Vitamin D Deficiency (Absorption problems?)
Posted , 4 users are following.
Hey guys,
I was diagnosed with a Vit. D deficiency in February of 2017. My level was a whopping 8 (yes, 8). Naturally, my doctor put me on 50,000 Units of Vit. D3 for 3 months and I finished the prescription in April.
Strangely though, my hair started falling out shortly after I started taking the pills. I didn't return to the doctor until August though and when I did, I was surprised to find my levels at 19 (still now) - and a new issue, my ferritin was low too.
Now, I live in an extremely hot climate and most of the year is sunny, so from April to August I know for a fact that I spent at least 20 minutes in the sun everyday. I also made a conscious effort to eat more Vit D.
Should my Vit. D have dropped this low over the course of four months!? I don't know what my levels were in April, but after 3 straight months of 50,000 every week, shouldn't I have absorbed more? Has anyone else experienced this? I feel like something else is going on with my body, but I don't know what.
P.S. I'm 20 years old, and eat a healthy diet with exercise everyday.
0 likes, 2 replies
EileenH angelinabo
Posted
Low vit D is commonly found in autoimmune disorders so it is perfectly possible you DO have something else going on. But it would require further investigations - and if you don't have definite symptoms doctors will find it very difficult to find a starting place.
I know a lady who was very deficient and put on a high dose course as you were - once it was completed her blood level was OK immediately - until a few months later when the symptoms restarted and her vit D level was again found to be very low. A second course sorted the problem. If your tissue level is very low, it may take a LOT to bring you up to "replete" so it may be an idea to have another high dose course.
But I think the low ferritin should be looked at - it can be a sign of iron-deficiency anaemia.
angelinabo EileenH
Posted
Eileen,
Thank you for your response - it's comforting to know that perhaps I just needed more time on the Vitamin D.
My doctor was quite dismissive about the ferritin - didn't even mention it until I brought it up (I saw it written clearly on my blood work). Since then, she has suggested that I take a multivitamin, but I had to probe for any advice on the iron. She is "doubtful" that my ferritin has anything to do with my hair loss, but as you said, I feel it's important.
I got her okay on an iron supplement that I will start today, but I'm thinking I should go back sooner rather than later and discuss the possibility of anemia.
Again, thank you so much for your response. I really appreciate it