My Vitamin D Levels SUCKED for Decades

Eleven years ago, my blood test revealed a vitamin D level of 21.1 ng/mL. I was shocked. This low level put me at risk for several health problems, including autoimmune disease patients and even cancer.

My back, neck, and joints constantly ached due to inflammation. I later discovered vitamin D resistance as a contributing factor, a hidden issue more common than I realized.

This post explores vitamin D resistance, its causes, and solutions for well-being. Normal vitamin D blood serum levels don't guarantee sufficient vitamin D activity within your cells.

This is where vitamin D resistance, affecting countless individuals, comes into play. This involves hereditary vitamin D resistance as a potential factor.

Could you be one of them? This post delves into vitamin D resistance, its causes, how to address it, and its impact on overall health.

Understanding Vitamin D Resistance

Vitamin D resistance is like a stiff door, requiring excessive force to open. Your cells' receptors need high-dose vitamin D to function correctly.

This reduces vitamin D's effectiveness despite seemingly normal blood test results. This can result in a type of vitamin D-resistant rickets due to hereditary resistance.

Causes of Vitamin D Resistance

Genetics plays a significant role in vitamin D resistance, influencing predispositions to inflammatory responses. Genetic mutations can affect VDR gene expression and inflammatory genes.

This can lead to high PTH levels despite normal vitamin D levels. Infections like Lyme disease can impair vitamin D receptors.

Nutrient deficiencies, particularly magnesium, zinc, and vitamin K2, contribute because vitamin D relies on them for activation.

Vitamin D resistance can be linked to vitamin D-resistant diseases, even with high serum vitamin D levels.

Chronic stress hinders vitamin D function due to elevated cortisol levels. Darker skin pigmentation affects vitamin D3 absorption due to melanin's protective effect.

These factors can lead to elevated PTH and contribute to d-resistant diseases. It is essential to consult a doctor for clinical benefits and personalized advice if you suspect a hereditary vitamin D resistance.

Vitamin D and Immune Health

Vitamin D is crucial for health, significantly impacting the immune system. Vitamin D interacts with about 10% of human genes, influencing diverse bodily functions.

Sufficient levels contribute to a robust immune system, potentially aiding in fighting tumors and other chronic issues.

This highlights the importance of understanding high-dose vitamin D therapy and its potential benefits in cases of vitamin D resistance.

The Importance of Adequate Vitamin D Intake

The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for vitamin D may be lower than what recent studies suggest. Many believe 8,000 IUs daily might be more beneficial than the recommended 600 IUs.

A vitamin D-rich diet, along with adequate supplementation for vitamin D-resistant patients, is important for managing vitamin D resistance effectively.

Therapeutic high-dose vitamin D supplementation may be considered in certain cases of vitamin D resistance, especially in cases involving defective mineralization and muscle weakness.

Consider using high doses of vitamin D to combat vitamin D-resistant diseases. Consult a doctor for personalized advice if you suspect a hereditary vitamin D resistance.

Exploring Research into Vitamin D Resistance

Medical literature, like The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, has long acknowledged vitamin D resistance and potential therapeutic high doses.

Some rickets cases may require doses near one million IUs of vitamin D for effective treatment. This is especially true in cases of resistant rickets.

Some health professionals utilize high-dose vitamin D to combat serious illnesses, like autoimmune disorders or eye problems.

Some patients have found improvements through targeted nutritional therapy. Understanding vitamin D resistance is essential, particularly in disease patients, to ensure appropriate clinical benefits.

Always consult with a healthcare professional for guidance on appropriate dosage and treatment for any health concerns related to vitamin D resistance or vitamin D-resistant diseases.

Self-treating can be dangerous, especially with high doses of vitamin D, which can lead to high serum calcium levels and other complications.

Medical supervision is necessary to monitor and adjust treatment based on individual needs and responses.

Addressing Vitamin D Resistance

Several factors influence vitamin D usage. Besides sunlight exposure, proper vitamin D3 supplementation is vital.

Vitamin D toxicity from excessive calcium absorption is a concern, but data suggests minimal risk. In vitamin D-resistant diseases, patients often require high doses to achieve clinical benefits.

However, managing calcium intake is crucial to avoid complications like high serum calcium levels. Therapeutic high-dose vitamin D should always be under medical supervision.

Managing Calcium Intake

Lower calcium intake if experiencing issues with excess calcium due to vitamin D supplementation. This can be achieved through dietary adjustments.

A low calcium intake, especially long-term, can cause problems. Counter this by consuming dairy and magnesium.

Ample water intake minimizes complications with vitamin D. Those with autoimmune disorders need medical supervision and regular calcium level checks via blood work.

For chronic kidney disease patients, careful monitoring of OH2D levels is crucial during high-dose vitamin D therapy.

Dosage Recommendations for Infants, Children, and Adults

Infants under one year typically need 1,000 IUs of vitamin D3 daily, though some may need more. Breastfeeding mothers should take 8,000–10,000 IUs, as breast milk vitamin D relies on maternal stores.

This is particularly important in cases of hereditary vitamin D resistance to ensure adequate vitamin D levels in the infant. For personalized guidance, consult with a healthcare professional specializing in vitamin D-resistant diseases.

After one year, children need about 3,000 IUs daily. Teenagers and adults can aim for 8,000–10,000 IUs.

The Institute of Medicine deems 10,000 IUs safe, with no toxicity signs, offering ample benefits. This information is important for individuals with potential vitamin D resistance to discuss appropriate dosage with their doctor.

Conclusion

Vitamin D resistance is often missed due to misunderstandings about how vitamin D functions. Blood tests don’t tell the whole story, as optimal levels and efficient cellular absorption are distinct.

Further research is crucial for complete understanding. Don’t dismiss the potential for resistance.

Addressing nutritional imbalances and using the insights provided here can greatly enhance well-being and cell health, even without vitamin D resistance as a factor.

Ensure appropriate vitamin D intake and consider potential underlying issues. Remember, health is a multifaceted journey.

FAQs about vitamin D resistance

What causes vitamin D resistance?

Vitamin D resistance can stem from genetic mutations affecting vitamin D receptors (VDR), infections like Lyme disease, and nutrient deficiencies (magnesium, zinc, vitamin K2).

Chronic stress, medications, and darker skin pigmentation can also play a role, as can high PTH levels in the body.

Can you be resistant to vitamin D?

Yes, vitamin D resistance is a real and relatively common issue. Blood tests may not fully reflect cellular vitamin D activity, leading to undiagnosed cases.

Hereditary resistance to the active form of vitamin D, known as dihydroxy vitamin D, is a significant factor in some individuals.

This condition often necessitates high doses of vitamin D to achieve therapeutic effects and maintain healthy bone mineralization.

How do you overcome vitamin D resistance?

Overcoming vitamin D resistance involves adjusting vitamin D3 intake, managing calcium levels through diet and magnesium intake, and ensuring regular sun exposure.

It's also important to consider underlying conditions that can contribute to vitamin D resistance.

Addressing factors like magnesium deficiency or chronic kidney disease, which can impact the biologically active vitamin D levels, is crucial for improving vitamin D utilization.

Patients with conditions like hereditary vitamin D resistance or other vitamin D-resistant diseases might require higher doses of vitamin D supplementation and close medical monitoring.

Why is my body not absorbing vitamin D?

Several factors can impair vitamin D absorption and utilization. These include deficiencies in magnesium, zinc, and vitamin K2, conditions like Lyme disease, chronic stress, and skin pigmentation.

Insufficient sun exposure and chronic kidney disease can also affect vitamin D processing. Medical advice is essential for medication adjustments and personalized treatment.

Consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment options for vitamin D-resistant diseases. Never rely solely on home remedies. Always seek professional guidance.