that you have Hashimoto's. In that case, for best absorption you would be better off using an oral spray. BetterYou do a D3/K2 combined spray betteryou.com/vitamin-d-k2 (look at other suppliers too for best price.

Personally, with your level, I would taken 9000iu daily for a month, then take 6000iu daily for a month, then retest. When you've reached the recommended level you'll have to find your maintenance dose by trial and error, 3000iu daily might be fine, or alternate days just remember to test twice a year to keep within the recommended range. You may need more in winter. Home fingerprick test (your GP won't continue to do them vitamindtest.org.uk

Keep D3 four hours away from thyroid meds.

Magnesium comes in different forms, check to see which would suit you best naturalnews.com/046401_magn... and as it's calming it's best to take it in the evening, four hours away from thyroid meds.

katwin profile image
katwin in reply toSeasideSusie

I am very grateful for your suggestion of vitamin d @ 9000iu daily. Betteryou.com/vitamin-d-k2 oral spray is 3000iu so 3 sprays for a month, then 2 sprays, then one spray. My GP will have my vitamin d and calcium levels tested in one month.

But my Plasma TSH level on my very first blood test has dropped from 4.38 (23 Jan) to 2.59 (6 Feb) - so my GP will not prescribe any thyroid meds. And I cannot be tested again for another year.

I have copied and printed your recommendations and I thank you for your excellent advice which is very much appreciated.

SeasideSusie profile image
SeasideSusieRemembering in reply tokatwin

But my Plasma TSH level on my very first blood test has dropped from 4.38 (23 Jan) to 2.59 (6 Feb) - so my GP will not prescribe any thyroid meds. And I cannot be tested again for another year.

Were both tests done at the same time of day? For diagnosis we need the highest possible TSH and that is very early in the morning, so the earlies appointment of the morning for blood draw is best. Also eating lowers TSH so fasting overnight and eating after the blood draw will give the highest TSH. If conditions are the same each time we can compare results accurately.

You can do your own private tests at home with Medichecks or Blue Horizon, fingerprick or venous blood draw if you prefer (but you need your surgery/hospital or a nurse to do that.)

katwin profile image
katwin in reply toSeasideSusie

At a routine Cholesterol blood test I was told to fast, and my TSH showed up at 4.54. I had a phone call from the doctor saying I had an abnormality in my thyroid and I should make an appointment to discuss it.

For the next two blood tests, which were carried out before 10am, the GP told me specifically not to fast, and this is probably why my TSH has fallen on these two occasions. It is now 2.59 so she will not prescribe thyroid meds.

If it is possible to do my own private test just the fingerprick test for a further TSH then I will have that carried out at Medichecks or Blue Horizon, as you have kindly suggested. Though I doubt very much if the GP will allow the surgery to do a venous blood draw for another test.

katwin profile image
katwin in reply toSeasideSusie

Thank you also for the article on Magnesium above. I cannot rely on my GP for all the help I need and, although I have an awful lot to learn, I will try to become my own physician with the help of wonderful people such as yourself.

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