vitamin D - who knows their vitamin D levels are low ?

Hi Mrs Panda,

I read about this connection when I was diagnosed and started supplements then, with the K2. There is supposed to be benefits to an extremely high vitamin D levels xxx

Hmmmm this is a little over my head, but, extremely interesting.  I had blood test in June 2017 (diagnosed Oct. 2017) my Levels were as follows:-

June 2017
25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 level  58.7nmol/L 
25-Hydroxyvitamin D2 level  2.8nmol/L
Combined total vt D2+D3 lvl = 61.5nmol/L  (range 50.00 220.00nmol/L

Had operation October 2017 lumpectomy and radiotherapy.

In November 2017, at a 'check-up' I was told my levels were a little low - however, nothing was prescribed or suggested.

November 2018
25 OH-VIT d (Vit D2 + D3) = 64nmol/L

(range....
< 25 Deficient
25-50 Insufficient
>200 suggest reduct dose of Vit D

Looking at this, I reckon I am on the low end of 'sufficient' - think I should take a regular supplement ??

(I have a rare skin condition that started around 6 years 'before' BC - following surgery for BC the skin condition seems to be disappearing!!). 

Back to your question, before operation, I was told my levels were 'slightly low'.

I hope this helps,  any thoughts about levels - do we want higher or lower levels ??

(Sending love to Carolyn and Snowys Mum, hope you are both keeping well xxxx)

Hi Carolyn not seen you here for some time hope you are keeping well I have often wondered if we need to take vitamin d3 how do you know what symptoms would you have if levels were low x

Hi

A recent blood test identified that I have very low vit d levels and have been prescribed a 6 week course of boosts.  Level was 21.  No idea on levels pre cancer.  Haven't noticed any improvement on fatigue levels or with healing since taking.  I am half way through my 6 week course. Xx

My Vitamin D levels have been low since before my secondary diagnosis. Not sure what they were before that! 

Apparently, about 20% of the population is low in Vitamin D - the link below has some details:

https://www.nhs.uk/news/food-and-diet/the-new-guidelines-on-vitamin-d-what-you-need-to-know/

As for a direct link between this and BC, don't know! If the lack of Vitamin D in the population is due to lack of sunshine on skin, then I suppose you could argue that there is a correlation between BC and lack of sunshine  Maybe we should all be prescribed a holiday in the sun as part of treatment! 

Me!

Mine were low before diagnosis, ( I found out doing routine bloods because of Thyroid problems) I was taking supplements when I was diagnosed with bc (about a year or so before) and still am as my oncologist regularly puts it into the list of blood tests I have to do so it must be important...

My endrocrinologist agrees with these supplements and doses too...so I'm happy and confident it's important
I take a liquid supplement every 2 weeks

I live in sunnier climes but unfortunately I am not a sun worshipper! : ))))   House swap anyone???  : ))))))))))))

Me too!  I'm roughly a year on from chemo and my GP organised a full blood count in January, just to support me with my ongoing health worries.  The Vit D came back at the low end of the 'insufficient' range (28 somethings rings a bell), borderline deficient.  He put me on an 8-week, once-a-week mega dose.  I haven't had the test repeated yet to see how it has helped but am seeing him again next week, so presumably that will be organised.  Takes a week for normal blood results but 3 weeks for the VitD test result so I won't know for a while.  However, I'll be pushing to get the dose re-prescribed because I've also seen the evidence relating low vit D levels to BC and recurrence and it is a worry.  I haven't a clue what my levels were before treatment.

L xx

I’ve just been put on vit D following a diagnosis of osteoporosis.saw the Gp today and asked did I need any blood tests as I didn’t know if my levels were low or high.she said if they tested everyone in Manchester at this time of year most would be low!.however she decided I should have a test done then depending on results she could adjust my dosage.wouldn’t it be cheaper for the nhs if I had the test first as if I need to change drugs then I will have to throw the pack I have now.seems silly to me. I had to laugh when she looked at me and said I look like I get plenty of vit D from being outdoors. I’m pale and totally unfit.the opposite of an outdoorsy type though I used to be out everyday with school runs/parks,garden as a childminder and walking my dog twice a day.now I just manage a couple of short school runs a week and am trying to build up my dog walking.can only do about 1/2 hour at the moment.

Hi Carolyn

I was on the low side at diagnosis, my Oncologist advised I take 25ug per day, I buy them in Boots, he said most people in the UK would be low as we don't get enough sun!  Whether low Vit D links to Breast Cancer I don't know.

Best Wishes.

Mine have been low for years. Way before my dx. My GP at the time said that over 70% of the population in UK had an "insufficiency", although a complete "deficiency" was less common. This due to the lower levels of exposure to sunlight. Although I spend hours on archery fields in the summer........

My current issue is, in spite of taking 4000iu D3 a day (with K2), my levels do not increase. Current GP doesn't believe me, so I will be requesting another test soon which he has already agreed to.

I suspect that hypothyroidism has an effect on VitD absorption. And thyroid issues are rather common post cancer treatment. Although my thyroid issues go back further, but untreated due to "normal" (it was actually upper end of normal) TSH. RT killed half of my thyroid, so now I'm getting treatment.

Will report back after the next round of tests.