I had the 25 hydroxy test ran and just received a letter from doctor. The results for D3 was 33 and D2 <4 and the comment was:
25-OHD3 indicates both endogenous production and supplementation. 25-OHD2 is an indicator of exogenous sources such as diet or supplementation. Therapy is based on measurement of Total 25-OHD, with levels <20 ng/mL indicative of Vitamin D deficiency, while levels between 20 ng/mL and 30 ng/mL suggest insufficiency. Optimal levels are > or = 30 ng/mL.
He said my Vitamin D level is only 33 and normal is 30-100. He said with my back issue he thinks I need extra vitamin D and recommends 50,000 Units of vitamin D2 every other week.
I thought vitamin D3 was the one to take? Should I question him about this? It could be an error. If he wants me to take D2, should I also take my D3 supplements?
Thanks for your input,
Terre
Question regarding D3 versus D2
Moderators: Rosie, Stanz, Jean, CAMary, moremuscle, JFR, Dee, xet, Peggy, Matthew, Gabes-Apg, grannyh, Gloria, Mars, starfire, Polly, Joefnh
From what I've read, when the weather cooperates I consider being outside obtaining sunshine exposure best (avoiding sunburns), then supplementing with vitamin D3, and as a last resort I'd take D2. Vitamin D3 is the animal form of vitamin D. D2 is the plant form of the vitamin. It's not as well utilized by the body.
With sun exposure there are other substances created in the body. UVB rays are what make vitamin D3 in the skin. Another substance made has been termed EZ. It's built up in the body by the infrared spectrum of light (A couple other methods can make EZ too).
I only bring this up because of your mention of back issues. I've been utilizing different methods to create EZ in the body recently as I've found it wonderful at rid myself of aches and pains. I'm pretty sure it has helped my gut too. To learn more about EZ you might google Professor Gerald Pollack. He's done a few interviews with Dr. Mercola along with others recently.
With sun exposure there are other substances created in the body. UVB rays are what make vitamin D3 in the skin. Another substance made has been termed EZ. It's built up in the body by the infrared spectrum of light (A couple other methods can make EZ too).
I only bring this up because of your mention of back issues. I've been utilizing different methods to create EZ in the body recently as I've found it wonderful at rid myself of aches and pains. I'm pretty sure it has helped my gut too. To learn more about EZ you might google Professor Gerald Pollack. He's done a few interviews with Dr. Mercola along with others recently.
Terre,
I agree that D3 is much better utilized than D2. Here's a quote about this topic from my book about Vitamin D and AI disease:
7. Houghton, L. A., & Vieth, R. (2006). The case against ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) as a vitamin supplement. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 84(4), 694–697. Retrieved from http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/84/4/694.full
50,000 IU of vitamin D every other week is equivalent to approximately 3,500–4,000 IU daily. IMO, you would be much better off simply taking 4,000 IU of D3 daily, and forget D2. At least that's what I would do.
Tex
I agree that D3 is much better utilized than D2. Here's a quote about this topic from my book about Vitamin D and AI disease:
And here is reference 7 from that quote:2 alternative forms of vitamin D supplements exist.
Note that the research articles cited here refer to vitamin D3, rather than just plain vitamin D. In fact, 2 forms of vitamin D are commonly available — vitamin D2 and vitamin D3. Vitamin D2 is otherwise known as ergocalciferol, and vitamin D3 is known as cholecalciferol. Interestingly, when physicians prescribe vitamin D, the prescriptions almost invariably refer to vitamin D2, but by contrast, virtually all of the over-the-counter vitamin D supplements are in the form of vitamin D3.
Many decades ago, vitamin D2 was thought to be the equivalent of vitamin D3, but that assumption can no longer be justified. Why physicians continue to prescribe vitamin D2 is somewhat of a mystery, since research shows that vitamin D3 supplements are consistently more effective than vitamin D2 supplements. Houghton and Vieth, (2006), summed up the case against vitamin D2 supplements with this statement:7
The case that vitamin D2 should no longer be considered equivalent to vitamin D3 is based on differences in their efficacy at raising serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, diminished binding of vitamin D2 metabolites to vitamin D binding protein in plasma, and a nonphysiologic metabolism and shorter shelf life of vitamin D2. Vitamin D2, or ergocalciferol, should not be regarded as a nutrient suitable for supplementation or fortification. (p. 696)
7. Houghton, L. A., & Vieth, R. (2006). The case against ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) as a vitamin supplement. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 84(4), 694–697. Retrieved from http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/84/4/694.full
50,000 IU of vitamin D every other week is equivalent to approximately 3,500–4,000 IU daily. IMO, you would be much better off simply taking 4,000 IU of D3 daily, and forget D2. At least that's what I would do.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Terre,
Even if I cared to do an every other week supplement program, I would never remember to take it when the time arrived.
It's the ultraviolet B radiation in light that triggers the vitamin D production in the skin, and if I recall correctly, tanning beds (or whatever they call them these days) do include UVB light, so the type of lights used for that industry should work.
Vitamin D is made on and in the skin by exposing a special form of cholesterol in the skin (7-dehydrocholesterol) to UVB light. Lanolin (removed from wool after being produced by sheep skin) contains a concentrated form of 7-dehydrocholesterol. This idea hasn't been verified by medical research yet, but it appears (based on another member's experience, after she tried this) that using lanolin as a sunscreen not only protects the skin from sunburn, but it supercharges the production of vitamin D, because the 7-dehydrocholesterol in the lanolin apparently supplements the 7-dehydrocholesterol in the skin to produce a greater than normal amount of vitamin D.
I doubt that this process will ever be explored by medical researchers though, because as cheap as lanolin is, no one is going to pay for the research to check it out. Sunscreen manufacturing companies are certainly not going to pay for it, because if it becomes popular, it will destroy the highly-profitable sunscreen industry.
The good thing about getting vitamin D from the sun is that it is impossible to overdose, no matter how much is produced (just be careful to avoid sunburn).
Tex
Even if I cared to do an every other week supplement program, I would never remember to take it when the time arrived.
It's the ultraviolet B radiation in light that triggers the vitamin D production in the skin, and if I recall correctly, tanning beds (or whatever they call them these days) do include UVB light, so the type of lights used for that industry should work.
Vitamin D is made on and in the skin by exposing a special form of cholesterol in the skin (7-dehydrocholesterol) to UVB light. Lanolin (removed from wool after being produced by sheep skin) contains a concentrated form of 7-dehydrocholesterol. This idea hasn't been verified by medical research yet, but it appears (based on another member's experience, after she tried this) that using lanolin as a sunscreen not only protects the skin from sunburn, but it supercharges the production of vitamin D, because the 7-dehydrocholesterol in the lanolin apparently supplements the 7-dehydrocholesterol in the skin to produce a greater than normal amount of vitamin D.
I doubt that this process will ever be explored by medical researchers though, because as cheap as lanolin is, no one is going to pay for the research to check it out. Sunscreen manufacturing companies are certainly not going to pay for it, because if it becomes popular, it will destroy the highly-profitable sunscreen industry.
The good thing about getting vitamin D from the sun is that it is impossible to overdose, no matter how much is produced (just be careful to avoid sunburn).
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Thanks for the information...one article I read on tanning beds said to be sure to use one of the newer tanning beds with electronic ballasts and not one with magnetic ballasts (they produce EMF's)?
I would also have a terrible time remembering every other week, so my plan is to get 4,000 IU daily and look into the tanning beds we have locally.
....and why not try the lanolin, my skin would at least be moisturized!
Thanks again,
Terre
I would also have a terrible time remembering every other week, so my plan is to get 4,000 IU daily and look into the tanning beds we have locally.
....and why not try the lanolin, my skin would at least be moisturized!
Thanks again,
Terre
Martha,
As far as I'm aware, the purer versions of lanolin smell better (because some of those impurities have a rather strong odor), but I doubt that there would be any difference in the way that the lanolin itself performed.
Tex
As far as I'm aware, the purer versions of lanolin smell better (because some of those impurities have a rather strong odor), but I doubt that there would be any difference in the way that the lanolin itself performed.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
I bought Now Pure Lanolin from amazon. It smells when you first put it on and then as it absorbs the smell fades. It is incredible stuff and will be used a lot this winter. It stays on my hands through several washings (can still see the water beading up). also good for 'butt paste' for the same reason, stay on, doesn't have to be reapplied.
Theresa
MC and UC 2014
in remission since June 1, 2014
We must all suffer one of two things: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret. ~Jim Rohn
MC and UC 2014
in remission since June 1, 2014
We must all suffer one of two things: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret. ~Jim Rohn
Hopeful,
The Bag Balm that Martha mentioned is by far the best treatment for cracks in the skin at the tips of fingers (such as you described) that I have found (and many, many others agree with me). In additional to preventing such cracks from forming in the first place, it will usually heal existing inflamed cracks in about 3 days, if applied at least a couple of times per day.
Tex
The Bag Balm that Martha mentioned is by far the best treatment for cracks in the skin at the tips of fingers (such as you described) that I have found (and many, many others agree with me). In additional to preventing such cracks from forming in the first place, it will usually heal existing inflamed cracks in about 3 days, if applied at least a couple of times per day.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
The lanolin idea looks interesting. I'll have to give that a try myself.
Just thought to mention it, because it's the darnedest thing, what I've been doing when slightly sunburnt is spray EZ rich water onto my skin. When I did that the pain would go away within seconds. My skin healed quickly too.
What I've used is a product made by Professor Willard. Pain is apparently caused by a damaged nerve. From what I read the EZ water places a film around the damaged nerve, restoring it to full operation - hence no pain.
I've tried drinking Willards water. I don't believe it helped my MC. There are different methods that EZs can be built, along with different EZs with different properties - from what I gather. (Its an area in need of further research.) I suspect sun bathing to make vitamin D and build EZs has helped me with my MC condition nicely. Other EZ friendly creation ideas I've tried suggested by Professor Pollack in interviews have helped greatly too, not only with my MC but with ridding (or maybe better said limiting) myself of aches and pains.
Just thought to mention it, because it's the darnedest thing, what I've been doing when slightly sunburnt is spray EZ rich water onto my skin. When I did that the pain would go away within seconds. My skin healed quickly too.
What I've used is a product made by Professor Willard. Pain is apparently caused by a damaged nerve. From what I read the EZ water places a film around the damaged nerve, restoring it to full operation - hence no pain.
I've tried drinking Willards water. I don't believe it helped my MC. There are different methods that EZs can be built, along with different EZs with different properties - from what I gather. (Its an area in need of further research.) I suspect sun bathing to make vitamin D and build EZs has helped me with my MC condition nicely. Other EZ friendly creation ideas I've tried suggested by Professor Pollack in interviews have helped greatly too, not only with my MC but with ridding (or maybe better said limiting) myself of aches and pains.
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Gabes-Apg
- Emperor Penguin
- Posts: 8332
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- Location: Hunter Valley NSW Australia
Blueberry,
The good thing about the lanolin, is that it is cheap!!!
Just ordered my pure lanolin from iHerb, I looked at bag balm but was worried about some of the other ingredients so stuck with the tub, and lanolin oil.
High doses of zinc and Vit C are good for sunburn, a. to help the nerves and b. Help the cells for the skin to heal
The good thing about the lanolin, is that it is cheap!!!
Just ordered my pure lanolin from iHerb, I looked at bag balm but was worried about some of the other ingredients so stuck with the tub, and lanolin oil.
High doses of zinc and Vit C are good for sunburn, a. to help the nerves and b. Help the cells for the skin to heal
Gabes Ryan
"Anything that contradicts experience and logic should be abandoned"
Dalai Lama
"Anything that contradicts experience and logic should be abandoned"
Dalai Lama
Thanks Gabes - I like taking collagen also for skin health. I recently purchased some marine collagen. It's been going down well and helps my skin and hair too. It gets a thumbs up! Even if it doesn't taste all that wonderful.
Yeah, I suppose there's lots that can help with skin burns and healing. I guess EZ intrigues me, with it's possibilities. As an example in 1980 a TV show called 60 Minutes ran a segment on Willard's water and it's pain killing and healing abilities. That came about due to the FDA throwing up road blocks on approving the water. Congress also held a hearing on the likely EZ rich water. The news show can be seen:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojW802yW2RY
What seemed unreal, at least to me, was how the EZ rich water helped heal 2nd and 3rd degree burns. One guy highlighted in the show didn't appear to have scar tissue from the burn. He didn't experience pain either he said. Not to ramble on about it, but I gather EZ seem to be another one of those items that can help in healing and pain management. I imagine though not all that much research will go into it due to it's ease of making, as with sunbathing, and imagine lack of ability to patent.
Yeah, I suppose there's lots that can help with skin burns and healing. I guess EZ intrigues me, with it's possibilities. As an example in 1980 a TV show called 60 Minutes ran a segment on Willard's water and it's pain killing and healing abilities. That came about due to the FDA throwing up road blocks on approving the water. Congress also held a hearing on the likely EZ rich water. The news show can be seen:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojW802yW2RY
What seemed unreal, at least to me, was how the EZ rich water helped heal 2nd and 3rd degree burns. One guy highlighted in the show didn't appear to have scar tissue from the burn. He didn't experience pain either he said. Not to ramble on about it, but I gather EZ seem to be another one of those items that can help in healing and pain management. I imagine though not all that much research will go into it due to it's ease of making, as with sunbathing, and imagine lack of ability to patent.