Why do you take Vitamin D supplements if they are antagonistic to Mesalamine/Prednisone?

I see that many here are taking Vitamin D, presumably to strengthen the immune system, which it does.

However, I thought we are supposed to suppress the immune system, and if thats the case then why take Vitamin D?

chcl said...
as far as I know it does not lead to increased immun response.

It does: http://lmgtfy.com/?q=vitamin+d+immune+system

There you go, listening to doctors again! They don't know very much about IBD. New research is now indicating that Crohn's may result from a suppressed immune system, not an immune system that is too strong. My doctor has no clue why antibiotics snuffed out my last flare.

Just go by results. Google 'vitamin D ulcerative colitis' and you will see tremendous research in recent years indicating that vitamin D is a tremendous help. While you are at it google vitamin D Crohn's, cancer, heart disease or just about anything bad. And you will be soon taking vitamin D too.

The only way you can absorb calcium is by taking Vitamin D. I don't know about the IBD claims but I do take it to ensure I get enough calcium. If you're a woman it's even more important to keep up on calcium.

Sue

When blood is tested to assess vitamin D status, what is actually measured is the metabolically active 25-hydroxyvitamin D form of the vitamin in the blood serum.

Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is considered more natural and is what is produced by your body when exposed to sunlight. D2 is what is added to foods such as milk and is not quite as easily assimilated by the body.

It doesn't matter what your D2 or D3 levels are, the name of the game is to get 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels to the optimal range, between 40 and 60 ng/mL. Get it measured during your next blood work or cholesterol test. Vitamin D is one of the few vitamins where it is possible to overdose. But with regular monitoring you will most likely find that your have to supplement regularly to keep your blood levels up, especially after a long winter indoors away from the sunlight.

How much is safe to take?
I take 1200IU a day but wanted to take more.

Dr. Margherita T. Cantorna, assistant professor of nutrition and director of a research project at Penn State, says "Our experiments show that vitamin D deficiency worsens the symptoms of Chron's disease and ulcerative colitis. Treatment with Vitamin D for as little as two weeks lessens the symptoms of these inflammatory bowel diseases in mice." Read the whole article here: http://scienceblog.com/community/older/2000/D/200003548.html

Google "vitamin D and ulcerative colitis." There's alot of info out there.

I jsut found out I have a D deficiency. I have to start taking supplements.

quincy said...
The fact that it "supports" the immune system doesn't mean it activates the autoimmune system.

There is no "autoimmune system", there is only the immune system. Mesalamine/Prednisone suppresses it, and Vitamin D does the opposite.

So why is it a good idea to take something that works against the medicine you are prescribed?

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100307215534.htm

Medz said...

quincy said...
The fact that it "supports" the immune system doesn't mean it activates the autoimmune system.

There is no "autoimmune system", there is only the immune system. Mesalamine/Prednisone suppresses it, and Vitamin D does the opposite.

So why is it a good idea to take something that works against the medicine you are prescribed?

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100307215534.htm

As far as I know mesalmine doesnt suppress anything..its just an antiinflammatory agent....its like a topical cream almost..

Medz said...

quincy said...
The fact that it "supports" the immune system doesn't mean it activates the autoimmune system.

There is no "autoimmune system", there is only the immune system. Mesalamine/Prednisone suppresses it, and Vitamin D does the opposite.

So why is it a good idea to take something that works against the medicine you are prescribed?

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100307215534.htm

I always thought the immune suppression was a side effect caused by those meds and their main job was to fight inflammation. I take vitamin d + calcium regularly to try and offset years of prednisone. Does it work? I dont know but its such a cheap supplement and I havent noticed a lick of difference as far as my UC/symptoms go from the years I wasnt taking it to now when I am.

Technically working out strengthens my immune system too so why would I work out when taking those meds? Dunno about anyone else but I have noticed a HUGE difference with my UC since i started working out.

BabeintheWoods said...
Study after study, tons of research all indicate that vitamin D helps with IBD and ulcerative colitis.

The only study linked in this thread is "Vitamin D Deficiency Exacerbates Experimental Inflammatory Bowel Disease" Penn State University 2000

Interesting points, I had my first bone scan 3 years ago. It was determined that I had lost density because of about 8 months of pred. I was put on calcium/D supplements and Fosavance, which I took weekly. If I'm correct, Fosavance contains a large amount of D (amongst other things). My 2nd bone scan showed a marked improvement and I wasn't prescribed any more, just to stay with the 'maintenance' calcium/D supplements.

Now it could be mere coincidence but not long after I started the Fosavance, I entered into what is probably the longest period (about 18 mos) of what I would call remission since I was dxd in '06.

After reading this thread I've realized that my 'remission' went down the Swannee not long after stopping the Fosavance.

I'm also on 150mg of Azathioprine which I think is not doing the biz.

Methinks I'll be upping my D3 intake considerably...