I am low, my Dr. gave me 50,000 Units, but said that he can only do it for a little while because the high dose can cause problems with either kidney or liver. I can't remember which one. But he reccommend that I get 20 min. full sun each day. But I have a sensitivity to the sun light. I burned really easy. I also take a blood pressure medication that says to avoid the sun. I have had skin cancer twice now, I have had to have surgery to have it removed. So I can not win for loosing. I go to a skin dr. every 6 month for a full body scan. Some how I wish life could be just a little simpler.
I too have a vitamin D deficiency. As well as being pre-diabetic. Which is also common for people with PsA. My blood levels are monitored closely. I take vitamin D supplements daily. Just be sure to have your blood tests checked on a regular basis. And of course, remember to take your vitamin supplements. :)
Vitamin D helps the absorption of calcium. It can help with fatigue and depression. There are many studies done and proven link between lack of Vitamin D and depression. I recently went to Doctor to check my D levels as had been more fatigued then 'normal' which was making me feel rather down and yes they were low. Though it's summer here (Australia) but because of humidity, have not been out in sun much due to flares when hot and sweaty :)
Good article, Mimi. I think it's should be a "how do you feel" thing as much as a lab work thing. I know that until I went and got that SAD light, I didn't feel nearly as good. Since I did that I sleep better, and have more energy. Just an over all improvement. It's not perfect, but it seems to help.
My Vit D is chronically low. I take supplements with calcium. I believe my endo told me not to take one without the other. In the beginning it was so low he told me to go to a tanning bed. I know that sounds wrong with skin cancer risks, but it was a very quick fix for me. Good luck.
Oh no! I too go to a bed a few times a month, in the winter. I do the minimum time and cover my face most of it.
If anyone wants I'll pass on my Dermo's name. who says everytime I'm in there.... "Now I know you have never heard this from a Demo before, but I want you to get out in the sun MORE (or a bed) its good for your P and whats good for your P is good for your PsA......"
Skin Cancer? We do a check twice a year, that's the least of my problems, and that being said my daughter-in-law died from it (she was 26 abnd a nurse) In retrospect she said, "that beautiful eagle tat across my shoulders was not one of my better ideas"
While looking at my labwork, I too noted a vitamin D deficiency. I thought this was odd since I'm a fair skinned, redhead and live in South Florida where I'm obsorbing sun all the time. While doing some research I found that many folks with autoimmune illness, including PsA have Vit D defiencies and the thought is that since vitamin D is an Autoimmune Regulatory Hormone there is some interest to see what it is that makes folks with PsA, RA, Sarcoidosis and Lupus have this deficiency. The studies of people in Irsael and Canada showed up to 70% of these patients deficient while the general population was not. Perhaps one day they will find a cure or a new medication that will involve this phenomenon. Until then, I'm going to supplement my Vitamin D added milk and Florida sunshine with Vitamin D3 tablets. Very interesting stuff, one day we will know more.
I live way up north, north of 60 parallel. We do not really see much sun between Nov- Febish. I am always low on fit d. I take 4000 mg a day and still am low and need to increase. Summer is much better but during the winter everyone up here drops. My kids take vit d all winter as well. Both my Naturopath and Internal Medicine Dr have said I need to increase it. But I must admit of those I ave spoken too about vit d I am the one on the hugest dose amount my friends. Must be the autoimmune stuff. I will ask my friend with Lupus. She can not get much sunlight as her skin reacts very badly, not a problem in winter here, but summers are an issue. I’ll see what dose she is on. Another interesting research topic. Now who among us has the brains and the energy to do the research. Maybe I can groom my kids for research?.. Just kidding…
Vit D also can affect your moods if too low. I have found that I do slep better while taking and do not feel so tired during the day. I live in the Seattle area so not always a lot of sun. I also have an SAD light that I use occasionally and try to get outside as often as possible on nice days.