HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

vitqamin d deficiency

Support Forums
>
Ulcerative Colitis
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 3/7/2010 3:31 PM (GMT 0)
Does anyone have a Vitamin D deficiency with UC?  I have been on prescription Vitamin D for 9 months now from my primary care dr and I am still below the normal range.  She just put me on another RX dose for 3 more months.  Is there a problem with absorption with UC.  Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Posted 3/7/2010 3:43 PM (GMT 0)
Vitamin D deficiency is an epidemic and not just common for those who are ill.  I was diagnosed this year with a deficiency and was put on an RX of 50,000IU, one pill per week for one month.  My numbers came up to normal with that dose and I now just take the daily recommended dose.  I also live in a very sunny part of the country and am outdoors a lot so I was stunned to get these results.  Has your doctor treated you with the very high dose of D or are you taking the standard dose?  I have not had UC for 9 years and have been totally healthy.

 

Sue

Posted 3/7/2010 3:46 PM (GMT 0)
It is very hard to absorb nutrients when suffering from IBD. That is one reason why children who suffer from IBD are shorter than others at their age. Vitamin D is important but you are probably also having trouble absorbing the other fat soluble vitamins such as A and K. Vitamin B12 and folic acid are notoriously deficient with UCers.

I would take a good multiple vitamin along with your prescription vitamin D. Now that Spring has finally sprung getting out in the sunlight should also help your vitamin D stores.

Nutrient absorption is yet another reason to try to get back into remission as soon as possible.
Posted 3/7/2010 6:22 PM (GMT 0)
I have the same thing going on. it's hard to absorb vitamin d from a supplement because (and believe me, I am no scientist, I just had one who is a friend explain this to me:) it is created as a hormone in your body with the raw materials (from sunlight or food, and obviously getting anything from food can be tough with colitis)

If you can get some sunlight on your body, that is really the best possible way. 15 minutes of morning light is the rec. A lot of people without uc are actually d depleted because of sunscreen, if you can imagine. I know it's easier said than done depending on where you live, but what about a very short session in a tanning bed? (like 1 minute) Not enough to get the uv damage, but just enough for the vitamin d. Just a thought...
Posted 3/7/2010 6:29 PM (GMT 0)
i had to take the strong once a week vitamin D pill too until my levels were normal ... vitamin D deficiency is quite common. If your levels are low and your doc did NOT prescribe that strong once a week vitamin D pill, ask about it. Now I take a daily maintenance dose of 2,000iu a day along with getting extra in my diet ...
Posted 3/7/2010 7:08 PM (GMT 0)
I am one of those who also had to take the high dose vitamin D for a month.  Now on 1000 units a day plus calcium with D.  I cannot believe the difference it makes in my stamina - not wanting to nap as much, etc.

Have yours tested - easy blood test along with the others!

ElaineNY

Posted 3/8/2010 12:03 PM (GMT 0)
I did not have my D levels tested, but I find a daily supplement (1000 units) really helps my energy levels.
Posted 3/8/2010 9:07 PM (GMT 0)
I live in Cape Town, South Africa. It's very hot and sunny here. I was totally shocked to see my my results came back as 4. I was told that I am suffering from severe vitamin d defiency.

My body cannot absorb vitamin D in sunny Cape Town.

I am now taking VIT D supplements, my energy levels have increased and my acne has almost disappeared

Posted 3/9/2010 10:31 AM (GMT 0)
I was under the impression that suffering from UC didn't necessarily hinder the absorption of vitamins as the inflammation/problem is in the colon, whereas almost all of the vitamins that our body absorb are through our small intestine, which works normally, even when flaring. I may be totally wrong though and would love to hear from someone more knowledgeable of the situation!

Has anyone else ever come across/had pernicious anemia before as well? It's caused by a lack of Vitamin B12... seems like it should be something to look out for.
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply