Vitamin D - Theories

[Quixotic1]

We need a thread or two devoted to theories of how disruption of Vitamin D activity can lead to disease.  I have invited others to discuss thier views in a dedicated thread, but have not been taken up on the offer.  There are two main views out there regarding the very common finding of low D3 levels in people with autoimmune diseases and with MS

1)  The low D3 is itself one of the triggering factors in causing disease.  This may be from a genetic dispostion to poor absorption and/or possible inadequate exposure to the UV rations needed to synthesize Vitamin D in the skin.

2) The low measured D3 levels are a secondary effect of another disease process and have nothing to do with taking in or synthesizing too little Vitamin D, but rather over-activity of the most active form of Vitamin D.

The floor is open to discussion.

Quix

[Padro46]

Got my levels back today 9.16, but doc does not seem to be concerned

[ginak]

My level was a 7. I am very nervous now because this can be linked to MS. The doc started me on 50000 IU of Vitamin D for the next 2 months. I really hope that this helps me to start feeling better. I am praying for a miracle.

[heather7628]

i recently found out that my vit. d was very low.  i am on 50k IUs every 5 days for 6 weeks.  then i have to get it checked again.  My calcium levels were normal.  I live in Georgia was out in the sun everyday, working in the yard, and tending to my farm.  which has to be done everyday no matter if I feel like it or not.  So what would cause me not to absorb it.  Will I have to take supplements from now on.  and will this lead to an autoimmune disease or ms.  I have had problems throughout my twenties.  now in my thrirties not looking much better.

[Quixotic1]

It is not clear why some people with obviously more than adequate sun exposure do not absorb it correctly.  Low Vit D is extremely commmon in many autoimmune diseases, including MS which is where you have posted.  Most thinking is that the something causes the low Vit D and that preceeds the disease - but we really do not know.

Your history does not sound like MS.  MS does not cause fever nor join pain.  I would recommend that you be worked up by a very good rheumatologist.  I would also recommend that you have at least two Western Blot tests for Lyme disease - as many of the symptoms and problems you have are seen in untreated Lyme.

Good Luck.

Quix

[wadeheather]

Last winter I was told my Vit D was very low and the supplements helped.  Now that I've been fighting severe fatigue again, maybe I should have it rechecked? How many others have had low D?

[heather7628]

thank you for your post.  I have brought lyme disease up to the dr.s they look at me like I am crazy finally though the last dr that found the vit. d deficiency said she would test me for lyme if she could not find anything else wrong.  She told me that lyme disease was not in GA.  I pick ticks off my head on a regular basis live out in the country.  in fact last summer my lymphnodes swelled up and i kept a sore on my head for 3 months after pulling a tick off.  Again noone would test me for any tick born infections.  I am going to ask my new dr to refer me to a rheumatologist.  Or an infectious disease dr.  I just want to feel better.  the problem is i have to be referred for my insurance to pay.  thank you for your input   Heather