67 replies to this topic

[scuba]

I am not sure of my level. I do remember when I went to my regular doctor about a year ago she said that I was low.

I am taking one pill a day. It says Vitamin D3 1000 IU   250%

I just started taking B2, B6, and B12, and a magnesium daily also.

 

Hi Carrie,

 

Likely your vitamin D3 dose is way too low. Unless you are out in the noon sun for 30 minutes every day - you are not creating enough vitamin D on your own.

 

My doctor prescribed 50,000 IU's of vitamin D each week for six weeks in order to get my vitamin D level up just to the normal range.

I currently take 5,000 IU's per day for each day I am not in the sun (which is most days). But I also take vitamin K2 which "consumes" vitamin D to do its thing. I can barely keep my D level above 55-60.

[CMcLain]

Hi all! I came across an excellent article this morning about vitamin D! Enjoy fellow CML friends!

http://articles.merc...tia_facebookdoc

[Dona_B]

Not to get too far off topic but noticed there are a couple of tests for Vitamin K deficiency and that deficiency can cause excessive bleeding and bruising. Which leads to the question how many vitamin/mineral tests are there out there and would it be in one's best interest to have them done. My husband saw an article on Yahoo about how too many vitamins can cause cancer.  If it isn't one thing it's another.

[pammartin]

Like any supplement, overuse is as damaging as low counts.  Excellent question on testing Dona_B, thanks for asking

[scuba]

Like any supplement, overuse is as damaging as low counts.  Excellent question on testing Dona_B, thanks for asking

 

Think about your diet and what you tend to "not eat" either because you don't like eating it or it is not available.

Then think about what nutrients are missing.  Those are the supplements that may be needed. Not more - just enough.

 

In my case - I was deficient in vitamin D (as D3), and K2. So I supplement those every day in amounts I believe to be therapeutic. I also take Magnesium (as Magnesium Taurate) twice a day to facilitate the extra D I take.

 

I do not take supplements listed in the article cited above. Vitamin E and beta-carotene require enzymes in food to work properly. Best just to eat food rich in those vitamins.

 

For CML - so far the only data I have come across involved vitamin D and K2 (and Curcumin). Not a cure - just nutritional support to help our TKI's do their job better - and perhaps (as I am testing) go TKI free one day and remain in remission.

[carrie]

Hi all! I came across an excellent article this morning about vitamin D! Enjoy fellow CML friends!

http://articles.merc...tia_facebookdoc

Thanks for the article, CMcLain----cute way to spell your name. ;0)

[carrie]

Hi Carrie,

 

Likely your vitamin D3 dose is way too low. Unless you are out in the noon sun for 30 minutes every day - you are not creating enough vitamin D on your own.

 

My doctor prescribed 50,000 IU's of vitamin D each week for six weeks in order to get my vitamin D level up just to the normal range.

I currently take 5,000 IU's per day for each day I am not in the sun (which is most days). But I also take vitamin K2 which "consumes" vitamin D to do its thing. I can barely keep my D level above 55-60.

I will increase my dose. Thanks for the information. Next time I go to my regular doctor, I will have her test my Vitamin D levels.

[pammartin]

I am the broken record here, but I do think it is important to stress the fact although vitamins and supplements are a good idea they are also dangerous. As Scuba noted, his testing showed low levels and he is taking higher doses with his oncologist's blessing.

 

High levels of VD are dangerous just as any other vitamin or supplement.  The body doesn't always rid itself of excess especially vitamins.  Scuba is following his oncologist on his journey, and only takes the amount of VD prescribed.  As he noted the vitamins and supplements are aimed at assisting the TKI and the body to make it healthier. 

 

Please be responsible, according to Mayo Clinic, excess VD is toxic and can build up excess amounts of calcium in the body.  Poor appetite, nausea, vomiting, weakness, and kidney problems are associated with excess VD. 

 

High doses are used to bring a patient up to a safe level but then are usually reduced to 600 IU a day.  A person taking 50,000 IU a day for several months reveals a high potential for toxicity. 

 

Excess VD is uncommon but usually occurs when supplements are overused.  People with kidney or liver problems are at a higher risk for toxicity.

 

Just sayin'....