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Vitamin D - GP says I can now stop supplements?

Posted , 4 users are following.

Cheetah
Cheetah

I just wondered what others thought about this.  I was found by my gastroenteroligist to be Vitamin D deficient a year ago - 22.2nmol/l.  The gastro prescribed a high dose of Vitamin D, following which I then took supplements (over the counter).  My last blood test in February showed that my level is now normal.

Now my GP has told me that, as my Vitamin D level is normal, I don't need to take supplements any more.  Further, I can only have a blood test in 12 months time to check my Vitamin D levels if I feel ill at the time - presumably because my level may be low.  However, I didn't feel ill when my level was so deficient!    I've read on the NHS Choices website that the Department of Health recommends that the over 65s (as I am) should take 10 micrograms of D3 daily.

Jiust wondered if others had been given the same advice and what you think of it.   BTW, I'm continuing to take the 10 microgram supplement!

 

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • tiswas24537
    tiswas24537 Cheetah

    Posted

    recomandations say that vit d supplement is needed in those who dont get ou tmuch those who are ill or over a certain age ,i would take a daily reccomended does 

    your know if you feel ill if you do stop it .

  • EileenH
    EileenH Cheetah

    Posted

    I live in northern Italy - much further south and much more sun than the UK and our local expert says everyone of all ages should take at least 2000 IU daily all through the winter. I take 5000 IU (sorry, can't remember what that is in mcg).

    Personally I wouldn't accept a statement of "it's normal" - I want to know the real figure because some regions still say 30-50 is fine while others want it to be at least 70. Your GP is probably wrong - you need to be checked again to see you have not become deficient again - if the blood level went down before it can do it again if you are not making vit D from the sun on your skin which is the main way of getting it. Less than 10% can come from diet as there are so few foods that contain large amounts.

    You can always have one done privately - one of the Wolverhampton area hospital labs will do it on a finger prick sample for  £25. And you can always say you feel unwell...

  • libralady13
    libralady13 Cheetah

    Posted

    Hi Rosiemags,  Ihave just replied privately to your message when I came across your post about Vitamin D.  I too take vit D3.  In 2012 I broke my wrist following a fall and had osteopenia diagnosed.  My level was 39 and I was put on 2,200 i u a day.

    My levels gradually increased and last year at my yearly blood tests (for other things as well) it was found to be too high so my dose was halved.  I have just had this years routine blood tests so it will be interesting to see what my level is now.

    My orthpaedic consultant also said I should take them.  I am 67 now.  I am not sure  about converting the international units to micrograms.  Do you know?

    By the way I don't think I felt ill when my levels were low either.

    Hope this helps

     

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