I cannot take vitamin d3. My d3 was 36 range of 30-100. Someone told me I could possibly have hyperparathyroidism. Will have to get tested.

Sun exposure is the best source for Vitamin D. Don't slather yourself up with sunblocker! LOL

If you can't take oral supplements, you might be able to get your PCP to administer periodic injections. I believe I also saw an ad somewhere for a patch... if I'm remembering correctly, it delivered about 10000 IU over the course of however-long you're supposed to wear it. Google it.

We're *all* very deficient in Vitamin D. I've been prescribed a ridiculously high dose by our endocrinologist, and only just recently got my labs up into the reference range. We started out with a reasonable dose; that didn't work, and we increased it. That still didn't work, so we added a second daily dose. That still didn't work. We increased it AND kept it twice-a-day. After several repetitions of this, over the course of nearly a year, plus my getting out in the sun as much as I can, I've finally just snuck up into an acceptable range (about 50, with the reference being above 30).

See if you can spend more time in the sun. And consult with your PCP about other methods to supplement!

there is a popular theory now that with so many people deficient in Vit D that it may be an issue with the receptors that allow absorption and conversion of D NOT a lack of it. So, you could take the supps (liquid is best..and yes, I get tummy issues with it too), or you could sit in the sun but if your body can't convert it to D then you are wasting your time and money. Google Vit D malabsorption and you might find this research :))

stumbled in the room and saw your thread. also interested in the subject. http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-929-vitamin%20d.aspx?activeIngredientId=929&activeIngredientName=vitamin%20d

I have been seriously vit D deficient; doctor gave me supplements which didn;t seem to help (based on blood test); I've been reading about it and apparently if your magnesium levels are low you don't absorb Vit D properly. So now I am supplementing magnesium and zinc in addition to the Vitamins. i will have blood tests again in 3 months or so and report back.

calsium needs Vit D, not the other way round. Without Vit D you won't absorb calsium and can end up with osteoporosis, which is why I am concerned and rresearching this.

I've heard that tanning in a tanning bed can help with vitamin D deficiency as well. I know that some people feel very strongly against tanning, but I just thought I'd throw it out there.

You said taking a *large* amount of vitamin D affected you badly. Have you tried taking a more moderate amount? Maybe start with just 1000 IU?

Low vitamin D can result in depression.. a common thing in mid-winter. Too much vitamin D is not good either.

I have low vit D and constipation because I have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Do you have very flexible joints? Fallen arches?

I am also deficient. I do light therapy (or my version) I go out for 15 minutes a day. I also take vit d3 from whole body research. It has worked better than the other I was on. I take 2 doses of 2,000 iu a day. Once in the morning and one at dinner.

You should supplement with vitamin d. Possible at least 2000-4000iu a day. There is hardly any vitamin D in the food and if you are not in the sun every dat at midday for 15-20 minutes with most of your skin exposed, you will be deficient.
Good luck

Vitamin D also helps with lung function so it should help anyone with digestive problems. I used to have reflux and digestion problems and now rarely have either. I was told to take 3 drops of Vitamin D a day and I find it works. As with all supplements, moderation is key. Too much can make us ill. It's about finding the amount that works for us. Perhaps that's the problem, one size doesn't fit all. Just a thought.

I starting drinking almond milk, and it has vitamin D in it, as well as calcium. I think it's healthier than cow's milk and soy milk.

I take Vitamin D injections because my body doesn't absorb the natural compound from foods. Sunlight is also a good way to get your Vit. D.

People are mentioning/asking about Depression because Vitamin D levels affect Depression.

I was advised by a Nutritionist to take BioMulsion Vitamin D in liquid form, 3 to 4 drops a day. As we age or living in a cold climate are all good reasons for taking it, but too much I believe can cause constipation. Bio-care do one, which I find very good. No side effects whatsoever.