Vitamin D

Most people with breast cancer are vitamin D deficient. Id check with the pharmacist, but 3000 international units of vitamin D3K2 is usually about right. But check your vit D levels first. You need sunlight to convert it to the active usable form in your body.  Look at the charity website canceractive.com - there are some guidelines on there. I buy mine from cytoplan, but there are plenty of other places to find it. As always check with your oncologist. I imagine your surgeon knows very little about vit D and breast cancer

I checked with oncologist asi started taking Vits w/o checking. I take calcium, magnesium and zinc (1 tablet contains all), Folic acid, and Vit D3. He said all were absolutely fine and I am def more awake than before. In fact I used to go to bed around 9.30 can easily stay up much later and I do think sups have helped. Best wishes xx

Hi,

There is information on the NHS website that you might find helpful, if you have access. I think they meant 25 micrograms (or 1000iu). I bought a recognised brand from a well known online site (cheaper and larger bottle), but my local supermarket also sells them. This dose was advised by my oncologist for chemo, but last winter I took 10 micrograms per day, which I'd seen as the recommended dose.

Hi, it's annoying that you’re not getting the clear answers you need. You might give the lovely folks here at Macmillan a call on 0800 808 0000 and ask for some advice, best wishes 

Hi I am prescribed vit d and calcium (Adcal) on the nhs.  I am sure I was prescribed this at the same time as the letrozol to protect my bones.  I also requested a dexa scan as a baseline..I was diagnosed with osteoporosis so now also take alendronic acid tablets.  I also requested my annual health check for a baseline.  My liver didn’t like letrozole at first but it settled down.

vit d is not valued enough in the uk, serious. i started my chemo with 50 nl/ml and i took high doses a few times and now i hav 89 nl/ml...i'm very happy with my vit d levels and they reduce side effects of chemo, seriously dont know why the docs in the uk dont take it seriously