help with vit D levels

Aren't we supposed to take the Vit D3 with Calcium to help absorb it?  If we take it in to pee it out it may not raise our levels.  Just had my annual with PCP and forgot to ask her to test my D3 level.  Had Onc test it a couple months ago and it was only 42 but I also had stopped being regular with taking the D3.  Now back on it with 4000 iu's supplement and another 1000 in other supplements.  I was taking Nature Made chewables but will be trying the drops when they run out.  See the Onc again in February so will try and get it up by then.

I have been taking D3 since my first BC instance in June 2010.  I take 600 mg Calcium with 500 iu's twice a day, and one D3 with 2000 ius in the morning.  My levels have gone from low 40's to 69.  And my bone density is also better than a 30 year old, which is a good thing because I'm 61.  Because I'm TN, I don't have to worry about the AIs' impact on bone health.   I get mine at the drugstore - soy is not an issue for me.

My lab results show deficiency as below 30.   Docs may push for higher, but unless you are below 30, you are not clinically deficient in it.

Fearless

Many labs still use as "normal" a range for TSH ( thyroid stimulating hormone) up to 6.   Since 2003, the Americain Adademy of Endocrinologists have said TSH should be BELOW 2.5

Notself is correct on this - CRUCIAL to get Vitamin D up to the level's she's posting.  CRUCIAL.  Esp. for older women, and those on any of the AI's - bone health, and relief of joint pain.

Purple

I don't think most docs know beans about what our vitamind levels should be.  I learned more from the women posting on these threads than I ever did from docs about this.  My last reading ( local test labs) was a 26 - I was so frantic, that when I had my 6 month check up with oncologists, they retested  - it's 48.  Really - I am finding so many of the lab tests I'm having with local doctors, using local labs are SO WRONG!  

Sadly, many of the Kirkland brand products have soy bean oil in them.  A good health food store should have it in rice bran oil, and not much more expensive. Supplements are one thing I'm willing to spend money for - and buying a good brand, IMHO, is relaly important.  Whole Foods has a good selection, reasonably priced, which surprised me.

Hello Ladies

I just wanted to add my 2 cents regarding my experience with Vitamin D levels.  Started at 21 in Feb, after taking about 6000 IU's daily (Kirkland 2K IU's 2x's a day), it improved to 38 in June-about 3.5 months.  I am happy but am still going to work on getting it even better.  My dosage will be the same but now I will be taking it with Calcium/Magnesium.  The brand I am now currently using is Garden of Life Vitamin Code Raw D3 5K IU's.  It is made from whole foods, and has pro-biotics.  The Calcium is Calcium Plus by Pure Essence Labs.  I read that taking the 2 together will help absorption...I did'nt try this before so maybe it will help.  The label says it is made in a facility that does process soy...so it says it may contain soy!  Gotta find another non-soy brand.

The Calcium is only 250 mg but coupled with 1 mcg of Magnesium is supposed to have superior absorption.  ....we will see.  I get more lab work done in 6 weeks.   

  ..also wanted to add, living in Sunny So. Cal you would think that I would get enough Vit D from the sun?  Guess not.  I don't deliberately lay out in the sun but I do alot of outdoor activities and I do not wear sunscreen.  Like yesterday, we walked from 1:30pm to about 8pm all day at Disneyland.  Gosh I hope some of the D sticks!   

Califgirl12,

I've found that when I take Vit D with some fat my levels increase the fastest. I normally add coconut oil to my smoothies so that's where I get my fat intake.  

My CHinese medicine guy put me on six drops of 1000 IUs daily. How often should I get tested? I've been getting diarhea lately and wondering if it's too much for my stomach.

Thanks!

I have spent seven years -- starting well before my BC diagnosis -- to raise my D levels from a starting point of 11, now at 83!  I am delighted, and feeling the benefits in many ways.  No night time leg cramps!  Super good bone density!  Overall (well, other than a bit of cancer) good health!  But my Dr. is having a hissy fit:  Wants me to stop taking supplement immediately, and try to "achieve" a level of 30-50, which NIH says is "inadequate".  And I am being treated at a major, well respected cancer institute.  So far, my discussion has been via e-mail with the nurse, but I am told the Dr. will call me soon to clarify and discuss.  My current plan is to ask her for any current research that supports the lower level.  I think it must be easy for docs to lose touch with the current research on what they might be considering 'minor' issues.  I hope to re-educate her. 

Notself

Thanks -- that is a good point.  The email from the nurse did not specify if it was ng/ml or nmol/L, so I will get back to her and check on it.  Previous levels of under 83 from my pre-cancer doctor were nmol/L, so I was just assuming -- gotta learn not to do that!

Marilyn: I also like Solgar for vitamins.  I have to order them on line since our Whole Foods decided not to carry them (so they could promote their own brand, I am guessing). 

Pouncy: what do you use to supplement your D?  I take 5000 units daily and it is all I can do to get a reading in the 40s.