Does patient have vitamin D deficiency?

January 7, 2013 By

Q: My doctor has put me on a megadose of vitamin D (50,000) once a week. How safe is that? Are there any side effects or long-term damage to the kidneys, liver or any other organs? Thanks.

A: D is a fat-soluble vitamin naturally present in some foods, added to others, available as a dietary supplement and is also obtained through ultraviolet rays from the sun. It’s primary function is to maintain normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorous in the body and to help with the absorption of that calcium in attempting to form and maintain strong teeth and bones and to protect older adults from osteoporosis. Adult deficiency can result in osteomalacia — bone softening that results from a defect in the natural process of bone building. When this condition occurs in children, it is known as rickets that can cause bones to bow and fracture.
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Vitamin D supplement not necessary?

November 12, 2012 By

Q: My 80-year-old friend is very healthy, swims 40 laps in the pool every day but has such terrible leg and hand cramps, she hasn’t had a full nights sleep in years. She takes 1000 mg calcium daily but not vitamin D. She says she gets all she needs from the sun. Her skin is brown like saddle leather. Please help me.

A: Your friend should probably be on a vitamin D supplement. Those over 65 may not get adequate amounts from their diets or enough sunlight exposure. Individuals with darker skin also do not absorb as much sunlight into the skin and the body’s production of vitamin D may be reduced.
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Vitamin D deficiency worsening

October 27, 2012 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: Testing six months ago found I had a vitamin D test result of 34. Since then I have been taking 3,000 IUs of D and have been getting more sunshine by spending more time playing tennis. I was tested last week and had a vitamin D test result of 5. My doctor has now prescribed 50,000 IUs twice a week for four weeks. What causes the deficiency and how will the four weeks of treatment be a cure?

I am a vegetarian so my sources of D supplements are not animal based. I also had kidney stones years ago so I’m not sure that the vitamin D will not adversely affect my calcium levels. I also have bone spurs and that is a concern with the vitamin D treatment.

Thank you very much for any insight.
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Could vitamin D deficiency cause cold symptoms?

March 21, 2010 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I have been sick with cold and flu symptoms (on average) about 12 to 14 days each month for the past year. My family doctor referred me to a rheumatologist because she thought it might be autoimmune. The rheumatologist believes that a low vitamin D level and allergies are causing my symptoms. She has put me on 50,000 IU of vitamin D for the next eight weeks and daily Claritin.

Can you tell me what could be causing my low vitamin D level? Do you believe that this is the issue, or are the low levels caused by something else?

DEAR READER: Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is essential for promoting calcium absorption, maintaining adequate serum calcium and phosphate levels, bone growth and remodeling, reduction of inflammation, and neuromuscular and immune function.
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