The Dangers of Vitamin D Deficiency
January 9, 2008 by Sandy Robinson
Filed under Vitamin D Deficiency
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
Vitamin D & Vitamin D Deficiency Links
Vitamin D Deficiency Tied to Back Pain In Older Women
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I have worked hard and long hours as an engineer all my life. In 2004 i was struck by behind by a runaway vehicle while i was stopped at a stop sign. About six months later I was experiencing constant fatigue. My Dr. found that my thyroid had quit working and started treating me for that. My energy tanked again and a sleep Dr put me on a Cpap. I have never found a mask that works well but it did help. I had to customize a mask and now i can sleep with it a bit better. Sleeping without it is not a question. I wake up thirty times per hour. Two years ago my energy tanked again and I griped to my Dr until he did bloodwork and discovered I was low on Vit D and potassium. He gave me 50000 units twice a week plus a potassium suppliment. I started feeling much better and was working 10 to 12 hour days. After six months my levels were at 34 so he had me go to 50000 once per week. Eight weeks later I lost all my energy and got so depressed I almost quit my very good job. fortunately I had the test repeated and found that my Vit D was back down to 22. Back on the higher dose and having good days and bad days. today my chest pain is enough to keep me home. I am trying to get in to a good endrocrinologist to see if I can get all this balanced out.
Good article, but do you realize that wearing sunscreen only blocks the UVB rays that are needed to make Vitamin D, and that it leaves alone the UVA rays that cause cancer? Infact, skin cancers have taken on an epidemic rise with the increased usage (and strength) of sunscreen. (People who work outdoors regularly also experience lowered levels of melanoma… especially on the skin that is actually exposed to the sun… interesting.) So if you are going to try and get your Vitamin D from sun exposure, it just might be better to go out near solar noon for only 5 minutes, than longer times using sunscreen. Much before or past solar noon, and the angle of the sun is too oblique to allow any UVB rays through, so the ONLY rays getting through are the cancer-causing UVA ones. Also, in areas with more impact from the Ozone layer (ie Australia) or air pollution (NE US) there is a natural “sunscreen” effect, and so the amount of UVB available, even at solar noon, is negligible. The safest way to get needed Vitamin D, till the scientists figure out what is really going on with the UVA/UVB/Sun exposure/sunscreen/skin cancer disconnects, is to ingest your Vitamin D(3) and limit sun exposure regardless of whether you are using sunscreen.
I have to say you have the basics of D deficiency down. Vitamin d deficiency can also cause hypoparathyroidism. This can be checked with a PTH blood test. Also too many that have d deficiencies are also deficient in other ntrients as well. In milk the Vitamin D there is in the form of D2 (ergocalciferol) which is oil based. This is also true in the prescription form as well. Vitamin d 2 is not the same as the body converts for use. Vitamin D3 (Colcalciferol) is the same form produced by sun. Also D3 has a very lose chance of developing D toxicity where you have too much Vit D in the body that causes alot more other ailments. Also too those whom have IBD, Crohns, or other digestive ailments including those whom have had gastric bypass do not absorb D2 since agin as stated is an oil base. For the general population as well is not absorbed by those with no digestive ailments. D3 also has a longer half life compared to D2.
I undestand the frustration of D deficiency which i have had for years. I m having to to take 100,000 IU every day and if this does not raise the levels then may have to goto intramuscular injections.
Vitamin d deficiency has even been found to have some genetic links especially those of Northern European Ancestry.
With D deficiency it also goes hand in hand with other fat soluable vitamins as well as some water soluable but higher incidence with the b vitamins.
Good news abounds! My d level is now 35! From 9 in Dec 2009 to 35 today. I still feel the majority of my deficiency came from my gluten intolerance. My level has been on the rise since being gluten free (10 weeks). I feel better in so many other ways as well. Can’t believe I was on 50,000 iu of Vit D weekly for 10 months with no results…..until I went gluten free. I continue to pray for good news for everyone else as well!
I was just diagnosed with Vitamin D deficiency. Some background, I’m 47, still menstruating although this month my menses has been missing, I had gastric bypass 3 years ago and had been taking my vitamins and supplements, until a few months ago when I had a stomach virus and the vitamins were grossing me out but I have been taking Vitamin E for PMS symptoms and my Iron pretty regularly. I don’t know what my level was but I”m on 50IU for 8 weeks and need to have them rechecked at that time. I wasn’t told that my bloodwork showed ovarian failure so I’m not perimenopause that I know of, although many of my symptoms experienced this past month have mimicked premenopausal symptoms, sleep issues, pounding heart, racing heart, mood swings (although this was short term) and last Friday (the same day I had the doctor’s appointment) was the worse, I had such anxiety, jitters, couldn’t concentrate, have had headaches all month, issues sleeping, feeling startled etc…it was like PMS to the ‘nth’ degree…I know I ovulated since I recognize the symptoms but still no period…I might add that there is a history of thyroid issues in my family, my mom has hypothyroidism which was discovered by ‘accident’ when she was in the hospital just three years ago and she’s 70, in my family it has been found in later years. So…that’s my story…I might add, that I ahve been diagnosed with a heart murmur and will be seeing a cardiologist for further testing next week. Bottomline, has Vitamin D deficiency been linked to any menstrual issues or could I also have undiagnosed thyroid issues? Thank you.
I was feeling very tired all the time and I noticed that I was gaining weight to quickly. I also noticed that I was retaining water alot so I went to see my doctor. After blood test we found that I had a level of 21 on my vitamin D and I now have a doctors appointment for a ecocardiogram.
i just got my blood results back and my vitamin d level is 3.5 i happy to have an answer to my problem but i feel horrible! I was treated in nov. Through feb. For depression. Im about to lose my job due to missing work. I work graveyard shift. My legs, arms and back hurt so bad! Im always nausated, weak and tired! It takes everything i have to make something to eat so my vitamins dont upset my stomach. I dont ever feel like eating but know i need to! My doctor wants me to take in 3000 iu a day. Ive been trying to get sun but i feel so weak and i hurt so bad!! No one understands how bad i feel! As soon as i found out i went and got vitamin d and multi vitamins. I feel like im slowy becoming nothing. My hands and feet swell up and then hurt so painfully once the swelling goes. It hurts in my elbows. Knees and ankles. My whole body feels swollen. Havent been able to lose weight and gained more since i had a baby four years ago! I try to get in warm baths to take pain away. Ive been trying to sit in sun
Thats not including the horrible and painful pains i get on the left side of my chest. I feel like i cant breath after. Looking for any suggestions. Gonna try for fmla but they gave such a hard time when i was being treated for depression. Feel like i cant function anymore!
I have been suffering since 10-09. First found out that my B12 was extremely low. Had gone thru the series of injections. Went to Cardiologist a few weeks ago and complained how I can’t get over the pain I’m having and it won’t go away even though I have been on medication for the neuropothy “caused by B deficiency” my cardiologist order a bunch of blood work and what do you know. Vitamin D deficiency. I have been on 50,000 units weekly for 2 weeks. I’m crawling to get around…I’ve always been an independent active lady, who now is crippled with aches and pains with no relief…. NO ONE KNOWS THE PAIN!!!!!
i just got my blood results back and my vitamin d level is 3.5 i happy to have an answer to my problem but i feel horrible! I was treated in nov. Through feb. For depression. Im about to lose my job due to missing work. I work graveyard shift. My legs, arms and back hurt so bad! Im always nausated, weak and tired! It takes everything i have to make something to eat so my vitamins dont upset my stomach. I dont ever feel like eating but know i need to! My doctor wants me to take in 3000 iu a day. Ive been trying to get sun but i feel so weak and i hurt so bad!! No one understands how bad i feel! As soon as i found out i went and got vitamin d and multi vitamins. I feel like im slowy becoming nothing. My hands and feet swell up and then hurt so painfully once the swelling goes. It hurts in my elbows. Knees and ankles. My whole body feels swollen. Havent been able to lose weight and gained more since i had a baby four years ago! I try to get in warm baths to take pain away. Ive been trying to sit in sun
I have been suffering since 10-09. First found out that my B12 was extremely low. Had gone thru the series of injections. Went to Cardiologist a few weeks ago and complained how I can’t get over the pain I’m having and it won’t go away even though I have been on medication for the neuropothy “caused by B deficiency” my cardiologist order a bunch of blood work and what do you know. Vitamin D deficiency. I have been on 50,000 units weekly for 2 weeks. I’m crawling to get around…I’ve always been an independent active lady, who now is crippled with aches and pains with no relief…. NO ONE KNOWS THE PAIN!!!!!
Thats not including the horrible and painful pains i get on the left side of my chest. I feel like i cant breath after. Looking for any suggestions. Gonna try for fmla but they gave such a hard time when i was being treated for depression. Feel like i cant function anymore!
I’m 17. For a little more than two years, I suffered from ill health. We’re finally starting in figuring things out. In Nov, my Vit D test showed my levels to be at 13. After taking very high doses of Vit D for two or three months, I am up to only 26. Double my original count, but not quite there yet. Sigh.
I’m dairy free, and now, very, very unfortunately, off sugar, which means no more vit D enforced OJ, so I just don’t get Vit D in my diet. Add to this existing digestive issues and I was pretty much doomed.
Can anyone give me the numbers for vit D def,what is dangerously low,
because perhaps this is why I have been feeling so bad ty
This is so amazing to read all your posts. I also was recently diagnosed with a vitamin D deficiency. My number was 11. I was surprised to hear the level of concern my Dr’s nurse had in her voice when she called me at home to tell me I had to go get a supplement right away. I started doing research and came to realize this is very serious. I have high blood pressure, I try to use my Cpap but am having issues with it. I’m only 40 years old and like all of you am very concerned about this. I have constant chest pains as well as pain pretty much everywhere. When i first went to my doctor I said to her that this might sound crazy but I feel like I’m dying. The life in me felt as though it was slipping away. I think it just may have been. I have a high threshold for pain having a family full of nurses know to not be afraid to get checked out. This diagnosis is a strange one because no one seems to understand how truly serious it is.
A normal Vitamin D level is 32 and above…I was a 10.2 so that’s low and all of us that have had these really low levels well know the deal, the aches and pains, the feeling of ‘going crazy’, and it appears we’ve all needed to go to the cardiologists…I’m seeing an endicronologist next week to get a full thyroid check, although I’m feeling much better, I’m still having a few weird things happening and with the family history, I’m making sure my thyroid is healthy. Today I found out that my most recent Vitamin D test came back much improved and that I still need to take over the counter pills daily…I’m sure it beats the weekly horsepills I had to take. So folks I hope y’all feel much better and keep seeking for answers, only we know for sure when our bodies are not ‘up to speed’ Do your research and if your specific doctor’s don’t listen, find one that will. Blessings to all.
I too found out that I have a Vitamin D deficiency. My number is 11 and should be anywhere from I think 30 to 100. I am on 2000 IU per day and I was wondering when I would actually start to feel better. I can’t even tell you how many times I had to drag myself out of bed to get to work. It is hard to think straight when you feel so exhausted and miserable. I am hoping this vitamin supplement kicks in soon!
Good article. Thanks for the helpful info.
Hey Joanne, I’m surprised that with a count of 11 you weren’t given prescription strength Vitamin D…I had a count of 10 and was given 50,000IU’s for 8 weeks and it did go up to just barely 32 and was told to take over the counter strength 5k. I felt so much better once I started taking my pills and getting some sun. Good luck.
I just found out I was D deficient, Thank God. I thought my life was going to hell, cronic depression, pain all the time, I could hardly get out of bed, Everything was a chore and became almost like I was near death, I work on my feet and it was horrid for the last 2 plus years. I thought it was stress from my work, I had suffered a trauma where I almost almost lost my job at 54 in this economy with a family, I thought I would kill myself, And the worst of it, I didn’t do anything to deserve what happened, I was a victim of malice and misunderstanding, I lost a friend over it too. I was devistated and blamed that for what happened to me, I never recovered from it, ( I will now I hope)
My doctor just increased my cymbalta, and more pain meds, and wellbutrin also. over the last 2 years and finally said about the vitiman D last week, he had just read a new article about it. Took the test, I just got put on 50,000 btu for 8 weeks, very high dosage, my doctor said I was extremely low (and in danger) i hope I feel better and good luck to all of you suffering like I have, I didn’t think there was any hope, I feel better just knowing this may help me. Everyone should take a test, you never know, I’m in the sun all the time? except winter, so unexpected…Not enough people know about this, especially fibromyalgia! They thought I had that too…..
God Bless you all
Hi Skord, i was suffering from vit D deficient also. I was diagnosed a month ago, and the doctor put me on 1000 IU/day for 2 months. I was living in south east asia and expose to sun all the time. These make me confuse how i could caugth with this vit D deficiency. May i know other than depression and pain, do you suffer from any other symptoms. Myself having twitches all over my body, shakiness on hands and foot sometime, and sometime hardly control my hand movement. But all these symptoms came to me on and off basis, mean i will have them 4-5 hours in a day. When they gone, i will feel very much better. Anyone here have the same experience like me? I just do not know whether my symptoms are all contribute from vit D deficient.
p/s: my vit D level was 17 ng/ml
I live in Arizona and use sunblock everyday. Recently went for a check-up
and my doctor ordered several laboratory tests. He told me I had a vitamin
D deficienty and would need to use an everyday vitamin D supplement.
In the internet I read if you use sunblock and your in the sun your body
does not absorve the vitamin D from the sun.
My point is that every person over the age of 50 should be tested for vitamin D deficienty, especially when living in the southwest and uses
sunblock.
I was astounded to read these comments! For the first time in several months I feel that my symptoms are finally validated. About 3 months ago I complained about this mystery illness to my physician. After some blood work I got a call saying that my vitamin D was low and that a scrip was being called in. I didn’t think anything off it…even tho 50000icus a week seemed like a LOT of vitamin.
Fast forward to last week, and my more aggressive complaints about my health to the doctor that happened to be on call.
As she reviewed my files and noted the deficiency I saw her actually WINCE as she told me it was previously 7.. and insisted upon it being rechecked. Now reading all of these comments I understand why she was visibly distressed. I honestly never realized how detrimental the lack of vitamin D could be and still might not if I wasn’t feeling it for myself.Unfortunately I still feel terrible and the pain is tremendous at times immobilizing, so I suspect that my levels are not much better off- which will be confirmed this week.
I found this article on a whim and just wanted to thank all that have shared. Its nice to know what I’m experiencing is NOT my imagination. I will also be sure to seek a cardiologist, as I’ve been having chest pains as well.
I offer my prayers to you all.
Hello,
I’m 23 years old, live in a country full of sun and spend quite a lot under the sun without sunblocks (I use sunblock only when I’m outside on the very hot houres).
I did the vit.D test and was shocked to see the result: 19! If the main origin to vitamin d is the sun – how come I’m so low?
just to menrion that I don’t experience any symptoms.
Can someone explain this?
thanks,
Jim
Hi Jim if you dont mind can you please tell where you stay? Cause my case was like you vit D deficiency blood test vit D was 17. Myself staying in Malaysia where having a lot of sun throughout the year and my age was as young as you. Supposingly do not have any problem with skin in absorbing sunlight (in fact i spend time outdoor regularly). My blood test report show i have no problem with my liver and kidney function where both of them involve in the vitamin D metabolism. By the way have you done your liver and kidney check up or do you have any liver or kidney problem? Because all this can also lead to vitamin D deficiency. My doctor said i was dietary lag of vitamin D, but this seem not very persuasive to me because i read a lot of articles about vitamin D that stated close to 90% of the vitamin D in human body was acquired from the sun. My serum calcium and phosphate level are both normal. But the BMD scan show i having osteomalacia that cause by vitamin D deficiency. However i experience a lot of symptoms like bone pain, muscle weakness and little wasting, body muscle twitching, fatigue, hand shakiness when i carrying out daily activity. The doctor put me on vit D supplement 1000 IUs per day for two months, but only very little progress that i can notice after 6 weeks. I will recheck the vit D level in Aug, will let you know whether the supplement is efficient. What about your doctor. What he said about the cause of your case and what is the solution from him?
p/s : if anyone have the same experience as me. Please let me know why are we having this vit D deficiency. Thanks