Vitamin D Deficiency?

[Amber_Baby]

Hey guys, I'm just looking for some advice really. My Fitday records show that I'm meeting my RDA's for most vitamins but the one that really concerns me is vitamin D. It seems I am only getting around 10 - 15% of my RDA on average. A quick google search shows that a vitamin D deficiency can lead to weak, brittle and even misshapen bones. So what can I do/eat to improve my vitamin D intake?

[PghPALady1974]

Look under the Vitamin and supplements section on the board. There are quite a few threads on Vitamin D.

I am a full believer in the benefits from it. Research has shown it can possibly prevent you from getting the flu. I am currently taking 5000 i.u. a day or going tanning.



Vitamins and Supplements - Low Carb Friends

Another good thread:
The Swine Flu and Vitamin D from the Vitamin D council

[Rdm]

Have your doc check your levels b4 you second guess anything-it's a simple bloodtest.

[GeneaX1]

Try and get some direct sunshine everyday around noon or when the sun is high in the sky. Your body absorbs it through your skin. The blood test is a good idea too. Studies are showing that most Americans are usually deficient in D.

[PghPALady1974]

Originally Posted by GeneaX1

Try and get some direct sunshine everyday around noon or when the sun is high in the sky. Your body absorbs it through your skin. The blood test is a good idea too. Studies are showing that most Americans are usually deficient in D.

This is not valid at this time of the year. I believe it's only May thru Sept when the suns rays are at the right angle above a certain latitude.
It prob is a good idea to get the test. I just haven't myself. I know how I feel during the winter and already the higher dose of D3 has helped.

[pritchard297]

had mine tested at the request of my thyroid doctor while I was doing my regular blood work to check my hormone levels. It came out at the low end of "normal range" I have issues with what normal range is after years of thyroid issues while within "normal range" sorry I digress.

Anyway I live on the North coast of Oregon so sun isn't on the radar much around here. She wanted me on at least 1000 of D3 she was very specific about the D3 as it is something to do with the stored levels anyway I found one brand that was reasonable "Nature Made Multi For Her" I got mine at Safeway. The blood test is a good thing at the very least to have a base to start with but an inexpensive supliment will also go along ways. Good luck

[ready to live life]

My mom recently told me that her Dr. told her that every man woman and child should be taking vitamin D supplements. Specifically D-3 1000-2000 mg per day. I started taking 1000 in the morning and 1000 at night, in the summer when I am getting more sun, I will probably reduce to 1000 mg per day. You could ask your doctor what he/she thinks.

[Amber_Baby]

Thanks so much for all the information and advice. I will definitely look into taking a supplement, it's something I have been thinking about doing for a while and I think it's time to start. Thanks.

[Looweewoo]

Ya... D3, especially in the winter, and especially in the UK. Foods with Vit D are hard to eat enough of.... unless you really like the oily fishes, salmon, mackerel and sardines. You would have to have a large serving every day.

[Steve Parker, M.D.]

I agree with louweewoo. I live in sunny Arizona, but I would depend on the sun exposure only three months of the year. I'm at the age where I protect my skin from sun damage that causes accellerated aging.

I take a Centrum multivitamin/multimineral ever day (400 IU vit D), plus extra vitamin D 800 international units daily.

-Steve

[Minnas]

Carlson's D-3 drops. After going on Rx D for a bit I am using these now to slowing rebuild my D levels. Just a few drops a day and no big pill to swallow. Nothing else was working, not even the sun in summer.

[Indychick829]

I take about 4000 iu Vitamin D / day - my doc just gave me my blood work (including vitamin D test) and said my Vitamin D level was incredible! I was just taking the Vitamin Shoppe's brand of Vitamin D (2000 iu/pill - took 2 pills).

good luck!

[Amber_Baby]

I bought a multivitamin today, 180 days worth! It contains:

50% RDA for Vit A
100% for Vit D
100% for Vit C
100% for Niacin, Thiamin and Riboflavin
100% for Folic Acid

And a few others. Hope it helps!

[fawn]

Originally Posted by Looweewoo

Ya... D3, especially in the winter, and especially in the UK. Foods with Vit D are hard to eat enough of.... unless you really like the oily fishes, salmon, mackerel and sardines. You would have to have a large serving every day.

yep! And I also addressed Vitamin D in your breast cancer thread Amber. Get your levels checked. You can even do a home test and send it back to the lab for your results. But, being in the UK as Loo points out, and if it were me, I'd be taking 4000-5000IU daily of D3.