Extra Vitamin D or C

Vitamin D's getting a LOT of good press lately. Check out these articles:

http://www.mercola.com/article/vitamin-d-resources.htm

Both C and D would be beneficial... why choose one or the other?

Try 1000-3000 mg of vitamin C a day. Look for the powder in mineral ascorbate form. 800-1200 IU a day of vitamin D is recommended. The best way is to get out in the sunshine with your skin exposed and without sunscreen or you can take oral supplements. Look for D3.

I've read that adults can take up to 1000 IU of vitamin D3 per day. You can also get your blood checked for vitamin D levels, and then see how much extra vitamin D you actually need.

2 more questions, what is the difference between Vitamin D and D3?

Also, is it cool to get a calcium supplement with Vitaman D/D3 mixed in?

Thanks!

Dr.A, do you know the difference between Vitamin D and D3?

 

I got my results back from grassrootshealth.net today. 38 ng/mL with a recommendation on the site of between 40 and 60 ng/mL. 38 ng/mL doesn't seem too far off except I had been doing 5000 IU of Vitamin D3 a day for close to 8 weeks prior to taking and sending in the blood sample.

I started taking Vitamin D3 in early February because I was having weekly swings of depressed feelings starting in early January. Once I started the Vitamin D3, my depressed feelings vanished very swiftly. Since my colonoscopy in February I have been battling a flare and its the first time I have had a flare and have not felt depressed because of the flare.

- Tom

Unless you're exposing yourself to sunlight on a consistent basis, I would recommend a daily dose of at least 1,000 IU of vitamin D3. As for vitamin C, 500mg should be sufficient if your intake of fruits and vegetables is adequate. It might be advisable to request blood work in order to determine serum concentrations of various vitamins and minerals so as to pinpoint what does and does not require attention.

Interesting -- I started Vitamin D just last week after my good friend insisted I start taking it. Just today I realized that I've felt better than I have in a long time, meaning I don't have the gas and irritable feeling in my bowels. My husband also found an article about how helpful some "experts" are finding Vitamin D to be in a myriad of ailments. He's taking it for Kidney problems. I noted on my friends bottle of Vitamin D that it was good for colon health also, so that's why I decided to try it. I'm taking Vitamin D-3, 2000 IU's.

My vitamin D levels are 23 ng/ml. My PCP has me taking 1800 IUs per day.

I take vitamin C-Calcium Ascorbate (easier on the gut)....

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is necessary for the growth, development and repair of all body tissues. It's involved in many body functions, including formation of collagen, absorption of iron, the immune system, wound healing, and the maintenance of cartilage, bones, and teeth.

Vitamin C is one of many antioxidants that can protect against damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals, as well as toxic chemicals and pollutants like cigarette smoke. Free radicals can build up and contribute to the development of health conditions such as cancer, heart disease, and arthritis.

Vitamin C is not stored in the body (excess amounts are excreted), so overdose is not a concern. But it's still important not to exceed the safe upper limit of 2,000 milligrams a day to avoid stomach upset and diarrhea.

Water-soluble vitamins must be continuously supplied in the diet to maintain healthy levels. Eat vitamin-C-rich fruits and vegetables raw, or cook them with minimal water so you don't lose some of the water-soluble vitamin in the cooking water.

Vitamin C is easily absorbed both in food and in pill form, and it can enhance the absorption of iron when the two are eaten together.

Deficiency of vitamin C is relatively rare, and primarily seen in malnourished adults. In extreme cases, it can lead to scurvy -- characterized by weakness, anemia, bruising, bleeding, and loose teeth.

How to Get More Vitamin C in Your Diet
This antioxidant super-nutrient is found in a variety of fruits and vegetables. Yet, according to dietary intake data and the 2005 U.S. Dietary Guidelines, most adults don't get enough vitamin C in their diets. This is especially true of smokers and non-Hispanic black males, according to research done by Jeff Hampl, PhD, RD, and colleagues at the University of Arizona.

The foods richest in vitamin C are citrus fruits, green peppers, strawberries, tomatoes, broccoli, white potatoes, and sweet potatoes. Other good sources include dark leafy greens, cantaloupe, papaya, mango, watermelon, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage, red peppers, raspberries, blueberries, winter squash, and pineapples.

:)