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My Body Genetically Depletes My Vitamin D Levels Really Fast

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Posted on Wed, 11 Oct 2023
Question: I believe that my body genetically depletes my Vitamin D levels really fast, based on test results and family history. What is the best treatment?

There is more I have to explain. When I started taking the weekly 50,000 IU supplement, I found out that I felt really dehydrated and had to go to the bathroom a lot, which is a symptom of Vitamin D toxicity (https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/vitamin-d-toxicity/faq-0000). However, I noticed that I am Vitamin D deficient one week again after I take the supplement, which means my body depletes Vitamin D really fast.

I believe when my body depletes Vitamin D really fast, all of the supplement goes into my bloodstream, causing the toxicity. However, the levels also go down really fast.

Additionally, it should be known my father and brother have the exact same problem.
More information on Genetic Vitamin D deficiency (https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/news/0000/genes-may-play-arole-in-vitamin-d-deficiency#1). Because my father and brother have the exact same problem, and we all eat normally, I am convinced it is mostly genetic.

Rephrasing my question: Should I take less Vitamin D daily, or is there another drug that could prevent rapid depletion of Vitamin D levels?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Mahboob Ur Rahman (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Please see detalied answer.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Infact this is not known if any such disease exists where vit D is lost this rapidly .Regarding your probelms let me explain that for you.
Your tests definitely shows deficiency of vit D .You said when you take 50000 , you develop certain symptoms which look like vit D excess.Howe'ver thus may not be very true.Infact symptoms of vit D toxication are non specific and such symptoms may occur simply with any drug .For example we may experience nausea or vomiting and diarrhea woth any drug .We don't have any eveidence that you have excess of vit D. because for a value like yours that is 12 , to causes toxication you would need a very large dose of vit D or for a prolong times..It's almost not possible to cause intoxication of vit d by taking 50000 U a week for few weeks..because upto 6 lack units would only be needed to replete the deficiency. After that a very large amount would be needed to cause toxication.( very high level are needed to cause intoxication ) So I understand that infact you didn't develop excess .The symptoms may be there simply by taking the drug like with any drug ( this can be confrmed by cheking the level , did you ever cheked vit D level at the times when you felt the symptoms of intoxication to see if it's really very high ???? ) if not cheked I would advise you should chek it , and if it was very high at that time then we may think .But if low or normal then probably the symptoms are not of intoxication.

Now Let's come to your probelm. As the level is clearly low , you need to take vit D , you can opt for the daily dose like 1000 to 2000 units daily if you can't tolerate the 50000 units a week..and keep on cheking your level .Probably 6 weeks would be needed to gain the normal level.
Another solution would be to get the injectable vit D if you can't tolerate the oral.It's available in intra muscular injection as well.So that's how you need to replete the deficiency, and if you really get very high level some times and then again low in little times ( as you said )then this would be something really rare and interesting .I would be glad to search for such a disease. But we should first confirm it by doing the serial levels as we don't know yet any such disease ( but it does not mean it can't exist , so let's cofirm it first )

Hopes if it is clear now, let me know if you have any further question about this .I would be glad to answer .Kind Regards.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Answered by
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Dr. Mahboob Ur Rahman

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2012

Answered : 2305 Questions

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My Body Genetically Depletes My Vitamin D Levels Really Fast

Brief Answer: Please see detalied answer. Detailed Answer: Hi, Infact this is not known if any such disease exists where vit D is lost this rapidly .Regarding your probelms let me explain that for you. Your tests definitely shows deficiency of vit D .You said when you take 50000 , you develop certain symptoms which look like vit D excess.Howe'ver thus may not be very true.Infact symptoms of vit D toxication are non specific and such symptoms may occur simply with any drug .For example we may experience nausea or vomiting and diarrhea woth any drug .We don't have any eveidence that you have excess of vit D. because for a value like yours that is 12 , to causes toxication you would need a very large dose of vit D or for a prolong times..It's almost not possible to cause intoxication of vit d by taking 50000 U a week for few weeks..because upto 6 lack units would only be needed to replete the deficiency. After that a very large amount would be needed to cause toxication.( very high level are needed to cause intoxication ) So I understand that infact you didn't develop excess .The symptoms may be there simply by taking the drug like with any drug ( this can be confrmed by cheking the level , did you ever cheked vit D level at the times when you felt the symptoms of intoxication to see if it's really very high ???? ) if not cheked I would advise you should chek it , and if it was very high at that time then we may think .But if low or normal then probably the symptoms are not of intoxication. Now Let's come to your probelm. As the level is clearly low , you need to take vit D , you can opt for the daily dose like 1000 to 2000 units daily if you can't tolerate the 50000 units a week..and keep on cheking your level .Probably 6 weeks would be needed to gain the normal level. Another solution would be to get the injectable vit D if you can't tolerate the oral.It's available in intra muscular injection as well.So that's how you need to replete the deficiency, and if you really get very high level some times and then again low in little times ( as you said )then this would be something really rare and interesting .I would be glad to search for such a disease. But we should first confirm it by doing the serial levels as we don't know yet any such disease ( but it does not mean it can't exist , so let's cofirm it first ) Hopes if it is clear now, let me know if you have any further question about this .I would be glad to answer .Kind Regards.