Vitamin D deficiency confirmed as common across a range of rheumatic conditions

European League Against Rheumatism ^ | June 18, 2010 | Unknown

[decimon]

Ping

[Fantasywriter]

Does this mean if you’re D deficient you’re more likely to have arthritis?

[Taggart_D]

ping

[decimon]

Does this mean if you’re D deficient you’re more likely to have arthritis?

I don't believe the researchers are clear as to cause or effect. They do see a correlation.

In this case they indicate a desire to test whether increased vitamin D supplementation helps correct RA. Otherwise, I guess, they would have to follow peoples' vitamin D levels for decades to get a good idea if low levels of vitamin D cause RA. And just a good idea because other factors would have to be considered.

IOW, I don't know.

[Fantasywriter]

Thank you. I’m not good at deciphering articles like this (not enough patience?) but that was a very clear and concise answer. I really appreciate it!

[Kimmers]

Please FReepers next time you see your doc request a Vit D drawn.....a friend of mine is an orthopedist and draws a Vit D on all of his patients and has found only one to be sufficient....he now has most docs in the hospital checking Vit D levels...

Yes, it effects the muskoskeletol system but also cardiac, healing a range of bodily functions...

I take 5,0000 IU/day

[exist]

OMG all these articles are making me paranoid.

[Judith Anne]

Before supplementing with Vit D, it’s wise to check the serum calcium. Most people with hypercalcemia don’t discover it except by accident because the symptoms are vague unless the person is dehydrated. Supplementing vit D in the presence of hypercalcemia can raise the calcium to dangerous levels.

Just something it’s wise to check, along with the D levels.

[FlyingFish]

"Does this mean if you’re D deficient you’re more likely to have arthritis?"

Yes, it certainly suggests this, however, we don't know the direction of causality. Is D deficiency driving the autoimmune response or the other way round? They tried to see if increasing D would have an impact, but 800 to 1000 IU seems low by current research findings. Some experts are recommending daily doses in the 5000-10000 range, and even adding some starting booster shots. The recommended intake for pregnant women was just raised 10-fold, from 400IU a day to 4,000IU. The old 400IU RDA was based on very old research that showed this level prevents rickets. As a point of reference, 20 minutes in the sun can produce 10,000IU in the body. Vitamin D, which has almost hormonal like properties in the body, has far reaching impact on many diseases and health. It seems every week, another study shows the power of Vitamin D.

[Ditter]

My doctor checked my Vitamin D at my last checkup and found me to be low normal, I am 70 years old. I take 1000 units per day.

[Aria]

I take 5k a day also.

Not sure if it would affect my oxygen but yesterday I got my BP, oxygen and pulse checked and all were great. Also, I feel great

[decimon]

Good reply but remember that this is in Europe and who knows what is a recommended daily allowance there.

[Fantasywriter]

Wow—thanks for that explanation! Everything you said was VERY interesting and informative. I won’t ask if you’re a dr. You sound like one, but you could just be a very well informed, brilliant person. ;)

[padre35]

There is a level of Vitamin D that can be toxic though:

http://www.vitamindcouncil.org/vitaminDToxicity.shtml

The article from the “Vitamin D Council” (hmm) claims 40k IU’s over time can be toxic.

A better explanation:

https://health.google.com/health/ref/Hypervitaminosis+D

[decimon]

OMG all these articles are making me paranoid.

Good. My evil plot is working. ;-)

[FrdmLvr]

I take 5,000/day, too. I asked my doctor if he would check my Vit D levels years ago and he said he wouldn't so I just started taking it on my own. Now that Vit D deficiency is becoming more recognized as a health issue, he probably would.

It's important to take Vitamin D3, not just Vitamin D.

[SharpRightTurn]

“the ‘normal’ healthy levels of vitamin D (48-145 nmol/L) in their bodies.”

I used to go to a Doc. who didn’t have a clue about nutrition and supplements. I didn’t stay with him long.

My current Doc. keeps up on the research. He regularly draws blood; the last analysis of my Vit. D level showed me to be in the low 40s. He recommended increasing my intake of Vit. D from 5,000 IU to 8,000 IU. He wants it above 50.

Every week I see a new study on the benefits of keeping Vit. D levels in the optimal range.

[Calm_Cool_and_Elected]

I’ve had some problems with low vitamin D and I also have an auto-immune disease. I see my Dr for a checkup next month, she will test for celiac just to be sure but I think it lack of exposure. My disease also has a skin rash so I stay out of the sun whenever possible.

[tutstar]

do u ping on this topic?