Vitamin D Test Results

[AlaskaAngel]

"Reference Intakes

Intake reference values for vitamin D and other nutrients are provided in the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) developed by the Food and Nutrition Board (FNB) at the Institute of Medicine of The National Academies (formerly National Academy of Sciences) "

http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/vitamind.asp

"The FNB established an expert committee in 2008 to review the DRIs for vitamin D (and calcium). The current DRIs for this nutrient were established in 1997, and since that time substantial new research has been published to justify a reevaluation of adequate vitamin D intakes for healthy populations. Determinations of DRIs are based on indicators of adequacy or hazard; dose-response curves; health outcomes; life-stage groups; and relations between intakes, biomarkers, and outcomes. For vitamin D, the FNB committee will focus on (1) effects of circulating concentrations of 25(OH)D on health outcomes, (2) effects of vitamin D intakes on circulating 25(OH)D and on health outcomes, and (3) levels of intake associated with adverse effects [21]. The FNB expects to issue its report, updating as appropriate the DRIs for vitamin D and calcium, by May 2010 [22]."

So I then went to the FNB website to see what they said in May, 2010...:


http://www.iom.edu/Activities/Nutrit...tDCalcium.aspx

"Project Timeline
This is a 24 month study. The committee's report is expected to be publicly available October/November 2010. "

So..... until then, the range is what it has been since 1997...

As someone who lives in the northern nothern hemisphere but who bares the skin as much as possible plus supplementing with the recommended 400 IU, my level was in the low 30's. Since the recommended current range allows plenty of room for me to supplement, I'm taking 1,000 IU's a day on days when I don't get much sunshine. I hope to be retested in August to see if I have improved, and how much. My suspicion is that I could be taking even more.

A.A.

[1rarebird]

Vicky--You may find it worthwhile to read the recommendations for optimal serum Vitamin D3 levels for different goals as discussed at the NoSurrenderBreastCancer.org site http://www.nosurrenderbreastcancersu...ost?id=4807927 Constantine Kaniklidis recommends for optimal bone health it should be >42 ng/ml; for anti-cancer activity, > 52 ng/ml; and, for relief from amromatase inhibitor therapy side effects, > 66 ng/ml. You have to read through the rationale for these recommendations to see how they were formed. When I read it is seems a person would have to take D3 supplements in increasing amounts and have several blood tests over time to see when the target level is reached. Finding a doctor that will work with you on this is important too.

For me, I am taking 2000 IUs supplement plus the 800 IUs that come with my calcium supplement and my oncologist doesn't have a problem with it. I am expecting my serum vitamin D3 levels to increase from its original 44 ng/ml. closer to the levels for anti-cancer effect. I felt better about this when I read recently that the Canadian health care system is about to change it recommendations for Vitamin D3 supplementation to 2000 IUs.

bird

[Becky]

The last time I had mine done, it was 46 AND it was the first year my dexa came out in the normal range (of which the Zometa was then stopped). I just had another dexa come out normal too. However, I must be a bad D3 processor because I take and have taken 4000-5000iu per day for over 2 years now having taken 2000iu per day since bc diagnosis. I think this runs in our family. For example, my mother (who had bc) ran at 8 and got the weekly 50,000iu pills that she took for 7 weeks. My cousin had 0 (yes, zero) and hers was done at diagnosis (she went to Cleveland clinic and she was just diagnosed last year so they were probably up on this). She had IV and the 50,000iu pills too.

My oldest daughter who is 24 had her physical last year and her level was also 8. I send her 2000iu pills and tell her to take 2 a day. At first, I had her take 3. I remind her to take them because she lives in Oregon and it can be cloudy and rainy there. I make my 2 daughters who still live at home take 2000-4000 a day too. Who knows, that could be the problem in the family for us and bc. You never know. I need to get mine done again to make sure my level is at least what it was.