Vitamin D intake, just diagnosed seeking information

By read80 Thursday, February 21, 2008

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Having just been diagnosed with having osteoporosis, despite a very active life syle and weight bearing exercise, I am unsure of many of the do and dont's of calcium supplements etc.

How important is taking Vit D with a calcium supplement? How much Vit D should I be taking? Can Vit D, have any negative effects on the body if I took too much?

I see that most calcium supplements, have Vit D added. I want to increase my Cal. Citrate, but am afraid of the increased amount of Vit.D included in the pills.

I do not have a health care provider currently overseeing how much Cal.citrate I should take. My BMD T scores indicate an average of -2.0 It seems that according to info. found of "levels" I am still boderline. However, how do I proceed in seeing that this does not become osteoporosis?

Any suggestions would be so appreciated.

Comments (5) | Add comment

Lila de Tantillo, Health Guide

2/21/08 3:35pm

Thanks so much for your excellent question! It is great to hear that you are taking your recent diagnosis seriously and staying proactive about your bone health. In recent years many experts have discovered the important benefits of Vitamin D, and increased their recomendations accordingly. Vitamin D is known to help with the proper absorption of calcium and has also been linked to helping prevent a number of other diseases, including some types of cancer. The National Osteoporosis Foundation now suggests 400-800 IU daily of Vitamin D for adults under 50, and 800-1000 IU daily for those over 50. Some doctors recommend even higher amounts in some instances, but you should definitely check with your physician about your particular situation. Best wishes as you face the challenge of osteoporosis.

Amy Bates

2/27/08 12:23am

I found out my vitamin D storage level is low. This has nothing to do with how much I consume in my daily diet, but how much my body has stored over time. No matter how much calcium you take, it will not benefit you without the proper amounts of vitamin D. It is not uncommon for women who live north of Atlanta, Ga. to have low levels. My doctor is prescribing very high doses to boost my storage level.

Amy Bates

2/27/08 9:57am

Thank you both for this most appreciated feedback. May I ask if you believe that the doses I am now taking of Vit D and Cal are approprite for my age? I am now 65 years old. My daily in take is 1,350 IU of Calcium (630 from cal. citrate, 500 from Viactive chewables, and 220 from a daily mutliple vit. supplement) . I am also taking 1,100 IU of Vit. D, from the same sources. Do you think that these are sufficient and safe based on a very boder line diagnosis of osteoporosis.

Also, who at this point should be managing my care? The Gyne, feels it is not within her expertise. Would the internist then assume the dosage needed etc.? Are there physicians whom specialize in Osteoporosis management? In the meantime, are the amounts I am taking seem appropriate? Many thanks again for your comments!!

Judith Stout

4/ 4/08 7:26pm

Specialists include rheumatologists and endocrinologists. I believe your doses are in line with what is being recommended in the latest literature. I learned that it is important to consume magnesium with calcium in order for it to be absorbed. Check to see if your supplements also include magnesium.

Jessica

4/ 1/08 8:48am

You need a prescription for the right kind of Vit. D. I took it, 50,000 units. Feel great. Cheesy

Also, using a Tens Unit for spinal pain...it works for me.

Vitamin D intake, just diagnosed seeking information

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