I wrote an article online about the dangers of Vitamin D deficiency and thought it would be fitting for this site. Never try to diagnose yourself. Always see a physician with any questions on Vitamin D Deficiency or any other health issues.
I never realized until I was diagnosed with a serious Vitamin D deficiency what all problems this could cause. My doctor was very concerned because my levels were dangerously low and he immediately put me on a high dose Vitamin D supplement. Some other health problems my doctor told me Vitamin D deficiency could cause include heart disease, chronic pain, Fibromyalgia, hypertension, arthritis, depression, inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, PMS, Crohns Disease, cancer, MS and other autoimmune diseases.
The Vitamin D Council states that Vitamin D deficiency can also cause stroke, osteoporosis, muscle weakness, muscle wasting and birth defects.
The American Society of Anesthesiologists released a report in October of 2007 that stated approximately one in four patients who have chronic pain issues were also found to have low levels of Vitamin D. This was according to a new study that the American Society of Anesthesiologists conducted. Their study also found that those with lower levels of Vitamin D required higher doses of morphine over a longer period of time.
According to the Vitamin D Council, if you are someone who completely avoids the sun you will need to take approximately 4,000 units of Vitamin D per day. You would have to drink 40 glasses of milk a day or take 10 multivitamins a day to get the required amount of Vitamin D. Naturally neither one of these methods is recommended so what are we to do? Many people now fear the sun due to the increasing awareness and prevalence of the deadly skin cancer, Melanoma. The Vitamin D Council says that most people typically make about 20,000 units of Vitamin D after 20 minutes of sun exposure, which is about 100 times more than the daily amount of Vitamin D the FDA says we need. Tanning beds are another option to get the required amounts of Vitamin D also. Personally I will not use a tanning bed or spend excessive amounts of time out in the sun due to fear of skin cancer.
There is another option if you are not a sun worshiper. You can have your physician administer a 25-hydroxyvitamin test to determine if you have optimal levels of Vitamin D in your blood. The Vitamin D Council considers optimum levels to be approximately 50 nM/L. The 25-hydroxyvitamin test measures the amount of calcidiol (a prehormone found in the blood that is produced in the liver). This is considered the most reliable form of testing for Vitamin D deficiency. If this test shows that you are indeed Vitamin D deficient, there is also a supplemental vitamin D3 cholecalciferol you can take.
In order to get the proper amount of Vitamin D your body requires, you need to be able to find a healthy balance of sunlight, but still reduce your risk of skin cancer, particularly Melanoma. Wear sunscreen every time you are in the sun and keep your sun exposure to 20 minutes at a time.
Sources used for this article include:
ImmuneSupport.com – Vitamin D Inadequacy May Exacerbate Chronic Pain
Vitamin D Council – Vitamin D Research and Research Requirements Link
Other Fighting Fatigue articles on Vitamin D Deficiency:
Low Vitamin D Associated With Increased Risk of Death
Vitamin D Deficiency: A Disease of Neglect
Low Vitamin D May Be Harmful to Bones of Those with IBD
I am low on vitamin D and take Drisdol for 3 mos to correct it and then will move to an over the counter Vitamin D.
I used to be a sun worshipper and thought I was doing myself a favor (and I am) by staying out of the sun as much as possible this last summer. I couldn’t believe that I was THAT low on Vitamin D.
This summer I’ll have to work on being more balanced (pace myself – my new word for my life, pace, pace, pace).
I WENT TO A REG DOCTOR APONTMENT. MY DOC PUT ME ON VIT D. I BEN HAVING DIZZY SPELLS EVER SINCE PUT ON VIT D . = I NEVER HAD ANY DIZZY SPELLS BEFORE TAKEING THE VIT D.== I QUITE TAKING THE VIT D BUT STILL HAVING THE DIZZYNESS. MAYBE IT WILL GO AWAY I HOPE.
my Dr through a blood test put me on D-50,000 one a week for 8 wks,i’ve been walking OK , and all of a sudden i’am in exquisating PAIN in my knees and pain all down my legs ,front an back I can’t hardly walk or get in and out of bed , I don’t know how to handle this ,and I can’t get rid of this head ach. please HELP.
my ac1 was 5.02 I also have low blood sugar . i’am going to call my doctor in the morning because I can’t sleep so thanks for everything elizabeth m.
I’ve recently heard about this problem, i’ve been diagnosed with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome and it has recently flared up once again, this time worse than the last. Any one have any advice?
Hello, I too suffer from chronic pain and fatigue. Recently blood work showed I have hypercalcemia and hyperparathyroid. These things can be the cause of many of the symptoms you have.
I would ask your doc to run some blood work. Check your calcium level and ask for a PTH test.
I too have had these problems..
Diagnosed Hyperparathyroidism.. most GP’s do not know much about High Blood Calcium and it’s levels. Even if the blood Calcium is borderline you have low Vitamin D levels.. you can still have Hyperparathyroidism which means you will more than likely have a Parathyroid Tumor which is 99% non Cancerous.
Do not let Doctors send you away if your Blood Calcium is high!
A MIBI scan is prob best as Ultrasounds in my experience are a waste of time..
When they find the Tumor which is not always easy as the Thyroid Gland is large and the Parathyroids are small you can have an Op to find the culprit gland or glands.. which takes a very short amount of time.. It can change your quality of life hugely.. A Dexa scan should also be done as the overactive Parathyroid draws the blood out of your bones into your blood stream which could mean Osteoperosis.. I am waiting on results from the Dexa and MIBI Scan and then hopefully I will find out next step…
Try thinking Lyme Dasises , Dr don’t take this seriously
I have been sick for quite some time and just the other day they told me I have fibromyalgia and inflammatory arthritis. They also mentioned my vitamin d level was 6 and started me on a high dose of vitamin D. They didn’t say any health issues concerning vit d except when I asked them if this is why I’m so achy they said could be..achey really isn’t even the word, severe pain in all my bones its just awful. Couldn’t pick up the script because todays pay day and didn’t have any money but getting it today anyone think I might feel better once I start it?
I have also been suffering from vitamin D deficiency, my count is 4ng..that is a very very low count. Doctors have put me on high dosage of vitamin D but the pain is getting worse, It feels like my bones are going to break. I am also a mother of twins.
How are U know did it help?
Hi, my doctor drew labs on me yesterday and his nurse called today and told me my vitamin D level was 13. She said it should be somewhere between 35-100. Told me to start taking 2000 mg supplements . I did not realize that if your vitamin D was low, it can cause fatigue, etc. i have been struggling with extreme fatigue, etc for more than a year. Didn’t have my labs drawn last year, never do that again. I’m hoping the supplements will help me feel better. His nurse said that was probably why I was feeling fatigued. Thanks and keep me updated?
Yes you will feel better after about 4 weeks of taking the high dose pill. Make sure to never take the tablet, only the gel capsule. And look up what the vitamin d coucil says about vitamin D, because your doc isn’t trained in this area but the vit D coucil has more accurate info. Speaking from personal experience with all of this.
Hi Jenn, I’m not a dr. but I would think if your level is that low you should get some relief after a while.
I had 1/2 of my thyroid removed in 2003 and was told that your thyroid produces calcium. The surgeon told me that if I start to have symptons of tingling hands/feet that I need to get checked. Over a year ago I started with Oral LIchen Planus and was also told that I had the beginnings of fibromyalgia. Mt feet started to ache and I would awaken through the night with muscle fatigue and extremely cold feet. Getting up in the morning was a killer. The pain gradually went into my hips and other areas not to mention the horrible abdominal pains I’m having. I went to a new dr. and was told my vit d is low and I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism through blood work. I’m taking a supplement called bone builders in order to get my body back to normal hopefully. I have felt relief within a few days in my abdomen taking the vitamins and being on thyroid meds. Getting out in the sun more too!
I noticed you suggested using sunscreen when outside. Sunscreen keeps vitamin D from penetrating the skin making the sunlight useless.
I came across your article while looking for info on low Vit D, I was just diagnosed with it. I’ve been sick for 9 years, since I had Lupron shots for endometriosis, passing kidney stones on a monthly basis, and a ton of other problems.
I don’t know if the Vit D is a cause of the problems I’ve been having, or a symptom of another problem, but I’m getting really scared. My next step is the gastro/internist, colonoscopy scheduled. I’m so tired, I’m taking Vit D tablets per my PCP’s instructions, but so far don’t feel any better, constant fevers, fibro, sore throat, infections, small cyst on head, behind ear, bone pain, osteopenia, MRSA cyst, and too much to list.
Hi.
I don’t mean to pry but I would like to know if you found out what was causing those sharp pains up your back ! I think Im having the same problem can you enlighten me on what you were going threw !
lynn,
I think you need to see a rhumatologist asap, sound like you have still’s disease. I have still’s disease and low d too, but I also had all of the problems you listed above including being hospitalized for mrsa over 6 weeks total last year.
Hi and good luck to everyone…Like many of you, I came across this site while looking up info about Vitamin D Deficiency. I had a test done about 3 months ago on my sister’s insertion because as a pharmacist she came across some readings about Vitamin D and she was worried it may be what was behind my declining health. I’ve been fighting MS so I haven’t been getting out much,plus, to top it off, when I was working (on temp disability again and hoping to get back) I was a night-shift RN so I was relatively used to living in a night driven world (no sun).
The first test 3 months ago was “normal” , was about 34, and didn’t think much of it after that. But I’m seeing a new neurologist to try to fight the MS and seek new treatments and he ordered everything under the sun, including a new Vit D test and this time it said it was <4, or in his words “Practically undetectable”. I’m not sure if one test was wrong or if it really dropped in that amount of time. All I know is that I started on 50,000 IU of D today.
I have severe fatigue (feels like borderline narcolepsy lol, if I focus on anything I have to slap myself and pry my eyes opened), lethargy, weakness, very intense body pain (see a pain specialist and have a Duragesic patch), and I am about to go to Stanford for further testing due to the neurologist thinking I may have a Rheumatological disorder such as a connective tissue disease. The pain and fatigue are biggies. When the weakness and fatigue hits, even after a short activity, BAMM, it’s like hitting a wall. And the pain, ugh! I’ve been experiencing spontaneous tendon ruptures and could keep going on my other symptoms but I should end this so I’ll spare you. I’m glad I’m seeing a new neurologist , he’s not one to “blame” ever new symptom on MS and was willing to listen and realized Wow, there really could be some other things going on here!
I have a lot going on, including numerous spontaneous tendon ruptures, joint problems, bulging discs in all 3 sections of spine, bone marrow edema in my feet, neurogenic bowel problems, bladder dysfunction, etc. But I haven’t given up yet! And wouldn’t it be nice if the Vitamin D would make me feel even a little better? I’d take that! lol
I wish you all well, hang in there, thanks for the site!
SaharaRN
Sahara,
This is my 3rd time being on the vitamin D but this time he has me on a refill 3 times. I take the same amount as you once a week. The first time I took it I felt so much better. This time going on my 3rd week I still feel like crap. My arthritis is flared and feel like an old women. Apparently one of my knees is bone on bone, tendon as well. I can no longer kneel without being in so much pain. Back pain has been severe, I had bulging disc and went to therapy for it a couple of years ago. Pain has been in my hips but I thought it was weight gain. Loss 15 pound and pain is still there. I take medication for depression. I have brain fog which I thought was because I was getting older. The weather does help. I am always a happy go lucky person now I feel like this is just taking over me. Oh I can’t get in the sun because I had a mole that was tested positive for melanoma. So the sunscreen is always on. I just want to feel better and be happy again.
I never thought about night shift nurses probably getting a vitamin D deficiency until you mentioned it. (Although I don’t remember it being ’a thing’ until COVID research information came out.) Now I’m wondering, after my diagnosis of a severe Vitamin D deficiency, how long it was low…though the increase in pain (more than a fibromyalgia flare) was very recent and before the weekly D supplement started to kick in. What I really want to know is why the supplement is D2, when I am deficient in D3. I can’t seem to find the difference in my research. Can anyone tell me if there’s a reason?
Hi and Best wishes to each of you. I just got the call from my doctors office telling me my D level was a 6, severely low. She didnt want to give me anything for it but instead is referring me to an endocrinologist. Two weeks ago I was told my B12 was extremely low and now this. I was looking for answers when I found this sight and it helps to hear others stories. I have great difficulty taking medication but am hoping there will be something that will help. I feel extremely weak and my bones hurt deep inside. My best wishes to each of you and Thanks for this site!
Regards,
Sandra
Hi everyone,
Just came across this site while researching Vit D Def. I just got a call tonight from my doctor. She told me that my Vit d level was very low at 14 and also low on B-12. Last year I started experiencing severe peri-menopausal symptoms and my fibromyalgia became unbearable. I hurt so much all the time and have not been able to work (which has been difficult on my husband). I take many supplements, try to eat a good diet, and drink lots of water. My intake of Vit D is 800 mg a day, but I guess it is not enough. I feel like I have so many things going on in my body that I swear sometimes I am crazy, so finding this site and reading all your stories makes me feel like I am not alone! I can find myself in all of you. Tomorrow the Dr has me starting on 4000mgs of Vit D and some extra B-12. I forgot to mention that I am terrified of bees so I spend almost NO time in the sun, so any Vit D will have to come from supplements. My hope is that with treatment I will be able to stand straight again and walk more than a few feet before I collapse into the nearest chair. Thanks for this site and all of your input. Good luck to all.
Best wishes
Charlene
I’m glad this information has been helpful to so many. I too have severe Vitamin D deficiency and have to supplement daily for the problem.
Does anyone have any input as to how long it takes to bring your levels of Vitamin D back up once you began taking a large dose supplement?
Thanks for any input you can give me.
Tammy, Thank you for that info, that’s the next Dr on my list to visit, the rheumotologist (sp). I have so many to see, it’s overwhelming.
I was also curious if anyone else that was diagnosed with low Vit d, or fibro also had lupron shots for endometriosis too.
I just saw my endocrinologist, and he said that I can’t take the suppliments, because of the chronic (monthly) kidney stones I pass, he said it will make more, and of course it’s been cloudy out the past few days since I found that out, so I can’t even lay outside..
{{{gentle Hugs}}},
Lynn
Hi Charlene, I wish I had an answer for you but I honestly don’t know. I have been on Vitamin D for quite some time and while I have had some improvement, I guess I have too many other health issues to know for sure how well it’s really doing.
Charlene – just saw my endo and he diagnosed me with a Vitamin D deficiency. Started me on 2000 mg/day and said it would take about six weeks to feel the effects…..everything in the endo world seems to take that long! I am lethargic, sore, achy and depressed…have a hypothyroid problem and even had a broken bone that took 18 months to heal! Vitamin D is very important and for those of us who work long hours and have fair skin, the sun is difficult to find time to see and painful when we do see it….the supplements will hopefully help and maybe cure my sore hands, feet and joints! I’d love to be alert and smile again!
I have been dealing with low D levels for several years. I have taken the 12 week one a week dosage and then to a daily amount. My doctor just informed me and has prescribed again the 12 week one a week and I am sure the daily amount will be doubled. I was taking 2000 units a day but it still is not enough. Are there any risks to the kidneys with these dosages?
Thanks
Sandie
Hello. Boy can I relate to all your stories. I’m only 48 yrs old and my body feels like 80! I just got the results of my recent blood work and was told that i am very low on vit. D. The thing is I’m a stay at home mom (plus can’t work cause of issues) and I sit out in the sun all the time when its nice and warm out. Probably too much! So I don’t know how much that really works cause in my case its not. Need to take 1000 ius a day on top o multi and caltrateplusD. I can’t believe that it can cause cronic pain. Maybe this can help with some of my pain! Charlene, your coment about walking a few feet and then looking for the closest chair really hit home. I didn’t think anyone but me needed to do that. Going places is almost impossible. House bound most of the time. Reading these stories is amazing.
I hope everyone finds some relief. I never knew until recently how common Vitamin D Deficiency is. I hope everyone finds what they need. Take care all!
Just an FYI – a sunscreen with SPF 8 blocks 95% of all Vit D production.
People who spend their times with very limited sun exposure and then go out into the sun and burn are the most likely to get skin cancer.
The best you can do is spend around 20-30 minutes a day with near full body exposure to the sun between 11am-3pm, no sunscreen. If you haven’t been in the sun for a long time and are very fair-skinned, it is best to take it slowly to avoid a burn. Start at 7-8 minutes front and back for a day or two. Work your way up to 15 minutes per side.
I’ve dealt with depression for many years, been in therapy, taken medication — this has been the best treatment.
Thanks for this site! Although I feel bad that you all are going through what I feel….I now know I am not alone. I’ve had some ongoing med probs the past few yrs. I’m 48. Four years ago was pregnant (lost the baby) and my body went downhill from there. Hypotyroidism (hasimoto’s- including goiter and nodules) , Lupus, heart disease, fibrocystic breast disease, fibromyalgia….you name it! Then in the blink of an eye my teeth and gums began to weaken due to bone loss…now I know it must have also related to Vitamin defic. Had to have the bottom front tooth pulled and can you believe at my age, I had braces put on yesterday (only option for repair) because there is no bone there and they cannot do a bridge or an implant..sigh! Anyway….I went to the Endo (a new one)….He was great. He is the one who did more extensive tests and found I am nearly depelated in Vitamin D!! Scary bcz I take a Calcium with D supp every day! I am also showing (get this) ZERO Vitamin C in my body, which could account for the strange purplish “crop circles” the have appeared on my foot over the past year (and the previous Endo did nothing about!)……..I am happy that they finally found a possible cause for all my joint pain and chronic fatigue….however…..I have a bigger problem that maybe one of you has a suggestion for……Since I was about 20 years old, I have had Vitiligo. For those who don’t know what that is, it presents itself with symmetrical white patches on your joints (feet, groin, faces, elbows, knees, etc). It means you have a complete lack of melanin in those areas. I have never been allowed to go in the sun AT ALL. Fortunately, you cannot notice the patches because I have very fair skin, light eyes, anyway. Since I have been diagnosed with the Vit C & D defic, and all I keep reading indicates I should spend time in the sun, basically, I feel like I would just be picking which way to die. Although I realize skin cancer is of great concern to everyone, going in the sun for me can be deadly because of the lack of melanin. Melanin works as a filter to protect your body from harmful UV rays, which could include your internal organs. So do I go in the sun and increase my Vitamin D & C or do I cover up or stay inside and suffer the consequences without the sun. Does anyone know any other alternative?
Thanks for listening.
JUST BEEN DX WITH VITAMIN D DEFIC, WILL START TAKING 5000MG OF VITAMIN FOR 12 WEEK, MY DR WILL RECHECK LEVEL SEE WERE IM AT.
Wow – thank you! I’m 31 yrs old and just had twins 3 months ago. I thought I was going crazy when I started to get all this chronic pain throughout my body and no one could find anything wrong with me. Went to a rheumatologist who did a Vitamin D blood test and lo and behold, I’m severely low on it. Guess that would happen when I’ve basically been inside my house for the last 6 months. Starting Drisdol today once a week for 3 months. Really hoping to get some relief!
I would like to direct you to a great resource that hopefully you will find as a valuable tool when discerning the pros/cons of vitamin and supplement use.
We are a non-profit group (nothing to sell) whose aim is to educate the public with respect to vitamins and other supplements.
http://www.supplementinfo.org
Search through the site under HEALTH INFO/and you can find specifics about each vitamin, interactions, where it is found naturally, its uses, etc.
When I was first directed to this site, it sure helped clear up some of the confusion regarding vitamins.
Leslie K
Hi. I have a ?… I have all of the symptoms that vitamin D dif causes, I’m wondering if I should start taking vit D, or should I get tested 1st to see what my levels are?
I find that when I ask or tell a Doctor (any Dr. I’ve ever gone to) to test for this or that, or give them any hint that I am not letting them tell me what is wrong they seem to get an attitude. I am not an agressive person. I just feel they think I’m stepping on their toes, so to speak. Or I have felt that they sometimes make me feel it’s all in my head!
What is the normal range of Vit D?
And lastly, what is the difference between Vit D and D3?
Thanks for any info and advice.
Dina
Okay, so glad I found this. I have been fatigued and dizzy for about 2 months. Three wks ago I was walking down the street and my tail bone was killing, 10 min later it was fine. A few days later my left ankle started to kill, I could not walk, felt like it was going to snap. It was fine the next morning. A few days later my other foot was killing, even my toes, could not walk…an hr later I was fine. I have had pain in my spine, feet ankles since and my joints have been popping and cracking like crazy. I have been so scared its bone cancer. I researched and found that LT use of aciphex can cause deficiencies and bone loss. One of my drs ran tests and I should get results tomorrow. I really think I could be D deficient from this medication, though my nails seem strong and I do take a D supplement.
Sometimes the pain can be a shooting pain in my bones. Its awful. I really hope its just a deficiency.
How long does it take to feel normal again after being on a prescribed supplement??
All everyone is talking about is that they are vitamin D deficent with all the aches and pains. No one has said wether talking the suppliments are helping. I’d like to see something possitive about takig vitamin D. It seems like everyone is waisting their time and money buying them.
Valerie,are you deficient? Has anything helped you? I do not know yet if I am def, should hear today. I will keep everyone posted.
Hi guys-I got a confirmation via vm from my Dr that I AM deficient. Insane a def. can cause this much pain. I am a 33 yr old feeling like I have been living in a 93 yr olds body. I will let you know how I progress in terms of feeling better etc. I wish I have had those resources through my journey….I have thought what I was feeling was something VERY serious.
I have fibromyalgia. I was diagnosed vit D deficient over a year ago. I took prescription vit D and at first it gave me boosts of energy but after a while the energy effect tapered off. 9 months later my blood test for vit D was normal and I still had fibromyalgia. Darn I was so hopeful it would cure me! I am having much less pain with using affirmations. Anyway 6 months later tested low in vit D again and going back on it. I neglected to take over the counter D3 cuz it hurt my stomach. I am buying D2 today since that’s the prescription kind I took before with no stomach upset.
This is unbelievable, I just been diagnosed having Vitamin D deficiency today and never thought it would cause joint pain, fatigue, etc. I have been exhausted, and the joint pain was just unbearable! I thought it may be rheumatoid arthiritis or fibromyagia, wasn’t sure but I been having pain in my feet, then ankles, hips and now in my elbow and knees from a period of close to 10 years. I do have B 12 deficiency which was diagnosed back in 2000-2001, nothing was said about Vit D being low then and that was never checked I don’t think.
I had border line low thyroid a few times and border line high thyroid, but it goes back to normal after a short time. The rheumatologist will check me for osteoporosis, I have to get my new prescriptions, which I will have to add to the daily routine. I am almost 44 and I can relate with anyone in here how painful the joint pain is, and feeling old! I really miss having the energy I used to have! There’s much I need to learn about this, it’s all so new to me.
When I ‘googled” Vit. D Deficiency, I found all of you! I received a call from my doctor’s office just a few minutes ago. The nurse is sending me the results of the blood test for vitamin d level. (This is the first test for vit. d level I have ever had over the years!) I still am not sure why the test seemed important at this time in my life, but apparently vit. d level is significant to our general health. I was told that I DO have vit. d deficiency. When I went to the doctor for my physical three weeks ago, I did not mention my fairly frequent ankle pains, hip pains, shin bone pains, etc. These pains can actually keep me awake even though I have been told by my orthopaedist that my knees, my ankles, my shoulder, etc. look pretty good. (He has x-rayed me and has said that just getting older might account for a “touch of arthritis” in several joints.) BUT…my feet!! my shin bones??! Many of you ladies have made me think that perhaps having somewhat deficient level of vit. d just might account for some of these weird pains!!! At 76, I am up and down the stairs off and on all day long! I still am active and truly HATE to have something that is unexplained to me– such as these weird pains. NO, I do not lie in the sun, but I do not avoid walking in the sun. But, thanks! I hope that all you young ladies find relief and much, much freedom from pain and fatigue!! I will purchase my Vitamin D supplement tomorrow and read my report as soon as it comes. Good Luck!
I go back to my doc next wk to discuss results. I have been getting suchdeep pains in my spine too-anyone else!
Thank you all for your input–I don’t feel like such a freak, Deep pains all over but especially in my spine and joints. My D level was 10 and my TSH was also high (5.5) so they put me on Synthroid and 50,000 units of D on the 8 weekly dose and then every other. It has been very frustrating having no one take my chronic pain seriously. They just kept repeating that I had herniated discs and that many people do –no big whoop. “You are atypical” I had been asking for a thyroid panel from my docs for years and I couldn’t get anybody to do it–they would just chalk my symptoms up to menopause (I’m 54). Makes you feel really lonely…
I feel a little bit better from the pain but the Synthroid has me feeling anxious, sleepless, with some lower GI distress. What kind of psychological/emotional symptoms have others been having? I am a LCSW (psychiatric social worker) and don’t know if the dysphoria (sadness) is from the disorders or just from the knowledge that the body is breaking down. Both seem reasonable. Is this something fairly new? I have never had a D test before nor have I heard about this in my professional capacity.
This eye-popping scientific article challenges the cause-effect assumptions about Vit. D deficiency:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080125223302.htm
I’ve been told by my endocrinologist (my thyroid was nuked several years ago) that I am Vit. D deficient and that I need to take a supplement, but based on the supplementation I already take, and comparing my other health factors with what I read in the above article, I will not add a drop of further Vit. D supplement until I get my medical team to get to the bottom of what is really causing the apparent deficiency.
…very interesting article. We’re living in the age of information, and a lot of it is conflicting. It’s hard to know what to do, isn’t it? Thanks for posting the link.
I feel like a 33yr old in a 90yr old body. My D was at 28 which isn’t too low hoping my pains are from D. My joints have been popping and cracking so much-anyone else?
I also have low GI issues now Denise do you think its related to D?
Did you ever figure out if getting your vitamin D higher was a help. I know this comment is years old by now. I tested out at 28 and really for a lot of people it should be 4-50, not 30 like they say. I was having all kind of strange symptoms and they put me on 2,000 IU’s twice a day and get some sun.
Any thoughts about why I would have such a severe deficiency (18) if I not only do lie out in the sun a fair bit, especially during the summer, eat a reasonably healthy diet AND take supplements which not only supposedly contain 100 % of the US RDA, but also often take an additional supplement containing D, which would mean taking more than TWICE the daily RDA?
As I am nine months post chemo, I know that some things may still be out of whack, but I am stunned to be THAT deficient – especially considering that I’ve been supplementing. My doctor has just startd me on 50,000 iu daily, but I cannot understand how I can be SO deficient. What might be influencing/blocking absorption/metabolism?
Hi, I have MS and also recently found out I also have a vit d deficiency. I believe it was 11. I started taking 50,000iu a week, and I had such severe anxiety after taking it one time I was scared to death to take it again. Felt like my heart was racing in my throat for 3-4 days straight.
It was just horrible. So, I started to take 2,000iu a day to see what amount didn’t give me anxiety, but I haven’t really figured it out yet. Seems to be if I take 4,000iu 2 days in a row, it causes it and even sun now causes it if I recently took a dose.
I feel like I am going crazy ’cause I’ve researched it to death and have found no other cases where it causes anxiety.
So, I stopped for now. I know I should go back on it cause I obviously need it. Been on Short Term Dis since Apr 14th and they stopped paying a month later and I am really in a bind now.
My financial situation is horrible and scared to death if they don’t reinstate my benefits of what is going to happen.
Hope everyone else is seeing positive results.
One more thing. I have ALOT of pain in my shoulders, from behind my shoulder blades, to my rotator cuffs and even into my collar bone. Muscle, bone and nerve pain. Sometimes hurts more than others, sometimes one shoulder other times both.
Do you notice if your pain increases with movement? Seems to be noticeable that it’s there just waiting to strike again all the time, but if I actually start to do things….even going to the store and the act of putting groceries in the cart, taking them out for the cashier and putting them in my car and taking them out when I get home seems to stir up the pain quite a bit.
My daily activities are very limited right now. Just wondered if anyone else is having this kind of pain. Just really incapacitating at times. I went to Physical Therapy and even though what they had me do was really very minimal, I was in tears by the time I left it hurt so bad. I literally felt like I had surgery on my upper back and arms.
Also, sometimes I feel like my muscle is coming away from my bone in my shoulder rotator cuff area. I know it isn’t, but that is what it feels like. Also a deep burning pain in my muscles.
Can anyone relate???
what is everyones D level at?
Hello people who are “D” deficient. I too was diagnosed with Vitamin D deficiency back in Dec. 2007. It was 14. I was put on 50,000 IU twice a week for 8 weeks. My level went up to 26. I was told to take 1 pill of 50,000 per week and continue this until my level reaches at least 40. At the present time I am now at 30. I have my levels checked every 8 weeks. My symptoms were severe fatigue and just plain feeling lousy. I had a battery of tests and then retested again mths later. The doctors sent me to one specialist after another. It was not until I was seen by an ENDO doctor and out of the blue he said he wanted to test for vitamin D deficiency. I remember him telling me that he highly doubts that I am deficient because I am of healthy weight, eat right, exercise at least 5 times per week and in excellent health for my age (46). But why am I so exhausted and feeling crappy?….and that would lead me to feeling depressed. A week later he called and said “of all my patients you would be the last one I would think to be vitamin D deficient” . I find out in 2 days what my level is now. I can tell all of you out there that it has helped me greatly. I had at least 6 other doctors test me for Hypothyroidism…Also they thought I was having symptoms of being Perimenopausal. Things have changed for the better since I started taking mega doses of vitamin D. When I reach levels of 40 or above the doctor will most likely have me take this 50,000 IU every other week. There is hope and it feels good. I wish everyone well!
I am a 33 year old male, I just got blood work done for the first time ever. I had been feeling fatigue, and depression for the first time in my life, so I thought I’d check all my Cholesterols, kidney, liver, etc.
Almost everything was normal, my triglycerides were a little high, but my Vitamin D level was at 16.
I don’t have any pain, but I’m hoping that when I start my supplement I will regain my energy, and motivation.
Has anyone else had this problem? I am perfectly healthy, and get as much sun as I can (for living in Seattle). I know it can take many weeks to replenish the Vitamin D. Is there a preferred method?
Justin, I just wrote in. We share similar experience. Please read my entry above, Colleen. Good luck.
Hmm, I am at a 28 so I wonder why I have been having pains in my bones and those of you that are lower have not had pain? I see my Dr today as he may want to run more testing to make sure the reaon my bones have been in pain and popping is in fact due to this.
It is reassuring to know that I am not losing my mind! I have had severe muscle and bone pain throughout my body, IBS, depression, exhaustion, insomnia, rapid weight gain. I have been having hundreds of heart palpitations a day, my blood pressure is elevated. My thyroid function tests are normal, but my vitamin D level was extremely low and my physician started me on 50,000 iu vit D a week. I felt somewhat better by the second week, so will see how I feel at the end of 6 weeks. I wasn’t sure if my aches and pains were normal aging (I am 57), so I didn’t check it out for a very long time. By the time I was taking ~120 Advil a month, I decided it was time to see a doctor. My doctor tells me you should never have this much pain from aging (good to know:)
I bet money you have Dysautonomia…
I was just recently diagnosed with Vit D Deficiency and it was detected because I had a Bone Density Test and that showed I had increased Osteoporosis, so my GYN sent me for some bloodwork.
I have been experiencing severe IBS symptoms for the past year and a half. I had tried many different diets, over the counter preparations, nothing really helped too much. With one week of starting Vit D supplement, my IBS symptoms have disappeared.
Im ecstatic that this deficiency was detected. I cannot thank my GYN Dr. for being so thorough.
Sharon and Michelle-what was your D level at? Did you have sharp quick bone pains at times? I have both, sometimes quick and sharp other times in one area (like ankles) for awhile. Also I get a “buzzing” feeling in my feet. I too have IBS issues. Also were your joints popping a ton? Sorry for the questions…..My Dr did not prescribe me a D, just told me to take 1000 a day. Sigh.
My Dr did not seem convinced all of this was from D. I am going to see a Rheum today….
Lesley,
I have been reading your posts and I recognize for the first time ever that someone else can accurately describe what I have been going through for many years now, with the pains in my ankles and legs. I see that you havnt posted on this subject in a very long time but I do hope that i am able to find you out there now. The pains in my ankles were the first, it was like a lightening flash, then went up through my shin bone, same thing, like a flash of lightening, then went to the other ankle and shin, within a week or so i was washing dishes and the pain shot straight from my ankle into my hip joint. The pain was so bad that I fell to the floor screaming. over the years it had gotten so bad that I have to go to the hospital and they give me morphine. That never works. I just recently got a new doc and he did a ton of blood work and my total cholesterol was 269, triglycerides 272, HDL 38, LDL 177, hemoglobin 5.2, liver was normal, kidney was normal, CBC was normal, electrolytes were normal glucose 89, vitamin D IT SAYS AND i WILL QUOTE…….. 23.7. YOUR VITAMIN D LEVEL WAS ABNORMAL. Then goes on to say that all other labs were within normal range. Did you ever find out why you were getting the pains in your legs and ankles?
My muscles, feet and shoulders have hurt me for such a long time, couldn`t get out of bed in the mornings, my feet would be so sore, and stomach problems too,I really though I had fibromyalsia, Well I finally went to the dr. he called me today and said my D was low and put me on 50,000 iu a week for 3 months, sure hope it works. I`ve read when your D is low that it can cause fibromyalsia, MS, arthritis and even breast cancer, I`m so glad that I finally went to see why I was so tired and achy all the time, We see if the vitamin D works, I would be a blessing. LOL & Hope everyone gets some relief.