a public health service

[George Jung]

A lot of us are 'of the age' where osteoporosis is a concern. We tend to think of it as a danger for postmenopausal women, but men are also affected. I do a lot of counseling on this (and other topics), but this one is rapidly changing, especially over the past few years. The D levels they mention are quite a bit lower than what I'm reading in the literature; they're recommending levels of 50 - 60 now, generally. I've yet to see a level above 25 in anyone not taking a supplement. And if you live 'up north', it's almost guaranteed yours will be low. Besides bone health, D is notable for a plethora of other ailments. A link:

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/25/health/25brody.html?_r=1&src=me&ref=homepage

[Ian McColgin]

Good reminder. Thank you.

[Norman Bernstein]

I've never had mine tested... but I have a friend who uses the same PCP as I do, and he's a complete nut on the vitamin D thing. My doctor seems to be on the fence, saying he'll include a Vitamin D test on my next blood work if I want. I do drink a lot of skim milk... unsure how effective that is, though.

[George Jung]

I've been checking levels on 'persons of risk', and have been amazed at how low the levels are.

One crusty old, but very vigorous female rancher (she'd fit right in here, and in fact, I've had my suspicions), with sun-damaged skin, quite leathery, in fact, tore me a new one when I suggested I check a level.

I'd quote her verbatim, but I think the Great and Powerful Scot would abscond with me head, so ....

"You dumb, ignerant bastid, look at my skin! I get plenty of sun! My Vit D is just fine"

Being a mild, soft-spoken sort, I agreed. Whereupon, she decided to get the level - her Medicare would pay for it.

Hers was 7. She's on supplement now. BTW, from what I'm reading, as we get the serum D levels up, we're not going to need as much calcium supplement. We'll see.

[Norman Bernstein]

I've been checking levels on 'persons of risk', and have been amazed at how low the levels are.

One crusty old, but very vigorous female rancher (she'd fit right in here, and in fact, I've had my suspicions), with sun-damaged skin, quite leathery, in fact, tore me a new one when I suggested I check a level.

I'd quote her verbatim, but I think the Great and Powerful Scot would abscond with me head, so ....

"You dumb, ignerant bastid, look at my skin! I get plenty of sun! My Vit D is just fine"

Being a mild, soft-spoken sort, I agreed. Whereupon, she decided to get the level - her Medicare would pay for it.

Hers was 7. She's on supplement now. BTW, from what I'm reading, as we get the serum D levels up, we're not going to need as much calcium supplement. We'll see.

Ok, you've convinced me. The Vitamin D bottle is on the kitchen counter (my wife takes it), and it's no big deal to add it to the trio of pills I take every day, anyhow.... I'm scheduled for a follow-up blood draw in April (I get one every 4 months), so I'll ask for the Vitamin D assay then... and see where I am.

[George Jung]

That's exactly what I've done. You might get a level 'before'; if yours are low, it can take awhile to get them where you want.

And ask your Dr. what he thinks/recommends; he may very well disagree with me. Internet med advice isn't worth much; I always think of that FarSide cartoon 'On the internet, nobody knows yer a dog'.

edit: I'd be interested in what your Drs. take/advice is.