I have had a couple of people recommend taking vitamin D for the fatigue. Anyone else have any experience taking it? Does it help?
I don't know about helping with fatigue, but it would make sense to me. I am very low on vit D. My rheumatologist explained to me about something in the body that Vit D helps with, which is one of the main reasons we need it. I forgot just what it is, it helps with...something in the muscles. And then my doc explained that when we finally get enough vitamin D in our bodies, and nourish our muscles, our pain and stiffness lessens. I haven't experienced that part of it yet though! I tend to stay low on Vit D. Even with my prescription. but it would make sense, that if it truly does help lessen our pain, then that right there, might make us feel better, and rest better, and sleep better too. I don't know. Just my opinion.
Vicky
I was tested about 2 years ago and my level was 14 and the normal level is 100. I live in Wisconsin and with the winters and lack of sun here doesn’t help. I immediately went on 2000 iu’s a day but didn’t bring my levels up enough. I now take 2000 iu’s in the morning, at lunch, at dinner and before bed. I believe it dies help with fatigue - wish it would help with sleep, but when I was refilling my pill trays in a fog I forgot to add my morning one and night one and after 2 weeks I couldn’t figure out why I felt even worse and realized I wasn’t getting my vitamin D3. I am lactose intolerant so only vit. D I get is from yogurt which isn’t enough. It can’t hurt you to give it a try. What your body doesn’t need is excreted in your urine. Most FMS patients levels are low - 3 different docs told me that. Hope it helps~
Excess vitamin D is not excreted in the urine and can build up to toxic levels. I recommend that anyone taking more than the RDA check with their doctor.
My level is very low without big doses of Vitamin D (I take 50,000 IUs weekly), but my dose is prescribed by my physician and he checks my vitamin D level every few months to make sure it isn't too high. Because I have lupus, I avoid the sun and I am also lactose intolerant, so most of my D comes from a supplement.
Vitamin D plays an active role in many functions, including the immune system. Too little or too much can cause problems.
Please be careful with large doses of Vit D and make sure your doctor knows what you're taking and watches your level.
Mine was prescribed by my PCP and I get levels checks every 6 months. I wouldn’t recommend anyone taking any more than normally prescribed unless doctor recommended. What I meant to say is that it shouldn’t be taken all at once, as too much at one time will be excreted in urine, as my doc said your body can’t process it all at one time, thus it would get eliminated. Better to be released throughout the day so body will absorb it better.
I take 2000mg at bedtime. My internist says it will help make me drowsy. I don't think it does, I really don't think it does much of anything. Maybe someone else has another opinion? Good luck, Charlie :)
Charlie, I take my 50,000 IUs all at once on Tuesday morning. It does not cause drowsiness. If it did, I'd be asleep all day. ;)
Part of my reply didn't post.
Sandi, the prescription dose is one capsule of 50,000 IUs, taken usually once weekly. Even in very large doses, the majority is stored by the body, not excreted in urine.
Sharon
I agree, I haven't had any improvement in m sleep since I started taking it. I was just repeating what the doc said. By the way, wow, how do you swallow that many pills? Charlie :)
Are you asking me, Charlie? That's just one pill. :)