[senior citizen]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cholecalciferol
???? Last paragraph re "toxicity" ????A bit troubling to see that it’s used for rodent poison. See above hyperlink.

My Nature’s Way Womans 50+ ALIVE Vitamins/Vitamin D3 from Sheep Lanolin 1,600 units per day (2 gummy's)……

Any scientists/chemists out there with an opinion re taking this form of D3?

I actually think my joints feel stiffer since taking these vitamins……

I thought it might be healthier as it has 26 fruits and vegetables supplying the other vitamins, however, the fact that the D3 is obtained from "lanolin" has been bothering me all along, and truthfully I probably get enough D from eggs, fish, etc……now that our sunshine has returned……..from a natural source as well.

I did take them all winter long due to our total lack of sunshine.....but now am rethinking it.When I contacted Nature’s Way in the beginning, they were upfront about where their D3 came from.Sheep’s lanolin.

I'm wondering if this can build up in one's system????
Thanks in advance.........

[Villages PL]

Originally Posted by senior citizen

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cholecalciferol
???? Last paragraph re "toxicity" ????A bit troubling to see that it’s used for rodent poison. See above hyperlink.

My Nature’s Way Womans 50+ ALIVE Vitamins/Vitamin D3 from Sheep Lanolin 1,600 units per day (2 gummy's)……

Any scientists/chemists out there with an opinion re taking this form of D3?

I actually think my joints feel stiffer since taking these vitamins……

I thought it might be healthier as it has 26 fruits and vegetables supplying the other vitamins, however, the fact that the D3 is obtained from "lanolin" has been bothering me all along, and truthfully I probably get enough D from eggs, fish, etc……now that our sunshine has returned……..from a natural source as well.

I did take them all winter long due to our total lack of sunshine.....but now am rethinking it.When I contacted Nature’s Way in the beginning, they were upfront about where their D3 came from.Sheep’s lanolin.

I'm wondering if this can build up in one's system????
Thanks in advance.........

Your link, under "industrial production", tells how D3 is produced from sheep's wool. That must be the standard way of producing it. When I called the company that makes my liquid form of D3 they told me it was produced from sheep's wool. I suppose it doesn't matter where it comes from as long as it is chemically the same as what we would produce by exposing ourselves to sunlight. D3 is D3 regardless where it comes from.

Toxicity: I have two vitamin books by different authors and they make recommendations based on age, just as your link does under "dose". For those under 70 it's 600 IU per day and for those over 70 it is 800 IU per day.

My personal opinion is: Going over the recommended dosage could be toxic to certain individuals, depending on their health status. It might build up to a toxic level if the person has a slow metabolism.

After getting my blood tested for D3 (I had to ask for it.) my doctor recommended a large dose. Long story short, I couldn't tolerate a large dose. The symptom I got was pressure building up in my head. I decided to trust the recommendations from my 2 vitamin books. But when I went shopping for 800 IU of D3 I found that it doesn't exist. So I ended up buying it in liquid form. The bottle comes with an eye dropper and each drop provides 200 IU.

My last blood test indicated I was low so I have now increased the number of drops to 5. That's 1,000 IU and I will be retested later this year. The funny thing is I once tried a 1,000 IU tablet and could not tolerate it. After several days it seemed to build up in my system, but the liquid form is not doing that.

[senior citizen]

Originally Posted by Villages PL

Your link, under "industrial production", tells how D3 is produced from sheep's wool. That must be the standard way of producing it. When I called the company that makes my liquid form of D3 they told me it was produced from sheep's wool. I suppose it doesn't matter where it comes from as long as it is chemically the same as what we would produce by exposing ourselves to sunlight. D3 is D3 regardless where it comes from.

Toxicity: I have two vitamin books by different authors and they make recommendations based on age, just as your link does under "dose". For those under 70 it's 600 IU per day and for those over 70 it is 800 IU per day.

My personal opinion is: Going over the recommended dosage could be toxic to certain individuals, depending on their health status. It might build up to a toxic level if the person has a slow metabolism.

After getting my blood tested for D3 (I had to ask for it.) my doctor recommended a large dose. Long story short, I couldn't tolerate a large dose. The symptom I got was pressure building up in my head. I decided to trust the recommendations from my 2 vitamin books. But when I went shopping for 800 IU of D3 I found that it doesn't exist. So I ended up buying it in liquid form. The bottle comes with an eye dropper and each drop provides 200 IU.

My last blood test indicated I was low so I have now increased the number of drops to 5. That's 1,000 IU and I will be retested later this year. The funny thing is I once tried a 1,000 IU tablet and could not tolerate it. After several days it seemed to build up in my system, but the liquid form is not doing that.

Thank you for your input. Very interesting.

I guess "trial and error" will eventually lead to an improved outcome.

For now, I'm discontinuing my daily vitamins.............

My son, after consulting with a homeopathic doctor friend of his in Colorado, actually did send me the Vit. D3 you mention above...the liquid version with the little dropper. I never took them. In the goody bag were also some Indian spices, naturally good for arthritis, etc. I really don't like to take anything........but decided last year to try the vitamins I mentioned. Truthfully, my joint stiffness is worse with the sheep's wool lanolin D3. I've read that many others had the same outcome, thus went off of it..........thinking it might be building up in my system.

Some of the folks commenting had been diagnosed with underactive thyroids, common after menopause. Such a fine line between all of these supplements. I think I'll stick with getting mine from natural foods.....

As far as the D3, will try to just get it from the sunshine.......which has come out once more. It's not a "given" up here that we will have a sunny day or even a partially sunny day.......whereas you are blessed with abundant sunshine in Florida.

I have read that the fear of skin cancer for so many years now, along with massive use of Sun Block on children and adults, has led to some Vitamin D3 deficiencies.........also that it only takes from 10 minutes to 20 minutes of sunshine on exposed face or hands to be beneficial.

Thanks again.

[senior citizen]

Will try the turmeric for inflammation, as a tasty alternative. Tossed the vitamins.

Can't hurt; plan to sauté my onions with the turmeric later........plus in my Indian rice / veggies.



Turmeric * Bharat Aggarwal
Health Benefits: Reduces Inflammation

"Turmeric is a kitchen staple in India, found in just about every dish that crosses the table — a fact that has not been lost on researchers, who observed 30 years ago that the incidence of chronic illnesses among people in India is significantly lower than in most Western countries, especially the United States."

"Turmeric owes its preventive and curative characteristics to its active ingredient curcumin, a compound so diverse and powerfully rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions that thousands of studies have shown that it protects and improves the health of virtually every organ in the body. Turmeric’s powerful properties help prevent oxidation and the resulting chronic, low-grade inflammation that has been shown to trigger or advance many of the diseases of modern life."

"In fact, wide research shows that turmeric, taken as supplemental curcumin, is as effective and, in some cases, even more effective than pharmaceutical drugs — without their side effects. Recently, my colleagues and I compared curcumin with anti-inflammatory and pain-killing medications. "

"And we compared curcumin with cancer drugs, testing those agents for their effectiveness in reducing inflammation and stopping the proliferation of cancer cells. Curcumin proved to be more effective at reducing inflammation than over-the-counter aspirin and ibuprofen, and as effective as the more powerful prescription drug Celebrex. It also proved as effective in thwarting breast cancer cells as tamoxifen, a drug widely used to stop the spread or recurrence of breast cancer. These results are nothing less than astounding."

"If I had only one single herb to depend upon for all possible health and dietary needs, I would chose the Indian spice turmeric," says David Frawley, PhD, founder and director of the American Institute for Vedic Studies in Santa Fe, N.M. It is a spice, he says, that everyone "should get to know and live with."

"Turmeric is the only readily available edible source of curcumin, so try to consume it as much as possible."

"May also help prevent and treat:
Acne, allergies, Alzheimer’s, arthritis, asthma, cancer, cholesterol problems, colitis (inflammatory bowel disease), cystic fibrosis, depression, dermatitis, type 2 diabetes, eczema, eye infection, flatulence, gallbladder disease, gout, gum disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, itching, liver disease, macular degeneration, obesity, pain, Parkinson’s disease, pollution side effects, psoriasis, rash, scleroderma, stroke, wounds."

"How to buy turmeric:
Most of the world’s turmeric comes from two places in India: Alleppey and Madras. I recommend buying turmeric from Alleppey, if possible, since research has shown it contains nearly two times more curcumin than turmeric from Madras. Turmeric is a root, like ginger, but it is very hard to grind. For this reason, it is almost always sold already ground. If possible, buy turmeric in a quantity you will use up in a few months, since it tends to quickly lose its aromatic flavor."

"Cooking tips:

Before sautéing vegetables or making stir-fry, heat oil in a pan and sprinkle it with turmeric, stirring for a few seconds so it toasts a bit but doesn’t burn.

Add turmeric to fried onions (one study found that onions and turmeric work together, synergistically, to protect against cancer).

Use turmeric generously in lentil or dal dishes. (peas)

Blend it in melted butter and drizzle over cooked vegetables.
Add a teaspoon of turmeric to a large pot of chicken noodle soup.

Add a teaspoon of turmeric to homemade chili.

Eat more yellow mustard, which contains turmeric."

[tippyclubb]

Originally Posted by Villages PL

Your link, under "industrial production", tells how D3 is produced from sheep's wool. That must be the standard way of producing it. When I called the company that makes my liquid form of D3 they told me it was produced from sheep's wool. I suppose it doesn't matter where it comes from as long as it is chemically the same as what we would produce by exposing ourselves to sunlight. D3 is D3 regardless where it comes from.

Toxicity: I have two vitamin books by different authors and they make recommendations based on age, just as your link does under "dose". For those under 70 it's 600 IU per day and for those over 70 it is 800 IU per day.

My personal opinion is: Going over the recommended dosage could be toxic to certain individuals, depending on their health status. It might build up to a toxic level if the person has a slow metabolism.

After getting my blood tested for D3 (I had to ask for it.) my doctor recommended a large dose. Long story short, I couldn't tolerate a large dose. The symptom I got was pressure building up in my head. I decided to trust the recommendations from my 2 vitamin books. But when I went shopping for 800 IU of D3 I found that it doesn't exist. So I ended up buying it in liquid form. The bottle comes with an eye dropper and each drop provides 200 IU.

My last blood test indicated I was low so I have now increased the number of drops to 5. That's 1,000 IU and I will be retested later this year. The funny thing is I once tried a 1,000 IU tablet and could not tolerate it. After several days it seemed to build up in my system, but the liquid form is not doing that.

I had blood work done a few months ago and was low in D3 so the doctor recommended I take 2000 IU daily. After reading this thread I am concerned this is too much. I am 58 and according to your information should be taking 600IU. On top of that I have been feeling odd lately but did not associate it with Vitamin D until now.

I will do research and decide if I should keep taking it or lower the dose. Summer is right around the corner here and would prefer to get this vitamin through sunshine.

[Villages PL]

Originally Posted by tippyclubb

I had blood work done a few months ago and was low in D3 so the doctor recommended I take 2000 IU daily. After reading this thread I am concerned this is too much. I am 58 and according to your information should be taking 600IU. On top of that I have been feeling odd lately but did not associate it with Vitamin D until now.

I will do research and decide if I should keep taking it or lower the dose. Summer is right around the corner here and would prefer to get this vitamin through sunshine.

I suppose not everyone will suffer the same symptom from a toxic buildup. I have never read anything about the symptom I experienced. What happened was I felt progressively worse each day until, finally, I couldn't stand it. When I stopped taking the D3 tablets, the pressure in my head gradually subsided. A similar thing happened when I tried taking fish oil capsules. I could tolerate one capsule per day but not more than one.

The only way I know to find out for sure is to stop taking it and wait a few days to see what happens. Then you can repeat the whole procedure to double check. If the symptom comes back, then you have a pretty good idea of what's causing it.

[pooh]

I, too, was advised to take a larger dose of Vitamin D because my levels were low. 4000 was recommended. Started with 1000 twice a day. Didn't seem to agree with me on a few levels. Dropped down to 1000....still too much. Will now look for 400 ... I know it's available, just haven't looked yet. 400 is what's generally in multi-vitamins and that level didn't seem to cause the difficulties I experienced taking larger amounts.

A little sunshine in Florida, probably 10 minutes or so, is helpful for synthesis of the vitamin in our bodies. In addition, the sunshine is good for one's spirit....

[tippyclubb]

Originally Posted by Villages PL

I suppose not everyone will suffer the same symptom from a toxic buildup. I have never read anything about the symptom I experienced. What happened was I felt progressively worse each day until, finally, I couldn't stand it. When I stopped taking the D3 tablets, the pressure in my head gradually subsided. A similar thing happened when I tried taking fish oil capsules. I could tolerate one capsule per day but not more than one.

The only way I know to find out for sure is to stop taking it and wait a few days to see what happens. Then you can repeat the whole procedure to double check. If the symptom comes back, then you have a pretty good idea of what's causing it.

This is exactly what's happening to me now and I did do research today after reading this thread. I'm always fatigue due to hypo thyroid, but now even more so. I never get headaches, but I do now. When getting up in the morning I have more aches and pains which is also unusual for me.

After reading about potential toxicity of D3 supplements and side effects I'm done with it. Kidney and liver damage. Really? I'll risk getting D3 naturally in the sunshine. I will also include more Salmon, Mackerel, and Sardines which are high in D3. I eat them now, but not enough according to the guidelines of twice a week.

What makes this ironic for me is normally I never take any type of pills unless thoroughly researching it first. I try to get everything needed through food. When my endocrinologist told me to take D3 I just thought it would ok because it was a vitamin. Wrong.

Senior thanks for starting this thread. It will keep me on my toes to never get relaxed and completely trust doctors again. I must always do research to understand the risk vs. benefits of anything that goes into my body.

[tippyclubb]

Originally Posted by pooh

I, too, was advised to take a larger dose of Vitamin D because my levels were low. 4000 was recommended. Started with 1000 twice a day. Didn't seem to agree with me on a few levels. Dropped down to 1000....still too much. Will now look for 400 ... I know it's available, just haven't looked yet. 400 is what's generally in multi-vitamins and that level didn't seem to cause the difficulties I experienced taking larger amounts.

A little sunshine in Florida, probably 10 minutes or so, is helpful for synthesis of the vitamin in our bodies. In addition, the sunshine is good for one's spirit....

Pooh do you mind sharing what your symptoms were? It would be interesting to see if any of us are experiencing the same ones.

[maryanna630]

I take 2000 units of vitamin D daily. I have my bloodwork once a year and the vitamin D level is now normal andI think my immune system has improved as I no longer seem to get any colds etc. I think it is important to take a good quality product AND to have the bloodtest. Vitamin D is involved with hormones and breat cancer as well. It is not easy to get the required amount from sun alone. I live in the high desert in Mexico and still tested low until I supplemented.
These things can be complex; luckily I have an outstanding female MD that I work with.

[senior citizen]

Originally Posted by tippyclubb

This is exactly what's happening to me now and I did do research today after reading this thread. I'm always fatigue due to hypo thyroid, but now even more. I never get headaches but I do now. When getting up in the morning I have more aches and pains which is also unusual for me.

After reading about potential toxicity of D3 supplements and side effects I'm done with it. Kidney and liver damage. Really? I will risk getting D3 naturally in the sunshine.

I will also include more Salmon, Mackerel, and Sardines which are high in D3. I eat them now but not enough according to the guidelines of twice a week.

What makes this ironic for me is normally I never take any type of pills unless researching it first. I try to get everything I need through food. When my endocrinologist told me to take D3 I just thought it would ok because it was a vitamin. Wrong.

Senior thanks for starting this thread. It will keep me on my toes and never get relaxed and trust doctors again. I must always do research to know what's going in my body.

You are certainly welcome. I've been taking it since before the holidays, yet getting progressively stiffer.......chalking it up to our very cold temperatures, etc. I've stopped taking mine, since after a fair trial, it really isn't helping the morning stiffness and inflammation/pain of arthritis; if anything, it feels worse. I shall see. This winter just past up here was "the winter from hell".


For the record: More on Vit. D3 from Sheep's wool lanolin............

From WEB MD:

User Reviews & Ratings - Cholecalciferol Vitamin D3 Oral

Comment:
""Last year my Internist directed me to take 4000 IU of Vit D due to a test deficiency. After 6 mo. of thaking the 4000 IU from an oil based capsule,(Carlson brand) another test showed a continued deficiency and told me to increase it to "at least 6000 IU." I bought a product: Life Extension (brand) Vit D3 7000 IU "special purpose formula" of cholecalciferol and have taken it xs 5 wks. ""

""Now having weakness,general malaise, bilateral upper arm muscle pain, increased joint pain hands, shoulders, knees, hips, fatigue of hip/buttock area, flu like sxs, brain fog, and metallic taste in mouth. Called the company and their counselor advised me to D/C use. (discontinue use)""

""Live in Pacific NW with record cloudy/cold season this year. 67 yo female with hypothyroid and no gall bladder. Advice to normalize vit d level economically which was 27 5 wks ago???""


CHOLECALCIFEROL VITAMIN D3 ORAL SIDE EFFECTS

Vitamin D at normal doses usually has no side effects. If you have any unusual effects, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

If your doctor has directed you to take this medication, remember that he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Too much vitamin D can cause harmful high calcium levels. Tell your doctor right away if any of these signs of high vitamin D/calcium levels occur: nausea/vomiting, constipation, loss of appetite, increased thirst, increased urination, mental/mood changes, unusual tiredness.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash; itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Vegan Vitamin D3 Was My Answer
by: Anonymous

""I had swollen lymph nodes happen when I started supplementing with Vitamin D [D3]. The glands in my neck swelled up and I had ear pain too.""

""Then I discovered the connection. Most Vitamin D [in the better absorbed D3 form] is sourced from lanolin, to which I am sensitive. Lanolin is derived from sheep's wool. ""

""I couldn't take the D2 form of vitamin D as it upset my stomach terribly. Vitashine has just come out with a vegetable sourced form of D3. One capsule is 5000IU. I've taken one a day for nearly two weeks and am starting to feel a big difference. And the major plus is that I had none of the reactive/swelling symptoms.""

""If you've ever gotten a rash from a wool sweater or carpet, or have had a bad reaction to skin cream, lanolin may be the culprit and could be causing your symptoms. For me, paying a bit extra to make sure I get the D3 I need without the allergic reaction is definitely worth it. Hope this helps. ""








　






　




　

[pooh]

Originally Posted by tippyclubb

Pooh do you mind sharing what your symptoms were? It would be interesting to see if any of us are experiencing the same ones.

Lower GI problems, feeling blah and hypoglycemic type reactions. All improved when I stopped taking the D.

Never had difficulty when taking a multi-vitamin that contained D, but haven't taken a multi-vitamin in years....they can cause some of their own problems. Will look for a lower dosage D supplement and give that a try.

[senior citizen]

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Thyroid-Disorders/anyone-have-allergic-reaction-to-Vitamin-D/show/1050672

Apparently, a lot of people are allergic to wool/lanolin/D3 sourced from sheep's wool lanolin.

The newest (2014) are at the bottom of this long list. Their "allergy symptoms" are interesting to read.......although it does seem they took HUGE doses of it as prescribed by their doctors.

http://www.drfranklipman.com/vitamin-d-faq/

Vitamin D is really a hormone.
　
Right now I'm researching to see just how long it will take to get all of the D3 from sheep's wool lanolin out of my body.........second day without them. I'll know when it's just the normal arthritic stiffness vs. the magnified stiffness after taking the D3.
　

[Villages PL]

Originally Posted by pooh

A little sunshine in Florida, probably 10 minutes or so, is helpful for synthesis of the vitamin in our bodies. In addition, the sunshine is good for one's spirit....

Most elderly people are vitamin D3 deficient because they either don't get enough sun and/or their skin is no longer able produce it. It seems we slowly lose our ability to produce it as we get older. So don't count on the sun doing anything.

I made it a point to get a little sun everyday before my first blood test for D3. The result of that test was a score of 8 whereas it should have been at least 30.