[cathycnm]

#1071910

erobinson – There are a couple answers to your question. First of all – when we are hypo, I believe I read that it depresses vit D about 25 or 30%. I would have to look up exact #s. Like you, I am D deficient and have been on Rx megadoses for about 3 years now. The vit D we take has to be converted into an active form. I was told that I may lack one of the enzymes in this process. There are about 3 pre-genetic conditions they are finding in osteoporosis – that is one of them (I had osteo before Graves).

A whole lot of us are Vit D deficient and they are looking at raising the RDA. If is an oil soluble vit – so unless your doc tells you to take more than normal, you should not. It sounds like you are following with a doctor. I take 7,000 a day to stay in the theraputic range – that is a ton (the RDA is 400)!!! Vit D has been used in rat poisen – for for those reading this – don’t go out and take a ton of it without your doctor monitoring your levels. There are some good general recommendations on the national osteoporosis foundation site under the prevention tab.

So – if you are or have recently been hyper, there may be a connection with lower vit D levels. However – a lot of people are probably hypo vit D and don’t know it.

I don’t know of a link with Graves and melanoma – but I believe there may be a vit D link. I know they are finding D is probably a cancer preventing agent. It is more of a hormone than a vitamen. Hope that helps. Good luck on the D. Cathy

[erobinson219]

#1019478

I recently found out along with some other tests done that I have a vitamin D deficiency. I had to take a prescription strength dose for 5 days and now have to take one a month for a while. Does Graves have anything do to with this or do I have to look in another direction to understand what might be affecting my having this deficiency?

By the way, I eat plenty of dairy and was already taking a vitamin D supplement of 1000 units a day. I do not go out in the sune since I had melanoma twice – only on the surface of my skin thank goodness, so I am sure I need to supplement due to that. But somehow it was not enough.

I doubt there is any connection between Graves and melanoma so I guess I just have some rotten genes.

[erobinson219]

#1071911

Thanks for the info. I find this just fascinating. My doctor put me on 5000 units a day for 5 days and then said to take once a month. I will get it checked again and monitor it since it may very well be linked to other issues that could be helped thru maintaining propoer levels. I am going for my first bone density sacn this weekend so I will find out just where I am with any bone loss situation. Hope it’s not too bad.

[Kimberly]

#1071912

erobinson219 wrote:I recently found out along with some other tests done that I have a vitamin D deficiency. I had to take a prescription strength dose for 5 days and now have to take one a month for a while. Does Graves have anything do to with this or do I have to look in another direction to understand what might be affecting my having this deficiency?

I haven’t seen a specific study, but apparently there is evidence of a link between vitamin D and overall thyroid health. I’ve been seeing the same endo for 18 months, and they recently tested my vitamin D levels for the first time. My levels were a little low, and the PA recommended that I take 1,000 iu per day, either in liquid or capsule form. She also said to take the supplement with food, preferably something with a little fat in it, to aid in absorption.

It will be interesting to get more info on the vitamin D / thyroid connection. This seems to be quite a hot button right now.

[erobinson219]

#1071913

I wonder if that’s why I crave cheeses right now…

[ShirlSue55]

#1071914

Hi erobinson
I too have a very low Vit. D level–I found out after fracturing my heel this past summer (June 08 before I knew I had GD). It is the hardest bone in your body and I did not have an injury to cause the break….the MD’s intially thought it was related to not being able to absorb fat soluble vitamins as well due to the surgery for my pancreas cancer. I had a bone scan done and some of my "numbers" indicate early bone loss. I take multivitamins, calcium and Vit. D supplements. Now I’m wondering if there is a thyroid connection? I love milk, cheese and greek yogurt!!
Shirlsue55

[erobinson219]

#1071915

what is greek yogurt????

my passion right now – other than trying every cheese in the store that is being sampled – is freshly made mozzerella. i probably can’t totally blame my thyroid and vitamin condition on the craving for this but it is like a pregnancy craving…. i want to leran how to make it at home now

let’s see if getting the vitamin D deficiency under control changes that – i will be very interested in knowing if my body was yelling at me or not

[ShirlSue55]

#1071916

Greek yogurt is thicker because all the extra whey or liquid has beeen strained from it. The lowfat/ fat free kinds taste great because they are so thick making it taste creamier and much richer than regular yogurts. I buy two brands–Fage and Oikios. Not sure where you live and if they are available to you–I live in midwest area (Kansas) and get them at Hy-Vee Stores or Whole Foods Market.
I watch Food Network and saw one of the chef’s straining regular yogurt through cheescloth to get rid of the excess liquid and make it thicker but don’t remember the process of how long etc. Try fresh sliced mozzarella with chopped fresh tomatoes and basil then top it with balsamic vinegarette dressing.
I crave things also and believe my body is "yelling" at me because I never used to do that except when I was pregnant also ” title=”Smile” />
Shirlee

[Author]

Posts