<p>I recently had a physical and my doctor started testing for Vitamin D. She told me I need to raise my level (I tested at a level of 23 for Vitamin D, 25-OH Total) and prescribed Ergocalcifer caps 50000U once a week for 12 weeks. This seems like a pretty high dose considering my daily vitamin has only 800 IU. I’ve read both that this is a common prescription, and that this is a high dose so am uncomfortable starting it. </p>
<p>Has anyone else been through this regimen and, if so, do you have any advice on what I shoud watch for? She also said I should take a calcium supplement (my vitamin has 450 mg) but I guess I better ask her how much of that since there are so many amounts. </p>
<p>Also, my doc uses a Quest lab and I read somewhere that their tests are not calibrated properly for Vitamin D, although apparently they give inaccurately high results so that shouldn’t be an issue.</p>
<p>Thanks to all the CC experts!</p>
<p>(BTW I live in the Chicago area and have barely seen the sun lately. Officially now the wettest year on record! I told my doctor she should prescribe a cruise once a week instead. )</p>
<p>You didnt say you age, but I gather you are over 40s. It sounds a lot like the regiment my wife had when was diagnosed with osteporisis. Thanks to the vitamin and supplement it is under control. Sounds like you doc is taking good care of you.</p>
<p>A couple of years ago I also tested low for Vitamin D and was given the 50,000 unit capsule prescription. Don’t remember exactly how many weeks I took it but that sounds about right. Since then I have been taking a 1000 IU supplement, as well as a calcium supplement with 400 IU of Vitamin D in it, and my multivitamin also contains 400 IU of Vit. D. </p>
<p>I know that some articles would say that’s too much, but I have a relative who’s an orthopedic surgeon. Her area of focus is osteoporosis research and she believes that this amount is certainly safe and most likely beneficial, so for now I will continue. My own physician is fine with it, too.</p>
<p>Had ongoing pain in my right hip and leg for several years. Started taking 2000 IU of Vit D (everything I read said it was safe). The pain has disappeared. Could be placebo, but hey it works.</p>
<p>You were prescribed the standard dose for severe Vitamin D deficiency. Prescription Vitamin D comes in gel tabs of 50,000 units per dose. OTC Vitamin D has less for safety reasons.
You’ll need to take 1200mg-1600mg of Calcium per day. You should take one Calcium carbonate 500mg three times a day. You have to separate the doses because your body can only absorb so much calcium at a time.</p>
<p>Citrate is not inherently better or worse than carbonate. The issue has to do with aging and stomach acid. As you age, the acid in your stomach becomes less acidic. Calcium carbonate needs a higher acidity to dissociate and work than citrate. Thus, standard recommendation is to recommend citrate over carbonate for people over 65 or so. The big issue is the amount of free calcium in the tablet. You can find that in the Drug Facts label.
Also, carbonate is less expensive than citrate.</p>
<p>I was also told I had a Vitamin D deficiency last year, even though I spend time out in the sun, often without sunscreen. We tried regular vitamin D and calcium pills twice a day, and it did not bring up the level, so I did the 50,000 IU for 12 weeks, and it did work. I had no side effects, and am taking 1000 IU a day of D now. There are more and more studies about vitamin D and the health benefits or risks of low levels, I think more doctors are testing for it.</p>
<p>Vitamin D deficiency seems to be the diagnosis of the week - a friend, who is out in the sun (without sunscreen) all year round, has just been told to take high doses. The concern in this case is about the reason for the deficiency - could it be a symptom of something else going on?</p>
<p>Thanks for all the input! It does sound like something that is beneficial so I will start soon (maybe after the 1st in case I do have any reactions). My motivation will be my 81 year old mom (I’m late 50’s) who just had a hip replacement today. I’ll call the doctor and check on type and dosage of calcium and oh yeah, exercise and lose weight!</p>
<p>Nova10-Great posts and wonderful information about the importance of adding calcium in order to probably absorb Vitamin D. I was tested in August as part of my annual physical and serum level was 8, which is extremely low. As with other posts, began the 50,000IU gel tab via prescription once each week for 12 weeks. At time of repeat test, my level is now 24-within the normal range.</p>
<p>I now take 2000 IU of Vit. D. daily. Since going on original trial of Vitamin D, my joint and muscle pain from fibromyalgia improved about 30%. I am an oncology nurse practitioner and the early studies of Vitamin D in cancer prevention are promising in a number of areas. Could it be the “diagnosis of the week”/ Could be, but there are a number of controlled clinical trials that have produced excellent data.</p>
<p>Nova10-Great posts and wonderful information about the importance of adding calcium in order to probably absorb Vitamin D. I was tested in August as part of my annual physical and serum level was 8, which is extremely low. As with other posts, began the 50,000IU gel tab via prescription once each week for 12 weeks. At time of repeat test, my level is now 24-within the normal range.</p>
<p>I now take 2000 IU of Vit. D. daily. Since going on original trial of Vitamin D, my joint and muscle pain from fibromyalgia improved about 30%. I am an oncology nurse practitioner and the early studies of Vitamin D in cancer prevention are promising in a number of areas. Could it be the “diagnosis of the week”/ Could be, but there are a number of controlled clinical trials that have produced excellent data.</p>
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