Hi,

I am a 45 year old woman with a low vitamin D count of 24 (it should be around 60) and have been advised to take Vitamin D and Calcium. Can anyone recommend what kind of D vitamin and what kind of Calcium. There are so many kinds! Thanks.

Ann from the PN board

I use Vit D in two forms...

A concentrated one with alot of Vit A.. a concentrated cod liver oil by
NOW company. I take it twice a week.
http://www.iherb.com/store/ProductDe...&pid=NOW-00362
Because I am hypothyroid, I use this product, because hypos cannot convert A well from Betacarotene. ( I used to use it daily, until the one below came out)

And NatureMade Vit D3 which I buy in bulk size 400 IU each at Costco.
They just came out with it. I take 3 of these twice a week.

You won't find a good mixture I don't think, that will allow you the higher
D3 now that is recommended. What did your doctor say to take?
I'd do the D3, customize it to your needs and take the calcium separately.

I really like Maalox Multi (instant dissolve)... for my calcium.
If you have a history of kidney stones, calcium citrate is preferred.
Take the calcium in multiple doses, not all at once...since there is a ceiling
on absorption/dose. There are so many calciums... take your pick. Someone may come along with their favorite.

I don't use Vit D in the summer, when I am outside and tanning.
I am still cautious with it, as I have not had a blood level drawn yet.

I take Citracal with D per my ob/gyn's recommendation. It is the ONLY one that does not cause nausea that I have found. But, that's just me.

I also take Citracal - Calcium Citrate Petites (smaller size, easier to swallow) with Vitamin D. The tablets are coated. The label says Vitamin D3 = 400 IU and Calcium 400 mg. Directions = take 1 to 2 tablets two times daily. I never have had an upset stomach. I will probably find just a Calcium supplement for summer as I also am outside all the time mowing grass, planting flowers and tending to my flower gardens, and swimming with my daughter and granddaughters.

My Integrative physician recommends vitamin D manufactured by a company called Biotics Research. The product name is Bio-D mulsion Forte. It is a liquid form that is very easily absorbed. Each drop gives you 2000 IUS of vitamin D3. Depending on how deficient you are, deterimines the daily amount you should supplement with. It is also imperative to have your vitamin D (25OH) levels checked every 3-6 months to ensure that you are absorbing the supplement and to adjust the dosage accordingly.

I personally started out with a level of 12 circulating in my blood and after 4 months of supplementing with Bio D Mulsion, my level rose to 63. I continue to supplement with it even after 2 years and my blood levels have stabilized in the 60's.

My physician also recommends Calcium Lactate as it has no milk derivatives and is very easily absorbed by most people. I buy my calcium through Twinlabs.

Bryanna