Hello all!
I recently read a journal article indicating that a strong link exists between low or lack of Vitamin D and autoimmune diseases (PMR). Has anyone seen this or tried increasing Vitamin D with supplements?
Jeff
Hi Jeff,
I haven't read that low vitamin D could cause an autoimmune disease... But I've been taking supplements of Vit. D3 to help ward off the risk of bone loss (developing osteoporosis) while taking Prednisone. I take 2 tablets a day... one after breakfast and the other after supper for a total of 4000 IU. I also take Citracal - which contains calcium, magnesium and a bit more vit D3. CoQ10 (Co-enzyme) is also good if you take a statin to lower cholesterol. CoQ10 is depleted quite a bit in the body by taking a statin and can lead to muscle pain and weakness.
RickF
If you are taking a 'statin' make sure you read the side effects, some statins and in particular Symvastatin has the side effect of muscle pain just like PMR. So no statin that has that particular side effect. Read the label.
[QUOTE=mrs UK]RickF
If you are taking a 'statin' make sure you read the side effects, some statins and in particular Symvastatin has the side effect of muscle pain just like PMR. So no statin that has that particular side effect. Read the label.
[/QUOTE]
Oh, I'm well aware of that. In fact I wrote about that in 'my story'
here on this site and on the UK forum here:
http://experience.patient.co.uk/discussion.php?t=40259&sid=387259fae4e6cb430ff517007a089df7
I stopped taking the statin (Lipitor) for about a month and had blood tests (Aldolase and another one) to see if that was my problem. Test results were negative. So after about a month of not taking Lipitor - and taking Pred for PMR - both my internist (GP) and Rheumatologist said it was ok to go back on Lipitor. I've been back on the Lipitor now for about 6 weeks I think.
I have also heard that Vitamin D can play a big role in boosting the immune system and preventing some diseases. My rheumatologist told me to take 2,000 IU per day which is 5 times the MDR. I also take about 1000 mg Calcium per day--more if I don't eat dairy products that day. There's a supplement called Strontium which is supposed to help prevent bone loss naturally (as opposed to the prescription drugs like Fosamax), so I started taking that on my own -- my rheumy doesn't know but I will tell her next visit. I think it's been used in Europe a lot but is not too well known in the U.S. I also take Omega Fish Oil capsules and a vitamin B tablet, and some other supplements from time to time.
The vitamins and supplements tend to upset my stomach which is already upset by the prednisone, but I just make sure to eat a bit of food with them and that helps.
freesia
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