And as expected, I'm not vitamin D deficient. However, neither do I possess an over abundance of vitamin D either. My vitamin D level was at 31 ng/mL. Reference range being 30 - 100 ng/mL.
Needless to say, I was very disappointed. With as much time as I spend outside riding my bike, I would have expected my levels to be much higher, but it sure makes the statistic, 77% of all Americans may also be vitamin D deficient, a lot more believable.
I am certainly not happy entertaining the thought of having to take a vitamin D supplement. Being the cynic I am, I have a general distrust of the pharmaceutical and supplement industries, but there seems to be overwhelming evidence of the harm resulting from a vitamin D deficiency, including an additional risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and even immune-system disorders, lymphoma being considered in the latter category.
So I've resigned myself to take a vitamin D supplement. My friend, and medical expert, recommended I take 2000 IU per day, and my oncologist recommended 1000 IU per day. She knows how hesitant I am to take any sort of vitamins or supplements, so I know she's just being accomodating, but that doesn't mean I'm going to ignore that advice. [There are others who recommend taking a lot more.]
I went an purchased 120, 1000 IU tablets of vitamin D3. We'll see how that goes over the next 4 months.
In the mean time, if you haven't had your vitamin D levels checked, I would suggest you do so. Who knows, you may be surprised.
Needless to say, I was very disappointed. With as much time as I spend outside riding my bike, I would have expected my levels to be much higher, but it sure makes the statistic, 77% of all Americans may also be vitamin D deficient, a lot more believable.
I am certainly not happy entertaining the thought of having to take a vitamin D supplement. Being the cynic I am, I have a general distrust of the pharmaceutical and supplement industries, but there seems to be overwhelming evidence of the harm resulting from a vitamin D deficiency, including an additional risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and even immune-system disorders, lymphoma being considered in the latter category.
So I've resigned myself to take a vitamin D supplement. My friend, and medical expert, recommended I take 2000 IU per day, and my oncologist recommended 1000 IU per day. She knows how hesitant I am to take any sort of vitamins or supplements, so I know she's just being accomodating, but that doesn't mean I'm going to ignore that advice. [There are others who recommend taking a lot more.]
I went an purchased 120, 1000 IU tablets of vitamin D3. We'll see how that goes over the next 4 months.
In the mean time, if you haven't had your vitamin D levels checked, I would suggest you do so. Who knows, you may be surprised.
Comments
I am surprised that your Vitamin D levels were not checked much sooner in your journey with MCL, but maybe this was done but I missed the previous report. As you know, the best way to boost Vitamin D naturally is through sun exposure but the supplements are added insurance. Don't totally despair about pharmaceutical and vitamin manufacturers. No matter what, there is always a time to take the "medicine" with a grateful heart.
I just hope the reason we are low is because of a lack of sun, or proper diet, rather than the possibility our bodies don't metabolize it like healthy people.