help with vit D levels

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  • juli0212
    juli0212 Member Posts: 1,415
    edited November 2010

    Okayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy....lol...never mind (did not mean to pressure you Makraz here).  They cannot help me.  I will figure something else out, I always do.   :)   ~juli

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  • Makratz
    Makratz Member Posts: 12,678
    edited November 2010

    I wonder if you call my walgreens and order it, if they could deliver it to your Walgreens?? There number is (508) 613-1800.  The brand is Bio Tech and it's called D3-50. Let me know if you try and what happens. Good luck!

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  • juli0212
    juli0212 Member Posts: 1,415
    edited August 2013

    I will call the Central Walgreens back, do you have a UPC # though?  That would be helpful.  I can tell them the brand name and what it is called, you're sure it's 50,000ius?   THX   ~juli

    **I just looked up Bio Tech's online site, and sure enough there is the 50,000ius...$30.00 for 100.**  Deleted previous posts, sorry--repetitive!  

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  • Makratz
    Makratz Member Posts: 12,678
    edited November 2010

    UPC number is 0510510110

    I think I remember seeing them online too, but it was half the price at Walgreens.  Yes they are 50,000 iu's.

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  • juli0212
    juli0212 Member Posts: 1,415
    edited November 2010

    Thank you, Makraz, you've been a trouper!  I will let the pharmacy technician at Walgreens' Central know that it IS possible to order these.  Thank You most kindly.   ~juli

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  • Makratz
    Makratz Member Posts: 12,678
    edited November 2010

    Good luck!

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  • juli0212
    juli0212 Member Posts: 1,415
    edited November 2010

    Makraz:  I wrote back to the pharmacy technicians at Walgreens, they say they DO NOT SELL bio tech to ANY of their stores, I cannot get it, only in the 5,000ius.   ARRRGHHHHH...lol...that's okay, I'll make do with the BOGOF bottles at my CVS....thank you again though, not your problem at'tall!!!   Sorry to bother you with it all....juli

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  • juli0212
    juli0212 Member Posts: 1,415
    edited November 2010

    JO:  No worries, I'm not ordering the 50,000ius of D3.  I will just up my dosage from 5,000 to between 6-7000ius a day.  My total level of D did not increase at all.  But, you are right, adding the 50,000ius weekly may be too much.  I did rethink it after going thru all this this afternoon.  No worries, girlie!  I won't OD on D...:)   (Thx for your concern also)    ~juli

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  • Nan56143
    Nan56143 Member Posts: 349
    edited November 2010

    Ladies,

    If you are not taking Magnesium, 450 mg or more, your body will not absorb the Vitamin D, no matter how much you take. In the December issue of Life Extension magazine they state..."approximately half of our total body magnesium is found in our bones, and the other half is distributed throughout the cells of our body tissues and organs. This essential mineral is nneded for  more than three hundred biochemical reactions in the body".

    According to the December issue of Life Extension magazine, "the vitamin D comminicates to the intestines to increase the absorption of calcium by as much as 80%. Vitamin D is also known for maintaining normal calcium levels".

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  • juli0212
    juli0212 Member Posts: 1,415
    edited November 2010

    Nan:  In case you haven't been following my posts:  I cannot take magnesium (not deficient in it) as it causes an EXtreme laxative effect, I don't need it.  Nor can I take calcium (parathyroid issues).  Soooooo, lol...on with the battle of Vitamin D dosing.  Yes, for most people, the info you posted is accurate and very true.  Thank you.   ~juli

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  • Nan56143
    Nan56143 Member Posts: 349
    edited November 2010

    Oh juli,

    I do remember you posting that, but I didn't read many of the recent posts. Sorry sweetieEmbarassed 

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  • juli0212
    juli0212 Member Posts: 1,415
    edited November 2010

    NAN:  My gosh, NO problem, we can't really keep up with all the posts, and then to remember?  Can you say:  Chemo-Brain-Fog??   LOL...No problem-o!    :)   ~juli

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  • Nan56143
    Nan56143 Member Posts: 349
    edited November 2010
    Oh but dear juli, you see it is my daughter who endured the chemo, and not I. For me it is called a senior moment(s)/hours/days/months! Laughing
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  • juli0212
    juli0212 Member Posts: 1,415
    edited November 2010

    Oh SNAP, Nan~!   (I'm sorry about your daughter though)  Good one.   ~juli

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  • Bambaloos
    Bambaloos Member Posts: 85
    edited November 2010

    I got my 5,000 D3 at my local Sams Club - I do not recommend the 50,000 ui - it made me very nauseated - the 5.000 daily I am tolerating alot better.  Hope everyone has a great weekend!

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  • juli0212
    juli0212 Member Posts: 1,415
    edited November 2010

    I can get 5,000ius anywhere really.  The 50,000ius of D2 make my head pain much worse, and never helped my D levels at all, I refuse to take that one anymore.  I will stick with D3 in a 'moderate' dose (5-7,000ius daily).  Enjoy your weekend too, Mandy, thank you!   ~juli

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  • juli0212
    juli0212 Member Posts: 1,415
    edited August 2013

    I found this article under the clinical trials on the cancer institute's site:

    http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/results/summary/2008/zoledronic-acid0608 and

    http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/results/summary/2007/zoledronic-acid0107 and

    http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/results/summary/2008/denosumab0908 (This one I'm faxing to my PCP, as I'm on Aromasin now and have bone density loss)

    This is interesting, and I'll keep it in mind as I have bone density loss.  My PCP and I are being overly cautious about NOT taking the bone drugs as of yet (I'm 51 with an almost 10% bone density loss in lumbar spine).  Seeing what next year's dexascan shows first.  So, they are not ALL bad...but this is 'short-term' trial, not sure what long-term would do.  Just thought I'd share.

    ~juli

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  • MariannaLaFrance
    MariannaLaFrance Member Posts: 777
    edited November 2010

    I wanted to share with you some VERY GOOD NEWS!

    I've told you all that I have been checked for hyperparathryoidism, and my new endocrinologist thought that if I got my Vitamin D levels high enough that my PTH would go to a normal level, right? Well, I just got a PTH test and it's NORMAL! NORMAL NORMAL! 58.

    So, Nan, you are right. I got my Vit D levels up to 70, and started taking magnesium in July. I think the magnesium really has helped me so much. I take magnesium glycinate, which is supposed to not have such a laxative effect.... if that helps at all for those of you who have laxative effect happening.

    I am so supper happy right now!!!

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  • NativeMainer
    NativeMainer Member Posts: 10,462
    edited November 2010

    Hooray!  Hooray!  Hooray for NORMAL lab tests!!!!!!!

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited November 2010

    Marianna, that's great news!   If they don't find a cure soon we're gonna fix it ourselves - so take that!!!!

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  • dsgirl
    dsgirl Member Posts: 276
    edited November 2010

    Hello,

    Just today I noticed this thread and started reading.

    Could anyone enlighted me on the difference and need for each D?                                     

    My doctor has prescribed me 8 tablet of 50000 UI, to take one weekly. This is due to low Vit.d level from a lab report, however she did not say which I was low in, D2 or D3. I looked at the prescription and it does not say D 2 or D 3.

    The pills look like green geltabs, the prescription label on the bottle reads: Vitamin D 50000UNT CAP PLIVA substituted for ERGOCALCIFER50000IU CAP. My paperwork from the pharmacy does not specify if it is D2 or D3 either, so now I guess I will wait taking it and call on Monday as I am confused and dont want to take 50000 units of Vit. D without the knowledge needed of D 2 and D 3. By the way I also take Calcium with D, have for years to prevent osteoporosis. Noticed that bottle does not specify if it is D 2 or D 3 either, just  400 UI, and my doctor said to continue these even during the 8 weeks of 50000UI.

    Glad I found you ladies and this thread, and wishing everyone wellness.

    Dsgirl

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  • Makratz
    Makratz Member Posts: 12,678
    edited November 2010

    DSgirl,

    Glad you found us.  The rx is for D2. My RX did not specify either but when I asked the pharmacist, they told me it was D2. Personally, I found the RX did little good.  I bought D3 OTC and have found that that is finally helping my D3 levels.  As Nan stated, it's important to take magnesium with the D3 for absorbtion.

    Best of luck to you.

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  • dsgirl
    dsgirl Member Posts: 276
    edited November 2010

    Makraz

    I am smiling this morning as I read your answer to my question, first because I so appreciate you took the time to give me your experience with Vit. D, second because of the quote: "never, never give up, Winston Churchill" as I have that quote on a little slip of paper on my refrigerator lol. Mine says Newah Newah give up, W. C."

    These boards are so helpful, there are so many subjects sometimes it takes a while to find a thread, but in the end I luck out.

    I will wait to take these, I noticed there is a little sticker on the bottle saying "do not take with any other medicine without checking with your doctor or pharmacist". I am pushing 70 agewise, and take other meds, all days long it seems, have to use a pillminder box, so where to fit in the 50000 IU's would be a challenge. BTW I am already taking magnesium.

    I plan to call monday and ask for a copy of the lab report, when I have it, I feel I am armed with enough info to call the doc and ask some questions.

    One more question, does the sun give us D2 or D3? I certainly get plenty of sun as I am outdoors alot.

    Dsgirl

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  • Makratz
    Makratz Member Posts: 12,678
    edited November 2010

    Glad I make you smile!  That's what we are all here for.

    Not sure about what D the sun gives us, I'm sure someone else will know.  My guess is both, but just a guess!
    LOL about the pill box, I was pushing 40 when I got mine!

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  • ananda8
    ananda8 Member Posts: 2,755
    edited August 2013

    I take 4800 IU of D3 a day and my level is at 50.  If it is still at 50 when I retest in 3 months, then I will up to 5800 IU per day.  I am including the 800 IU  I get with my 1200 mg of calcium.  I also take 400 IU of magnesium per day. 

    The sun gives us D3.  I found that D2 was useless in raising my levels. OTC D3 works best for me.

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  • unklezwifeonty
    unklezwifeonty Member Posts: 1,710
    edited November 2010

    Dear NotSelf,

    The OTC D3 works better for __everyone__ :-)

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  • EastCoastGrl
    EastCoastGrl Member Posts: 282
    edited August 2013

    I have been reading this thread with interest because my Vit D level was a low 17. I was also given the D2, 50,000 x4. I took 3 and have just switched to 5,000 IU D3 daily. I am actually considering doing 7,000 a day to get my levels up quicker. I personally think its very important especially because of a cancer diagnosis. Anyway, I have been researching this and yes, magnesium is important. I personally have been taking magnesium for the last couple of years. (the one I use is called Natural Calm that is mixed with water, it supposedly is more bioavailable then tablets ....) BUT, I came across this article which I thought was interesting. I also take Ubiquinol (another form of CoQ10) at 50mg a day. I think I will up it to 100 or so though.

    http://www.pdazzler.com/archives/359

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  • juli0212
    juli0212 Member Posts: 1,415
    edited November 2010

    Congratulations Marianna~!!!  THAT is also my hope, that if I raise my D3 level high enough, my PTH (parathyroid hormone) will 'normalize'.  I have same issue.  I cannot take magnesium, no matter what shape or form (IMMEDIATE laxative reaction, and I'm not deficient in it).  Yes, the D2, 50,000iu prescription actually made my D3 WORSE, lowering it by 2/3.  I have no clue WHY docs order that one for us deficient patients.  Also taking 5,000ius D3 daily, it takes a LONG time to get our levels up, so not sure if a huge dose daily is helpful?   I will see after 3 months if the 5,000ius daily is helping, even if slowly.  (Last test, my total D is the same as last test, 4 months ago, and I'd UPPED the vitamin d3 dosage, parathyroid is still double, but at least not 10x what it was at one point!  :O )    THANK YOU all here, as YOU are the ones who have helped me figure out the D issues.   :)    ~juli

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  • JanetinVirginia
    JanetinVirginia Member Posts: 1,516
    edited November 2010

    Wow.  I just got my prescription today for 50,000 units Vit D2  - one per week for 3 months.  It sounded like enough for a horse!  But I see from this thread that it's not unusual.  My Vit D is at 26 and my Dexa scan indicates osteoporosis.  And, I am supposed to start Arimidex which is hard on the bones.  This Vit D better work!

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  • juli0212
    juli0212 Member Posts: 1,415
    edited November 2010

    Janet:  That Vitamin D is D2, and I have been on it several times, last was 12 weeks this past summer.  It did improve my total vitamin d by a few points, but it LESSENED my Vitamin D3 by 2/3!!!  It's the D3 we need, and I have NO clue why we are prescribed these D2 for vitamin d deficiency.  It didn't work for me, not being pessimistic, maybe it will for you, who knows?  But reading this thread, it just seems the D3 is MOST helpful for everyone.  I now take 6,000ius daily, will get retested in 3 months (took 5,000ius for almost 3 months, hardly any change yet, it takes time, I'm on the low end of 'normal' (36).  Oncologist would prefer it to be near 80.  Good Luck!  Keep us posted...

    ~juli

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