"Staying Active With Vitamin D"

JoanofArdmore · July 2007

Staying Active with Vitamin D
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The good news about vitamin D continues to make headlines. The latest is that D appears to protect against age-related decline in physical performance. Results of a Dutch study showed that seniors (age 65 or older) whose vitamin D levels were lowest are more likely to have problems getting around easily. The findings held true even after the researchers took into consideration age, chronic diseases, alcohol consumption and other health factors that might slow people down. The researchers reviewed data on 979 men and women who were part of the Longitudinal Aging Study of Amsterdam. Nearly half of the participants had low vitamin D levels at the outset and, even then, had more physical performance problems than their peers. Over the three-year course of the study, those with low levels of D were twice as likely as the others to be slower, even with such routine movement as rising from a sitting position. The study was published in the June, 2007, online edition of the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.

JoanofArdmore · July 2007

This is true!!My Femara-pain-ful life has truely become less so, since I'm taking 1,000 mg vit D daily.
I was just noticing I have again taken to getting into my old position:right leg up on the table, after dinner.I have a big varicose vein in that leg, and it feels great to get it up high.
But all these Femara years (3+), every time I raised my leg off the ground for any reason,(to walk?) it hurt a lot.

Also my tumor markers dropped 13 points at my last check-up.I thought it was because I've been taking DIM, but from things I read, now realize it's from the Vitamin D!

Vitamin D rocks!

Sierra · July 2007

I just had a full physical yesterday
and was holding off on Vitamin D
as check with doctors re meds

My Doc also has told me to take
it. So started today and maybe it will
help out some of my issues

Best

wallan · July 2007

Can it give you more energy?

I have noticed more energy lately. I have been taking vitamin D (1000 mg/day) for a few weeks now. I still have all my aches and pains, but more motivation or something.

Wendy A

Jinx · July 2007

I have always taken calcium pills but bought only ones without Vit. D. I did that because I mistakenly thought Vit. D was iron. And excessive iron causes heart attacks.

I often think that if I had known that Vit.D was not iron and had taken calcium with Vit D all those years, would I have prevented my bc? I know I shouldn't look for reasons to blame myself but I can't help but wonder.

Anonymous · July 2007

My girl friend was just dx'd with a Vit D deficency....not sure exactly what it does and such but her Dr. gave her a prescription for a once a week pill....

After I was dx'd with BC 7 months ago I started taking a calcium + Vit D...I take 600 mg twice a day as I was told that your body will only obsorb 500-600 and shed the rest....

The question I have is: before I split the dosage in two my blood pressure was running (with meds) 150/100, sometimes a little higher, about a week after I split the dosage of calcium+D I noticed that my blood pressure is down and staying pretty normal....is this related or just my imagination????

Thanks
Jule

JoanofArdmore · July 2007

Jule, I think they mean calcium when they say the body will only take in 600 mgs at a time.
How much vitamin D is in each pill?
Anyway, calcium (and magnesium) are very good for blood pressure, and for heart function.
(Vitamin D-they are actually finding it helps prevent bc.But I've not read anything (YET)about it being good for heart function!

JoanofArdmore · July 2007

QUOTE:"I often think that if I had known that Vit.D was not iron and had taken calcium with Vit D all those years, would I have prevented my bc? I know I shouldn't look for reasons to blame myself but I can't help but wonder."

Jinx, I wonder too.Because until recently, the FDA was suggesting a pitifully undersized daily dose of Vitamin D.And we were told that "too much vitamin D is dangerous."
So people hardly got any.
And now they are finding that it fights bc, that it is necessary to metabolize calcium, and that it actually makes painful joints...feel better.And that we need at least 1,000 mg a day.
Hmmmmm.How can we help but wonder?

JoanofArdmore · July 2007

Quote:"Can it give you more energy?

I have noticed more energy lately. I have been taking vitamin D (1000 mg/day) for a few weeks now. I still have all my aches and pains, but more motivation or something."

Wendy, me too!I'm moving, been packing for a month now & have another to go.But I just moved same stuff HERE last year, and it almost killed me.This year, I truely DO feel much more energetic!I've thought it's this "Energy" bee-jelly, bee-pollen suppliment I'm using.And maybe this is helping, but I'm thinking it's the 1000 mg D !
Pretty great, huh?

JoanofArdmore · July 2007

Sierra, did your doc check your vitamin D blood levels?My onc wont because for him insurance wont pay for it.(Dont know why, since more & more proof of its work against bc is coming to light.)
I have seen women here on the boards get tested and found very low, and put on more than 1K.
So I started taking the 1K a couple months ago.
I truely believe it WILL help some of your issues!It has mine!
Good luck!I think you'll be thrilled!

Sierra · July 2007

I have just started..
but not surprised at what you say

so, will go with this amount
but.. also I have a BP machine
so will monitor and see if it goes down

also use garlic/parsley ..

O/T . my BP was high in his office
soon as I get home, down it goes
Mind you, (had a Breast Exam) Having your own
unit really helps.

I'll keep you posted

tawyna1 · July 2007

hi,
i stay tired lately . could be stress.

how does a doctor check to see if you are low on vitamins?
i get blood work but it is usually for my thyroid. it says tsh. hope everyone is doing good . i stay way to busy.

Anonymous · July 2007

Just today my rheumatologist told me to take 1000 I.U. Vit D Tablets TWICE a day, along with 1000 mg of Calcium. My Vit D. Dihydroxy blood levels were only 9. Should be between 15.9 - 55.6. Excited that this may help with my joint pain and energy levels!

JoanofArdmore · July 2007

Tawyna Honey, there is a blood test just for Vitamin D value.Since they have discovered we mostly dont have enough, they are testing for it, and putting us on it, or more of it.Good luck.Being tired is awful.Especially for so young a woman.

Angel, YES!!! I think, judging from my own experience, both your pains will get less , and your energy will increase.
I'm starting to wonder if, since Vitamin D fights bc, whether we get energized from not having to do this ourselves any more?
Hey!I just cleaned my grungy, baked-on greasy, black oven!! I've not cleaned an oven in about 35 years!(Did it for sale of condo, but I have sold 3 houses and always paid someone to clean oven!)
THAT is completely fantastic!!
I have so much low back pain, I had to sit in my ergonomic computer chair, and use a long-handled sponge.
But! I! Did! It!!!!And then went out and took my walk, not collapse!!Keep us posted, Angel!I think in a few months you will feel great!

So Sierra, I hope you can look forward to some improvement from the Vitamin D too!Good luck!!

It takes a while, ladies.I've been taking it since May.But wow!
Sign me: Energizer Bunnie

Jorf · July 2007

Angel don't let your doc be fooled. "Normal" is no longer 15.9 ng/ml. It's generally considered to be normal at 32 ng/ml or above. Some labs haven't updated their "normals" yet. And you can take all your vit D at one time. Just be sure it's D3.

I often hear from people that they feel more energetic on the D. Sometimes I'm afraid it's a placebo effect because I tell them they might feel more energy but I think it's true. I've had some good luck with generalized pain syndromes too.

Sierra · July 2007

Thanks Gals, interesting

Angel, I am now awaiting
a consult to a Rheumatologist
Best to you, You look great!

Dorf: Mine is D3 ) so I am in business
hopefully

Best to all..

Meantime, Here's to Vitamin D Gals!!

Joan: Uh OH>>
you have reminded me
I need to do the oven
and the fridge.. but not
today..

O/T While Im in here
if anyone as any easy methods
of cleaning the b. tub
plse send them.. tks.
Joan, You are good with this
knowledge A strong man maybe

abbadoodles · July 2007

t

BlindedByScience · July 2007

Tina, you probably should take a calcium supplement. Not Tums. Not ever Tums as a calcium supplement. If you don't need to treat an acid stomach, don't mess with the pH of your normal system. You need stomach acid to digest food and process any vitamins or supplements you take. A daily dose of Tums may actually cause more problems with stomach acid in the future. I think your doctor gave you bad advice.

It would probably be helpful if you called your doctor and asked for the lab results on the Vitamin D test. If you're very low in Vitamin D (<20 ng/ml)and always avoid the sun, you are a candidate for at least 2,000 iu of D3 a day. Take it with a fat-containing meal.

Some of the people here like the calcium chews. Read the posts above and see what fits your situation for a calcium supplement. You have several good choices.

Towanda2 · July 2007

I jsut wanted to say thanks to Joan for starting this thread, it was very timely since I was scheduled for bloodwork today in prep for my annual physical. I had my doc add the Vitamin D test to my lab sheet!

I'm going to start taking 1000mg today regardless, hoping it will help with my energy level. I see the doc at the end of the month and will discuss it with him, but I figure I might as well get a head start. Both Dr. Weil and Dr. Mercola are encouraging higher levels of D.

Anonymous · July 2007

Joan - your enthusiasm is contagious! I'll let you know how I'm doing in a few months!

Jorf - thank you! The numbers I got came from my lab test and as you say they may not have updated them. I've got the D3, took me forever to find it but it's listed on the ingredients that way, not on the front of the bottle!

Sierra - thank you for the compliment! My pic is a few years old .. my goal is to get back to looking like that carefree happy woman who seems like a stranger to me at times! Yes, my SO cleans the tub for me. lol Not as often as I like but there's no way I can handle that kind of scrubbing! Very best to you!

Regarding calcium, I'm taking calcium citrate. I've been told the citrate is better absorbed? I wonder if 1000 mg is enough though.

silvergirl9114 · July 2007

Angel---My onc told me 1500 mgs daily and to make sure it had Vitamin D as part of the formula. Calcium carbonate has a constipating effect so stick with the citrate---it does absorb better too.

Anonymous · July 2007

Jeannie, Thank you for the info! Do you think 2000mg would be okay? Since the pills I have are 1000mg and I have a bottle of 180 pills!
I don't think Vit D is part of the formula though .. I wonder if that's okay since I'm taking the 2000mg of Vit D3 daily as well.

silvergirl9114 · July 2007

Angel---Does your onc have a nutritionist on staff? Mine does and she's been a great help. The calcium shouldn't be a problem at 2000mgs but vitamins A, D, E and K are fat soluble and can build up to toxic levels in the body. I'd check and see what constitutes too much D.

Between my multivitamin and the Calcium+D I take 800 mgs D/day.

BlindedByScience · July 2007

Angel42, only 500 mg of Calcium will be absorbed at one time--even if you take the bigger dose. You'd be better off with a different calcium pill.

Some practitioners are backing away from the higher doses of calcium--2000 mg a day is OK if you don't eat anything else with calcium in it, otherwise you might be good with 1000-1500 mg.

This isn't the Alt thread, but I'll say this anyway: women who've taken antibiotics frequently--especially as children-- may be deficient in some intestinal bacteria that make Vitamin K for us. It has been suggested as one of the factors in developing breast cancer. You might want to add a probiotic supplement.

Vitamin A is better taken as beta carotene as our bodies can then decide how much to convert into A.

Vitamin D has just been shown in another study to help inhibit the growth of metastic bc compared to a control group that didn't take it. 2000 iu. is looking pretty good for most people.

Anonymous · July 2007

Jeannie - This is going to sound dumb but I don't know if there's a nutritionist on staff with my onc. I'm going to find out though. Due to pre-existing conditions I'm dealing with my other docs re meds and vitamins. I need to touch base with my onc. though anyway and plan to do so this week.

BBS - I'm learning a lot from you! I never took vitamins on a regular basis before BC .. always wanted to but would start and then get out of the habit. Of course you need to be informed because there are so many out there, it's confusing to say the least! It's good to know that about the calcium as well as the other vitamins. Thanks again!

gsg · July 2007

i asked my oncologist in december if i needed to take vitamin D and he said i didn't need it. pfffft. after reading this thread, i'm going to the store today to get some. thanks so much for this thread. once again, i get more valuable advice from this board than anyplace else. what a godsend this place is.

tornadogirl · July 2007

Thank you Joan for this thread! I read all about Vit D and vit d3 as they are not created equal. The only downside if you take too much or have too much calcium in the blood is getting hyper calcemia. This is very bad.

But otherwise most think 1000 of Vit d3 is ok. And actually good to take.

I took it for 4 days now (along with one Advil PM at night) and it may be placebo effect but my hip pains went away. Lets hope it continues!!!

Anonymous · July 2007

I have probably dumb question but here goes anyway.....I take a calcium +D supplement. I take 600 in the morning and the other 600 at night.....
My ? is: is there enough Vit D in that type of supplement? or should I be taking more?
thank
jule

JoanofArdmore · July 2007

Hi Jule,
The only dumb question is the unasked one!
Your calcium suppliments-they probably contain 200 or even 400 IU of d3.HOPEFULLY d**3**
Not enough, in anycase.
Andrew Weil make a bottle of TEENY tablets of 1,ooo mg D3 each.This is what I'm taking, to achieve this new me lol.
And I take 2 cal/mag suppliments daily, each containing 4oo mg.So I'm up near 2,ooo mg D3.
Go for it!!

ravdeb · July 2007

Although I haven't had my vitamin D checked (and next time I go for a blood test I'll ask my doc..but I'm out in the sun a lot and we have sun year round) my orthoped told me not to take calcium pills. I had a bone density and it didn't show osteoporosis. He said that because the bones will not absorb the calcium if you don't need it, he doesn't believe it's safe to take unless diagnosed with osteoporosis. I am not far away from the numbers for osteoporosis, I questioned him on this, and my age (52) and he said no...he doesn't recommend it. Can do more harm than good...

What do you all think about that? He told me that in the States they push it because it's a good drug business.

I will say that here drugs are not pushed at all. Sometimes I think it's because the insurance (government) doesn't want to pay for the drugs that are subsidized. But calcium is not subsidized and I'd be paying full price for it anyway, so this is not the case. And doctors here don't seem to care if the drug is subsidized or not. I get prescribed expensive eye drops and the doctors don't bat an eye (no pun intended).

Chelee · July 2007

Myself I had never heard they could check your levels of vitamin D till I just went to an Endrocrinologist. My regular onc told me to just take "Caltrate". She said it has what I need. Which is 600mg of calicum, and 400mg of "D". Which I take twice a day. My onc said 1200mg of calcium was enough. But NOW I went to another onc at another cancer center and she said take 1500mg. Which now I am reading seems to be more the norm.

Since two different onc's told me two different things...I asked this endocrinologist how much I should take of it? I said the 1500mg? He said to WAIT..he is running lots of lab work on me and will tell me exactly how much I have in my body and how much I will need. I am curious to see how much is in my body since I have been taking the Caltrate on a daily basis for about 6 months now. So for you women that did not know...they CAN actually test for it as you've read from the other ladies. I just recently found out...Its new to me.

Chelee

"Staying Active With Vitamin D"

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