Vitamin D Deficiency is a Real Health Risk

A few weeks ago I posted an article telling of my experience in being relieved of the diagnosis of fibromyalgia and the additional testing that was recommended by my rheumatologist.  After receiving the results of these tests and learning more about them I thought it important to pass on this vital information.

The test that my doctor prescribed was a 25(OH)D, also called 25-hydroxyvitamin D.  He wanted to see if I was deficient in Vitamin D.  He stated that 40-50% of his patients tested with low levels of Vitamin D. 

According to Dr. Joseph Mercola at www.Mercola.com, optimal levels of Vitamin D are 45 – 50 ng/ml with normal levels being 20 – 56 ng/ml.  These levels were verified by my doctor.   My test came back with a level of 21. 

Why is knowing the level of your Vitamin D important? 

This is from the letter the doctor sent with my results: "A low Vitamin D level greatly impairs your ability to absorb whatever calcium you ingest, whether from your diet or supplements.  This impaired intestinal calcium absorptions leads to declining levels of this critical mineral in your blood and tissues.  This instantly triggers a series of vigorous hormonal and cellular responses resulting in dissolution of your bones (aptly likened to 'strip mining"), which continues until enough of their imbedded calcium is released to restore normal blood levels.  If Vitamin D deficiency is coupled with insufficient daily calcium intake (also common in U.S. females) this process of daily bone dissolution would be that much more intensive, extensive and prolonged."

I have never been concerned with bone loss.  I am the stereotypical "tall, big boned, hefty" woman that has always been told that only petite woman need to be concerned with osteoporosis.  I have been diagnosed with some degenerative bone disease (osteoarthritis) but I did not think osteoporosis needed to be a worry.

Since I learned about this issue I have done more research and found that lack of Vitamin D has also been found to increase the risk of depression (particularly Season Affective Disorder), cramping, bone and muscle aches, many forms of cancer, multiple sclerosis, high blood pressure and diabetes. 

I also learned that most of us in latitudes above 30 degrees do not get enough sunlight to provide the amount of Vitamin D necessary for health.  Those of us who live further north and have shorter days are likely to fall into dangerously low levels throughout the winter.

I am not going to give the course of treatment that has been recommended by my doctor here.  I feel it is necessary that each person review this with their physician and follow their doctor's recommendations.  It is important to note, however, that Vitamin D toxicity is also dangerous and you need to be under a doctor's care when addressing your Vitamin D needs.  You need to know what your level is and have a proper plan for increasing that level.  I will be having my levels checked every few months. 

It is my hope that an increase in Vitamin D will alleviate my muscle and bone aches, tiredness and depression.  I will continue to post my progress and recovery as it occurs.  I am feeling very hopeful.