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Can't Take Vitamin D

by Liesje
(Belgium)

Hi,

I have a quick question in regards to vitamin D. I've had my levels checked and they are within the normal lab values (not the higher levels you normally suggest Wray).

I've been using progesterone for about three months with mild success. I still have signs of estrogen dominance and I'm experimenting with higher doses now. I'm sure things will level out if I give it more time.

I was also taking Vit D3 supplements (in mild doses) to make sure I had enough to help the progesterone therapy along. The problem is that whenever I take vit D, I get palpitations (very frequently throughout the day). It took me a while to make the connection, but I noticed that whenever I stopped the vitamin D, the palpitation would go away.

I looked online and apparantly there were more people experiencing the same problem. The testimonials I read online seemed to be mostly from people with some kind of thyroid issue (hashimoto, hypothyroid,...).

The palpitations are a bit scary and they can last up to a minute so I've stopped taking the vit D altogether.

Has anyone had a similar experience and if so, do you know the cause and/or remedy to this issue? I've been thinking about light therapy instead of supplements. Suggestions anyone?

Thanks,

L.

Comments for Can't Take Vitamin D

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Dec 22, 2013
 vitamin d
by: Anonymous

Same thing happened to me when taking vit d3 . If your magnesium is low d will use up more and cause heart palps. Low magnesium levels will cause heart palps. I did a magnesium RBC ( red blood cell ) test and it showed up low magnesium. Serum blood for magnesium is no good since only 1% of you mag is in your blood , the rest is in you cells with the largest amount being in the heart.
Dec 27, 2013
 Can't Take Vitamin D
by: Joy

Hi Liesje

When you say your vitamin D tests came back as normal, what exactly is it? For the correct level please read Wray's Hormone Testing page - see here.

Pity you stopped taking vitamin D as it helps the body to absorb progesterone, it is not vitamin D which is making you feel the way you are, but progesterone which is stimulating estrogen. How much progesterone are you using, too little will cause heart palpitations. Estrogen causes prolongation of the QT interval, which results in palpitations, arrhythmia, Torsades de Pointes and sudden death. Whereas progesterone shortens the QT interval - see here and here. These symptoms occur far more frequently in women who naturally have a long QT interval, rather than men who naturally have a short QT interval.

Thyroid issues, hashimoto, hypothyroid all indicate a vitamin D deficiency - see here.

Take care.
Dec 28, 2013
 Can't Take Vitamin D
by: Liesje

Hey All,

Thanks for your response. I think low magnesium may have something to do with the issue. I've been using up to 300 mg of progesterone and have no other severe estrogen dominance symptoms, so I don't think I'm not getting enough progesterone.

I will also read the info about vitamin D and get both Vitamin D and magnesium checked at my next doctors visit.

Thanks again. Your feedback was very helpful.

Liesje
Dec 28, 2013
 Vit D is Low!
by: Liesje

Me again,

I quickly checked my last vit D test and it was 63 nmol/L, which is indeed low. I could try supplementing with some magnesium (I do seem to have other magnesium deficiency symptoms) and see if I can manage taking the Vit D after that.

Thanks again for pointing me in the right direction.

Liesje
Dec 28, 2013
 Me too.
by: Jill

Hi Liesje!

I've had issues with taking Vit D as well. When I upped my dosage significantly, I did not feel good at all. I was NOT using progesterone cream at the time.

I just tried again recently and had problems as well.

As it is- I have been supplementing Vit D but not at the recommended levels. I also supplement with Magnesium as well. All together in supplements-- I get about 3000 to 4000 ius a day.

Maybe if I supplement with more magnesium I could take more vit d.


As it is, I've supplemented with both for a very long time.

Jill
Jan 03, 2014
 Vitamin D and Calcium?
by: Anonymous

I don't know if anybody can shed some more light on the situation but I thought I'd share a bit more on the topic since I don't seem to be the only one with this problem.

After getting the suggestion that low magnesium might be the cause of palpitations when I take Vitamin D, I found out that I had been supplementing with magnesium without knowing it (my vitamin B-complex supplements contain 500 mg of magnesium, oops).

So, I'm thinking magnesium may not be the problem?

I did some research on the website of the vitamin D council and found info of hypercalcemia. Hypercalcemia creates high calcium blood levels and can be caused by Vit D toxicity but also by too much hyperparathyroid hormone (PTH).

My calcium levels are normal although on the high side (10.3 mg/dL) and my Vitamin D is low. Still I often feel an uncomfortable sensation by my thyroid and my liver when I eat certain foods and the last days (after I started taking the Vit D again) I've felt it again.

I also know I have intestinal issues (I've had a Hypo Ionic Profile test done and it turned out my immune system is being suppressed by something). The doctor suggested Leaky Gut and I've been taking Glutamine and Probiotics (also rarely eat sugary foods, no gluten and almost no starches). Whatever the cause, I have low-grade inflammation that especially effects my ligaments. I excercise, but my joints can be very painful.

I'm also hoping that the progesterone could help the inflammation issue since many women find relief from joint pain when using progesterone.

I realize I will need to get my PTH levels checked, which I will, but I was wondering if anyone had any thoughts on this?

I'm a bit afraid of continuing taking the Vit D, especially because my calcium levels are already high and I have joint pains - at times I have a strong calcium taste in my mouth. It's a bit of a smorgasbord of symptoms I know and I'm not expecting anyone to make much sense of it, but you never know...anyone?
Jan 04, 2014
 vit d3
by: Anonymous

I would still lean toward low magnesium. More than likley the magnesium you are getting is not a very absorable form . If it is magnesium oxide only 4% is being used and 500 mg is not much if you weigh very much. If you want to learn more on magnesium and vitamin d there is a face book group called Magnesium Advocacy Group you could join. You need 5x your body weight in mg. of magnesium. And if you test for mag levels you need the RBC ( magnesium red blood cell ) test and NOT the serum blood test. Only 1% of your magnesium is in your blood the rest is in your cells with the highest amount in your heart muscle.
Jan 04, 2014
 Thanks
by: Liesje

Hey Anon.

Thanks for the reply. I have decided to up my magnesium dose. I also read about the benefits of this in Dr. Uzzi Reiss' book "The Natural Superwoman". He recommends anywhere between 200 and 1000 mg twice a day. I'm not taking Magnesium Oxide and my body weight is less than 99 pounds (45 kg). Still, it seems that too much magnesium is not dangerous (I hope?), so it's worth a shot. I'll share results as soon as I know more.

L.
Jan 13, 2014
 Can't take vit d
by: Anonymous

Hi I to have same problems with vit d the first few days I took 10000 units and felt great then I started feeling bad angry and anxious I have been reading this site for many years it it a wonderful site and wray is a super blessing but to my mind there is too much emphasis on taking vit d and not enough on magnesium yes vit d is very important and a lot of people are advised to take high amounts with no mention of magnesium but without magnesium vit d cannot work and will make you feel sick I learnt the hard way many times repeating high doses of vit d and feeling bad iwas using magnesium orally and could not hold on to it for running to the bathroom ( mag of any form) so now I backed off vit for a while and use transdermal magnesium then when I feel better which I am doing so I will gradually go back to vit d
Hope this helps
Jan 15, 2014
 Can't Take Vitamin D
by: Joy

Correct when taking vitamin D, magnesium must be taken too as it is a co-factor, so too are Vitamin K2, boron and zinc. When I first started taking magnesium I also spent most of the day on the loo until I realised that I took too much too soon. Once the dose was adjusted all was well. But another source of magnesium is to bath in Epsom Salts. I do this every night place take magnesium caps. I NEVER miss a day of not taking vitamin D, it is vital.

Hope this helps.
Jan 21, 2014
 Still feeling bad on Vit D
by: Liesje

Hi,

I just wanted to share my progress in case there are other people having trouble with vitamin D supplements. I've been slowly taking more magnesium and than started taking vitamin D again (sublingual drops 5000IU/daily). Unfortunately I started feeling really bad quickly. The palpitations were mild or almost gone, but I started getting nauseous, tired (and tense at the same time) and most disturbingly, had pain by my heart, liver and kidneys. I generally just felt awful. I did some more research on vitamin D and toxicity and came across this:

"Everyone needs Vitamin D -- but how much? You can overdo Vitamin D, so caution is needed.

Vitamin D is actually the most toxic of all the vitamins. As little as ten times required amounts -- 50 mcg -- can be toxic to children. Symptoms of overdose include diarrhea, nausea, and headache. The most serious complication is the elevated blood calcium levels that too much vitamin D can cause. This condition can lead to calcium deposits in the kidneys, heart, and other tissues, causing irreversible damage."

Because I have almost all of these symptoms while taking vitamin D, I've decided that my body is telling me I simply don't tolerate these supplements. I have no doubt of the benefits of vitamin D and I know I need it, but maybe supplements are not the way to go for everyone.

If anyone had a similar experience or any insight into the situation, please share.

Thanks,

L.
Jan 21, 2014
 Can't take vit d
by: Anonymous

Iknow what you are going through every time I take vit d for a few days I get the Same symptoms one time I got so irritated and tense I had to leave my house and book into a hotel now I don't do any vit d I just take magnesium cream from ancient minerals which helps me feel better listen to your body not every body is the same with me everything seems to have the opposite effect warmth and love to wray and all us going through are mentalpause
Me symp
Jan 22, 2014
 vit d and magnesium
by: Kathy

Cod liver oil or sunshine is te best natural way to get your vit d and it's all natural. And that is the only way i will get mine. Three years ago i took vit d which is not a vit but a hormone , and today i am still ill from it. My magnesium was low when i started the d but i did not know this and after about two weeks on the d i started having all kinds of things happen to me . I had always had LOW blood pressure after two weeks on the d my bp went sky high i also had heart palps , headaches , muscle cramps , very jittery , very low energy . I was thinking i was going to die and had know ideal what was wrong so i started doing research on the vit d and found that if taking it ALWAYS take magnesium and make sure you magnesium levels are up before starting the d . I myself will from now on get my d from sun or cod liver oil . Hope this helps someone cause i sure wished i had of known about this magnesium thing years ago. Blessings
Jan 23, 2014
 Important
by: Jill

I think it is important- when advising people to take very high amounts of Vitamin- D to stress at the same time that magnesium is very important to have as well.

Its like with the advice to take 2000 mg of NAC. According to most info that I can find- you also need to supplement with Vitamin C in order to avoid oxidation.

-------------------------------------------------

"NAC (N-Acetyl-Cysteine) - Take Plenty Of Vitamin C

N-Acetyl Cysteine is a more stable compound than taking oral cysteine, but as it is metabolized, some N-Acetyl Cysteine may be oxidized and become insoluble. This may form kidney stones. It is therefore recommended that individuals taking NAC take 3 times as much vitamin C when taking NAC to prevent the NAC from being oxydized. Diabetics should consult their physician before using N-Acetyl-Cysteine, since it may have an insulin-blocking effect."

------------------------------------------------

Maybe this info is obsolete or wrong-- but I did find it on several sites. These sites also mentioned all the good that NAC can do as well-- so they weren't just saying bad things.

I think anytime someone takes a new supplement or anything- they need to research it and be careful. Just because something works for a lot of people does not mean it works beneficially for everyone. Some people are only able to get their "dosage" from natural sources without any problems. (ex: sunlight ;) )

Its just how it is.

I've had considerable problems upping my Vitamin D dosage higher as well as my NAC dosage and Taurine dosage to 2000 mgs each. I don't feel well at all and cant function.

Still- for most people, Vitamin D supplements and NAC and Taurine in high amounts does work beneficially. And in those cases its completely ok to take them. But realize that not all of us can tolerate everything in supplement form in high amounts.

We are all different. To each his own!

Still- great site and a lot of great advice and support. I appreciate it so much! :)

Take Care.

Jill
Feb 04, 2014
 Vitamin D
by: Laura

Hello Ladies,

Have really found your posts of great interest as i have regular 3 month vit d tests. I started at 89nmol then got to 143nmol but just got my latest results which had jumped to about 275nmol. Birmingham hospital actually phoned me and even they couldn't understand how 5000-10000 made it jump so high. This gave me great worry and i am now following their advice and have stopped taking it. Like they said i must be very sensitive to it, and think it has now put me off taking it again, as i can't afford £25 a month to keep a close eye on levels.
So i do agree with you ladies that everyone responds differently and 5000-10000 a day maintenance dose, is clearly not true for me and alot of other people. I had also taken 500mg of magnesium from the start so really does not make sense. I am hoping my levels drop quickly as i am worrying about every symptom i get, thinking i am toxic!!!
I realise it is a very important vitamin to help progesterone, but it is like playing with fire as without having monthly tests you just don't know how your levels are responding and this is one vitamin you can overdose on!!!!
I have also found that any vitamin you read about you then need another to help it along and it all gets very confusing and then you don't know what is helping or not helping and above all costs alot of money.
Anyway thought i would share my vit d experience with you all and think from now on i am just going to stick with the fabulous Natpro.
Take Care ladies Laura xx
Feb 06, 2014
 Important/Vitamin D
by: Joy

Hi Jill and Laura

Wray repeatedly mentions the importance of the co-factors on her website when taking vitamin D. They are: Magnesium, Boron, Zinc and Vitamin K2.

Please visit these links which cover vitamin D toxicity:
Risk assessment for vitamin D
Vitamin D supplementation, 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations, and safety.
Vitamin D supplement doses and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D in the range associated with cancer prevention.

Hope this helps.
Feb 08, 2014
 I agree
by: Jill

I do know that Wray mentions co-factors of what to take with Vitamin D on this site. But there are also plenty of times people are told to take very high levels of Vitamin D in a post and no where in the post is it mentioned to also take magnesium. I'm not saying that those posts are yours or Wrays-- just saying that they are out there.

I think Wray is pretty much always through when explaining things and backing it up with other info.

But its not just the Vitamin D-- no where here have I ever heard it said that someone should up their Vitamin C intake when taking so much NAC. And many sites out there tell you that it is very important to do. That is why it is so important to always research before taking something.

Laura- I think you are wise to stop with the Vitamin D for now. I would be terrified too with levels that high! I think Christine Northrup in on of her books warns of how easy it is to become toxic with Vitamin D supplementation.

I also agree that its confusing-- you take one thing and then there's 2 or 3 or more other things that you should take with it. Well if that's the case- can you imagine how many supplements that will add up to over time?! lol.

That just tells me that maybe its time for me to do an overhaul of my diet. If I get more of the correct nutrients from my diet- then I won't need all these- oftentimes- very costly supplements.
Mar 13, 2014
 Better now!
by: Liesje

Hi,

I justed wanted to share the fact that I now seem to tolerate vit D suppelement. I think the biggest problem was that I was taking it on an empty stomach (duh!). I do take some magnesium - but not every day. A few times a week 400 mg and I take an epsom salt foot bath twice a week.
I also don't take the large amounts. I take 25OOO IU every three weeks. My doctor told me not to take more than 1000 IU without supervision and he's not the only source that I've gotten this suggestion from so, I'd rather err on the side of caution.

I take drops in my orange juice WITH food ;)

Grts,

L.
Mar 15, 2014
 Can't Take Vitamin D
by: Joy

Hi Liesje

I personally can't take any vitamin or amino acid on an empty stomach, I make a point of taking all that I need with my breakfast, that way I do not forget.

If you have not done so already, please visit the Vitamin D Council, link provided further up on this thread. The Council was founded by Dr John Cannell, who was a psychiatrist at Atascadero State Hospital, the largest hospital in America for the criminally insane. He soon realised the benefits of vitamin D, left his psychiatry practice and started the Vitamin D Council.

All your concerns and questions regarding vitamin D can be found on his website.
Jan 11, 2015
 vitK is the answer
by: Anonymous

take your D with vitamin K!!! K2 helps move calcium into the proper areas of the body (bones and teeth) and away from soft tissues (artery walls). Too much calcium builds up in your arteries & heart & hardens them! Get the right K to move it to bones. It has to be the right kind of vit k though- mk7. I take a vitamin D sup by Metagenics that has 10,000iu D & vitamin k (mk7). Then I use mag oil or soak in Epsom... Once I did that I finally saw my D level go up.
Jan 12, 2015
 cod liver oil for vit d
by: Anonymous

Agree on the vit k that is why it is best to take cod liver oil to get your vit d . Cod liver oil has the right ratio of d and k .
Apr 01, 2015
 Magnesium info
by: Anonymous

I came across some interesting information regarding magnesium. While magnesium is often found in multivitamins and can even been taken on its own, it is not often absorbed. Once the lining of the gut is damaged it lessen or limits the ability of especially magnesium uptake. While the body is limited in this area, we still can use magnesium bath soaks or magnesium oil because the magnesium is absorbed trans-dermally. Magnesium is important; it offers essential inflammation properties that our body need desperately. Using magnesium through transdermal methods is also very relaxing and helps support a positive mood and enhanced focus.

The body is truly amazing.
Sep 13, 2015
 Can't tolerate Vitamin D or other Vitamins
by: Jan-Maree Warne

Hi, I feel like some sort of medical freak. I can not tolerate vitamin D at all. So I sit in the sun with my body exposed and after a week I had the same reactions as I do taking it orally. Muscle pain, extreme to the point that I am bed ridden. Bone pain also. As soon as I stop taking it orally or stay out of the sun for a few days my symptoms seem to all go away. I know my levels are very low but I don't feel this extreme pain with the low levels. I am having bone fractures and my G.P. is sure I have Paget's disease. Does anyone have any suggestions? I am at my wits end. janandjaime@gmail.com.
Sep 13, 2015
 crazy side effects
by: Jan-Maree Warne

Hi again,

I have already posted a comment about the fact that I get extreme pain when I take vitamin D supplements or expose myself in the sun. The pain from vitamin D intake causes so much pain for me that I can't even eat because I can't open my mouth due to jaw pain also. I have chronic arthritis and as I have said I also have multiple fractures and my G.P seems to think I have Paget's disease. I am 54 and live in Australia, which in my first post did not mention, I also did not mention that I can't take other vitamins or 90 percent of most meds as I also have crazy side effects such as hallucination when I take anti-inflammitiers ( sorry about spelling) stomach upsets like my gut is on fire, heart pallpatations, and a huge list of other effects. I know all of this sounds crazy but I have seen an immunoligist and pharmocoligist to no avail. As I have already said, does anyone know what I can do? Who should I see? I know I wont tolerate treatment for Paget's disease and this scares the hell out of me. I feel so alone and scared all the time. Thanks for listening. Jan
Sep 24, 2015
 Vit d and sun exposure
by: Anonymous

If i were in your place the first thing i would do is have a RBC magnesium blood test ( Mag RBC NOT serum blood ) You are most likely low in magnesium . I can not take Vit d or have prolonged sun exposure without getting sick with heart issues muscle twitches and cramps and bone pain among many other symptoms. Wishing you all the best !
Dec 21, 2015
 Vitamim D Dosage
by: Anonymous

Wanted to know the dosage for vitamin d cream. I am currently using the Natpro cream to. Thank you
Jan 17, 2016
 Can't Take Any Vitamin D
by: Anonymous

I am just like all the rest of you. I over react to all supplements, so I start by just taking a few sprinkles and work my way up. When I started the vitamin D, I took a 400 IU capsule (the smallest you can get) and divided it in half. I started with 100IU and even that was too much after 2 days. I had excessive urination, abdominal pain, heart palpitations, extreme thirst, headache, and back pain. The same symptoms of D toxicity. Even the infant drops are 400IU and I only took 1/4. I have Hashimotos among other things. People with Sarcoidosis and Hyperparathyroidism also can't handle Vitamin D. My blood level Vitamin D is so low it doesn't register. I have bone and joint pain. After 5-10 minutes in the sun I get red blotches, but I am going to try to get out in the sun this summer. I have dyautonomia/POTs, Mast Cell Activation Disorder, Gastro-intestional motility problems, and auto-immune disease, but my doctor says even with these things people don't have a problems taking Vitamin D. I do have a wool allergy, but I don't think that relates to supplements even though they are made from the lanolin of sheets wool. So frustrating you can't take what you need to keep your bones healthy. With bone degeneration what are you supposed to do? Hope we find the answers soon.

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