Thank you, everyone for such great info. I see some of you take doses much larger than mine. Mine did test low, but I only take 2,000 of D3 a day. I also take one magnesium a day and eat eggs, a lot of spinach, beans, but no dairy. I get plenty of sun year round and although I put sunscreen on my face and don't sit in the direct sun, i am definitely tanned. You would think my levels would be OK. I didn't know serum magnesium could be tested until recently, and I just had my yearly check-up. Next year, I guess.

Oh, for the body to produce D from the sun, does it have to be direct exposure, or will it work if you sit under an umbrella, etc?

Katie, my assumption from what I was reading is that if your D was low, then your magnesium must also be low. But, if I understand you correctly, you are saying that this is not necessarily the case?

BTW, Whitedolphin, you have a very interesting idea, that the issue is not malabsorption but that we use it up.

Here is a link to a really good book that I read on vitamin D. The doctor explains the importance of supplementing with vitamin D3 and discusses the fact that vitamin D is a hormone and not a vitamin.

Conventional medical doctors have minuscule training on vitamins, supplements, and nutrition. They are trained to run basic blood panels and prescribe drugs as a solution. Only those who continue their education, and keep abreast of new research will test outside of a basic blood panel.

We must continue to read, research, and demand that our whole bodies are being treated! I stick with integrative medical doctors because they have gone the Extra mile, and have learned how to treat the whole body. They will perform a very detailed assessment and are trained to look for vitamin, mineral, and hormonal deficiencies. They will search for the underlying cause and not dismiss or minimize your symptoms, like most allopathic doctors do.

http://www.amazon.com/Power-Vitamin-Scientific-Practical-Information/dp/1490576770/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1384100696&sr=1-1&keywords=vitamin+d+book

Because I went through Hashimoto's in 2006, I was referred to an endocrinologist. He not only got my very sick thyroid back on track but tested me for Vitamin D deficiency. My PCP wouldn't have thought of it.

I now take 50,000 iu's twice a week and Vit D is back in normal range.

My cardiologist suggested I take 250 mg of Magnesium every day. I have used Milk of Magnesium from time to time and it doesn't seem to impact but my dose of Magnesium is pretty small.

Your knowledge is invaluable Angel. I hope you stick around for a long time. Hugs

My magnesium levels are also fine, even with meds that Dr said might lower it. My vitamin D level stays in the 35-40 range with supplementation, which frustrates me and my drs. My rheumy says it is OK where it is but pain DT wants it at least 50 and neuro wants it at 60. Both say my IBS probably make it harder for my body to absorb enough but don't want me on higher supplements. Its frustrating though!

Katie: Yes, Vitamin D3, I often forget to discriminate between the two. I was supplementing with 15,000 -20,000 ius of d3 daily and it took over a year to get my levels up to 54. When they reached 54 my doctor had me reduce it to 5,000, but now she increased back to 10,000 ius because my levels were dropping back down.

It's not necessarily the doctors fault, but rather it's how they are trained. The medical schools are the ones to blame for inadequately enlightening doctors in this area. The doctors are lacking training in the area of vitamins, nutrition, and minerals and we, unfortunately, are the ones who suffer for it.

Angel, yep to all the above. :). My level went up from 8 then plateaued where it is now. Oh well. I see people here taking much higher doses than me (twice as much) so maybe I should increase my dose.