I have osteoporosis that has become worse over the past 3 years. One problem I found was that my vitamin D, although "normal", was not "optimal" when tested a year ago. This past march I had my vitamin D tested again and it was much higher. It went from 24 to 42.

Then, I looked carefully at the labs I realized the last test that was done was the wrong test! Instead of 25hydroxy-vitamin D the lab did the l.25 dihydroxy-vitamin D.

I called my doctor and he reordered the correct test.

If you want to read more about vitamin D, it can be found in The Gluten File http://jccglutenfree.googlepages.com/vitamind

It is so important to get a copy of all your labs to be sure the results are optimal, the tests wanted were done AND the correct test was done.
Anne

Hi Anne, I just relized this last year how important it is to ask for the actually test numbers, so you may look yourself, even if ya can't read them. You can always figure it out yourself. I was given my medical file of 5 yrs and looking back on the tests that were run, lots of the numbers were low normal. Of course if the lab doesn't flag it the dr just assumes its normal. I went years with low normal B12 and Iron till I finally started asking for the numbers. Get the facts in front of you, don't relie (sadly) on your dr. Patricia

Patricia, glad that you were able to figure out your B12 and iron.
Anne

I got my vitamin D results I hope this helps me build healthy bone.

! Vitamin D, 25-Hydroxy 43.7 ng/mL
reference range was 32.0-100.0

What amazed me is that the old reference range was 8.9-46.7ng/ml - the lab raised it.

I am almost in the optimal range according to Mercola http://www.mercola.com/2002/feb/23/v...deficiency.htm

The lab result that I am not happy about is my hsCRP - it was higher. It was 4.5 and now it is 8.5. It has been as high as 13. This is a marker for inflammation and is a risk factor for heart disease. I have already had bypass surgery. I was hoping that a GF diet would bring down the CRP

Anne

Hugs, Anne! I understand! Do you take fish oils? You might consider upping your dosage if you do or starting to take them if you don't. Fish oil is very good for you in many ways.

Rachel

I do take fish oil and you are right, I need to take more. I take only 1000. Anyone know anything about Krill oil vs fish oil?
Anne

Hi Anne,

Marilyn here. I was just tested last month for Vit D 25 Hydroxy, and my results showed that my level was 24 (20-100)nl.
This is after being on a GF diet for just over 15 months, and taking 1200 - 1600 IU of D daily for + 12 months. In 01 last time the test was done it was 35 (eating gluten at that time). I wonder how much lower it might have been without me knowing it. It will be interesting to see what this year's Dexa results will be. Perhaps this explains why in spite of taking medication, calcium and extra D, and weight training that the bone density shows minimal improvement.

Hi Marilyn, Sorry to hear that your vitamin D level fell Where do you live? Is it possible to get some sun? Time needed in the sun to make adequate D is dependent upon the latititude of where you live and the color of your skin.

What does your doctor say about your vitamin D result?
Anne

Hi Anne,

I live in MI, and we get less sun than you do. I am currently taking a bio emulsion Vit D, 2000 IU per gtt. I am delighted that your Vit D level is up where it is almost normal. Sorry to hear about your hsCRP. Do you take fish oil?
Supposed to be good for inflammation according to Dr. Barry Sears. I certainly appreciate your concern in view of your past cardiac history. See his comments in answer to a question, below.

"Do I need statins?


Q. My HDL = 60, LDL = 246, TOT = 321, TGL = 75, CRP = .1, insulin = 2. My doctor wants me to take Lovastatin to reduce the LDL. Do you think this is necessary? I'm a 55-year-old male who exercises regularly and eats Zone-like meals. I do not currently take fish oil capsules.


A. Your low TG/HDL ratio indicates that most of your LDL particles are large, non- atherogenic particles. Also your CRP is very low. The primary benefit of statins is reducing CRP, which simply can't go much further down. I would suggest taking fish oil to further reduce upstream inflammation. A recent meta-analysis has shown that fish oil is equal, if not superior, to statins in reducing both all-cause and cardiac mortality. "

I am going to write to Dr. Fine and see whether he has any suggestions. The good news on latest lab work was that my albumin level is > 4, and TP is 6.9 - these are best results since 1997 so I am happy about that, and hopefully means that my GI tract is healing.

Marilyn

Marilyn, Congrats on your improved labs.

I do take Fish Oil. Recently I tried Eskimo 3 by Enzymatic Therapy and it does not leave me burping for half a day. Now I need to increase the dose. I am taking only 1gm. My heart doctor told me to take 3 gms.

DH is on Omacor which is a prescription fish oil - omega 3 acid ethyl esters - is that any different than non-prescription fish oil?

I was on statins for a short time but they caused muscle pain. My cholesterol was never very bad - he wanted me to take them for the "protective" effect. I am far from convinced that they are as good as the docs have been told by the pharmaceutical companies.

Anne