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Posted 5/13/2011 5:38 AM (GMT 0)
I saw this story in UK newspaper yesterday about benefits of adequate Vitamin D for cancer patients. (ie for all cancer patients in general)

www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/sunshine-vitamin-pills-may-extend-lives-of-cancer-patients-2282680.html

I take this to mean that it is a low level of Vit D that causes problems rather than that taking massive amounts of extra Vit D will cure you.

I am particularily interested as I am someone at risk for skin cancer/melanoma and I thus avoid exposure to the sun. (I guess I need to get my vitamin D checked!!!)

Alf
Posted 5/13/2011 9:54 AM (GMT 0)
I've always tanned easily, get plenty of sun, and seldom wear sunscreen except in early summer. Didn't stop me from getting PCa in the first place or having a recurrence.

I don't know whether the boost from the summer sun is enough to keep me going over the winter. So maybe I should get my vitamin D checked in the winter, with a view to supplementing only at that time. In fact, maybe I should supplement in winter/early spring regardless, working on the theory that a little too much will do no harm and if I am actually deficient may do some good.
Posted 5/13/2011 10:18 AM (GMT 0)
I get a lot of sun during the summer. During winter months not so much. I live in New England and have a desk job. My vit D when I had it initially measued was 35. Since I started taking 5000 IU daily, I have beem hovering between 55 and 65.
Posted 5/13/2011 8:43 PM (GMT 0)
When we went down the D path the last time last fall, I had the test done just to see - never had one done before - came back below minimums. Added 1000 IU D-3 per day. Next test, no change, so we added 1000 more. This test, virtually no change, so adding another.

Seems I have an issue metabolizing it.

And yes, I also have to stay out of the sun for skin issues.

Posted 5/15/2011 5:50 PM (GMT 0)
fwiw - Here in SoCal Sunshine is plentiful 10+mo of the year, Nutritionists I have met state that even here Vit D via Sunshine is not enough and supplements are necessary. Goes against my TCM's advice that Vit D is "fashionable" right now and too much is not good/ your body will not use properly(not metabolize correctly?).
Posted 5/15/2011 6:44 PM (GMT 0)
I am starting week 12 of 12 weeks, of 50,000 unit prescription vit d per my GP twice a week. then i will drop to over the counter 2,000 unit daily for 3 months, then my gp will check me again and re-evaluate. this was based on my first ever vit d test in february.

I am very sensitive to the sun my entire life, and easily get sunburned in 10 to 15 minutes, so i rarely venture into direct sun unless fully clothed, hat, etc.

david
Posted 5/15/2011 7:38 PM (GMT 0)
Hi 142,

D3 is fat soluble, meaning you need to have some fats along with the pill to ensure proper absorption , fish oil would work, so would a few walnuts

Fiber severely hinders the absorption of D3 into your system
Posted 5/15/2011 7:43 PM (GMT 0)
David, I hope it helps.
I think the important thing here is cleearly for a doc to test a patient's vit D level and let them know if it is okay. If it is too low, then I do not think there is any thing wrong if they then take a supplement on the basis of medical advice and at the appropriate dose. (My dad used to have low vit B levels when he was old and he was not always 100%, he then had regular vit B injections and it made him a lot better. But i also know someone who got Vit C "poisoning" from drinking a massive excess of Orange Juice while working on a oil rig in hot weather)

I have no intention of simply rushing to the nearest drug store and buying a pot of Vit D to start self-medicating.

Alf
Posted 5/15/2011 7:50 PM (GMT 0)
I agree fully Alf. I don't self medicate with any supplements or vitamins. My deal is under the strict guidelines of my long term GP, and I have been following it to the letter of the law. The only other thing I take, is the one Cranberry Juice capsule once a day, as per my Uro, since I am at extreme risk for constant UTI's ever since I required an Urostomy. That's it on my end.

david
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