Viactiv: calcium supplement. What the...?

I bought a box of Viactiv chewable caramel calcium supplement at the
pharmacist's suggestion.

Two a day provide 100% of calcium BUT each chew contains 125% of Vitamin D
or 250% daily. A generous vitamin D overdose!

Why would they do that??? The BUMS!!!

Reading up on vitamin D, I see too much can have a negative health effect,
more so for folks on high blood pressure blood thinner meds, which doesn't
apply to mine.

My leg is about 90% mended, so the supplement will just be for a few weeks
longer, I'm hoping. I do get the perceived feeling it's helping.

Me and calcium supplements! If it's not one thing it's another. [sigh]

Best,

Andy
--
Eat first, talk later.

Andy wrote:
> Viactiv: calcium supplement. What the...?
>
> I bought a box of Viactiv chewable caramel calcium supplement at the
> pharmacist's suggestion.
>
> Two a day provide 100% of calcium BUT each chew contains 125% of Vitamin D
> or 250% daily. A generous vitamin D overdose!
>
> Why would they do that??? The BUMS!!!
>
> Reading up on vitamin D, I see too much can have a negative health effect,
> more so for folks on high blood pressure blood thinner meds, which doesn't
> apply to mine.
>
> My leg is about 90% mended, so the supplement will just be for a few weeks
> longer, I'm hoping. I do get the perceived feeling it's helping.
>
> Me and calcium supplements! If it's not one thing it's another. [sigh]
>
> Best,
>
> Andy
Did the pharmacist indicate why? Unless you don't drink milk, don't eat
cheese or yogurt, fish with bones or many green leafy vegetables there
probably is no reason to take a supplement.

Vitamin D is added because it helps us to absorb the calcium. It is the
principle reason why milk is fortified with vitamin D.

On May 17, 6:37*pm, Andy > wrote:
> Viactiv: calcium supplement. What the...?
>
> I bought a box of Viactiv chewable caramel calcium supplement at the
> pharmacist's suggestion.
>
> Two a day provide 100% of calcium BUT each chew contains 125% of Vitamin D
> or 250% daily. A generous vitamin D overdose!
>
> Why would they do that??? The BUMS!!!
>
> Reading up on vitamin D, I see too much can have a negative health effect,
> more so for folks on high blood pressure blood thinner meds, which doesn't
> apply to mine.
>
> My leg is about 90% mended, so the supplement will just be for a few weeks
> longer, I'm hoping. I do get the perceived feeling it's helping.
>
> Me and calcium supplements! If it's not one thing it's another. [sigh]
>
> Best,
>
> Andy

They're finding most americans don't get enough vitamin d, which is
necessary for calcium absorption.

Just be grateful you're not an old lady like me. Doctor gave me a
choice of calcium supplements or hormone replacement.

maxine in ri

George said...

> Did the pharmacist indicate why? Unless you don't drink milk, don't eat
> cheese or yogurt, fish with bones or many green leafy vegetables there
> probably is no reason to take a supplement.
>
> Vitamin D is added because it helps us to absorb the calcium. It is the
> principle reason why milk is fortified with vitamin D.


George,

I log my meals into diet software and can see the entire range of vitamins
and minerals at a glance over any date range.

I've been low on the calcium. Vitamin D was also a low score. I don't tan
anymore and wear long sleeves and slacks year round so the D boost probably
can't hurt.

When my leg is 100% mended, I'll certainly cut back on the supplement.

Best,

Andy
--
Eat first, talk later.

maxine said...

> They're finding most americans don't get enough vitamin d, which is
> necessary for calcium absorption.
>
> Just be grateful you're not an old lady like me. Doctor gave me a
> choice of calcium supplements or hormone replacement.
>
> maxine in ri


maxine in ri,

I'd pick the calcium supplement too!

Best,

Andy
--
Eat first, talk later.

Andy wrote:
>
> Viactiv: calcium supplement. What the...?
>
> I bought a box of Viactiv chewable caramel calcium supplement at the
> pharmacist's suggestion.
>
> Two a day provide 100% of calcium BUT each chew contains 125% of Vitamin D
> or 250% daily. A generous vitamin D overdose!
>
> Why would they do that??? The BUMS!!!



From the Viactiv Web page:
http://www.viactiv.com/nutrition/ind...vitaminsdk.inc

"D is for Depositing Calcium
Vitamin D is critical in maximizing calcium absorption.* Two VIACTIV®
Calcium Soft Chews contain 200 IU or 50% of the daily value of vitamin
D."

So your daily dose of Viactiv contains 50 percent of the needed Vitamin
D, no more.



>
> Reading up on vitamin D, I see too much can have a negative health effect,
> more so for folks on high blood pressure blood thinner meds, which doesn't
> apply to mine.
>
> My leg is about 90% mended, so the supplement will just be for a few weeks
> longer, I'm hoping. I do get the perceived feeling it's helping.
>
> Me and calcium supplements! If it's not one thing it's another. [sigh]
>
> Best,
>
> Andy
> --
> Eat first, talk later.

Arri London said...

>
>
> Andy wrote:
>>
>> Viactiv: calcium supplement. What the...?
>>
>> I bought a box of Viactiv chewable caramel calcium supplement at the
>> pharmacist's suggestion.
>>
>> Two a day provide 100% of calcium BUT each chew contains 125% of
>> Vitamin D or 250% daily. A generous vitamin D overdose!
>>
>> Why would they do that??? The BUMS!!!
>
>
>
> From the Viactiv Web page:
> http://www.viactiv.com/nutrition/ind...rition/cal_vit
> aminsdk.inc
>
> "D is for Depositing Calcium
> Vitamin D is critical in maximizing calcium absorption.* Two VIACTIV®
> Calcium Soft Chews contain 200 IU or 50% of the daily value of vitamin
> D."
>
> So your daily dose of Viactiv contains 50 percent of the needed Vitamin
> D, no more.


Arri,

I looked at their website and that's old product data.

On the box's nutrition label, per chew...

50% calcium (500mg)
125% vitamin D (500 IU)
50% vitamin K (40mcg)

Best,

Andy
--
Eat first, talk later.

On May 17, 8:05*pm, Andy > wrote:
> Arri London said...
>
>
>
>
>
> > Andy wrote:
>
> >> Viactiv: calcium supplement. What the...?
>
> >> I bought a box of Viactiv chewable caramel calcium supplement at the
> >> pharmacist's suggestion.
>
> >> Two a day provide 100% of calcium BUT each chew contains 125% of
> >> Vitamin D or 250% daily. A generous vitamin D overdose!
>
> >> Why would they do that??? The BUMS!!!
>
> > From the Viactiv Web page:
> >http://www.viactiv.com/nutrition/ind.../nutrition/cal....
> > aminsdk.inc
>
> > "D is for Depositing Calcium
> > Vitamin D is critical in maximizing calcium absorption.* Two VIACTIV®
> > Calcium Soft Chews contain 200 IU or 50% of the daily value of vitamin
> > D."
>
> > So your daily dose of Viactiv contains 50 percent of the needed Vitamin
> > D, no more.
>
> Arri,
>
> I looked at their website and that's old product data.
>
> On the box's nutrition label, per chew...
>
> 50% calcium (500mg)
> 125% vitamin D (500 IU)
> 50% vitamin K (40mcg)
>

Want extra calcium w/o extra D? Take only 1 or 2 Viactivs and a few
Tums.

> Best,
>
> Andy

--Bryan

Andy wrote:
> Viactiv: calcium supplement. What the...?
>
> I bought a box of Viactiv chewable caramel calcium supplement at the
> pharmacist's suggestion.
>
> Two a day provide 100% of calcium BUT each chew contains 125% of
> Vitamin D or 250% daily. A generous vitamin D overdose!
>
> Why would they do that??? The BUMS!!!

It's been a big story lately, they are looking to increase the
recommended daily dose of Vitamin D. Viactiv isn't the only
supplement that is changing formula ahead of the FDA.

nancy

Nancy Young said...

> Andy wrote:
>> Viactiv: calcium supplement. What the...?
>>
>> I bought a box of Viactiv chewable caramel calcium supplement at the
>> pharmacist's suggestion.
>>
>> Two a day provide 100% of calcium BUT each chew contains 125% of
>> Vitamin D or 250% daily. A generous vitamin D overdose!
>>
>> Why would they do that??? The BUMS!!!
>
> It's been a big story lately, they are looking to increase the
> recommended daily dose of Vitamin D. Viactiv isn't the only
> supplement that is changing formula ahead of the FDA.
>
> nancy


nancy,

I had no idea that was happening! I'll have to hunt down more info.

They shouldn't be allowed to make what could be potentially unsafe changes!

Best,

Andy
--
Eat first, talk later.

On May 17, 10:30*pm, Andy > wrote:
> Nancy Young said...
>
>
>
> > Andy wrote:
> >> Viactiv: calcium supplement. What the...?
>
> >> I bought a box of Viactiv chewable caramel calcium supplement at the
> >> pharmacist's suggestion.
>
> >> Two a day provide 100% of calcium BUT each chew contains 125% of
> >> Vitamin D or 250% daily. A generous vitamin D overdose!
>
> >> Why would they do that??? The BUMS!!!
>
> > It's been a big story lately, they are looking to increase the
> > recommended daily dose of Vitamin D. *Viactiv isn't the only
> > supplement that is changing formula ahead of the FDA.
>
> > nancy
>
> nancy,
>
> I had no idea that was happening! I'll have to hunt down more info.
>
> They shouldn't be allowed to make what could be potentially unsafe changes!
>
> Best,
>
> Andy

Unsafe is generally far more than 5x the rda, which, as a couple of
people have noted, they are finding we need more of than they are
currently recommending. At 250% and very limited sun exposure, you're
probably not in any danger of ODing.

maxine in ri, waiting for the bread to finish baking so she can go to
sleep!

On May 17, 9:30*pm, Andy > wrote:
> Nancy Young said...
>
>
>
> > Andy wrote:
> >> Viactiv: calcium supplement. What the...?
>
> >> I bought a box of Viactiv chewable caramel calcium supplement at the
> >> pharmacist's suggestion.
>
> >> Two a day provide 100% of calcium BUT each chew contains 125% of
> >> Vitamin D or 250% daily. A generous vitamin D overdose!
>
> >> Why would they do that??? The BUMS!!!
>
> > It's been a big story lately, they are looking to increase the
> > recommended daily dose of Vitamin D. *Viactiv isn't the only
> > supplement that is changing formula ahead of the FDA.
>
> > nancy
>
> nancy,
>
> I had no idea that was happening! I'll have to hunt down more info.
>
> They shouldn't be allowed to make what could be potentially unsafe changes!

I take a 1000 IU Vit D every once in a while, and since the half life
in the human body is 3-4 weeks, sporadic consumption is just fine.
Nancy is right. The current thinking is that the RDA is too low.
Some physicians recommend 1000 IU/day.
You are very unlikely to come to harm from the Viactiv, unless it's
harm to your wallet. Tums plus an occasional Vit D tablet is a lot
cheaper.
>
> Best,
>
> Andy

--Bryan

On Sun, 17 May 2009 17:37:03 -0500, Andy > wrote:

>Viactiv: calcium supplement. What the...?
>
>I bought a box of Viactiv chewable caramel calcium supplement at the
>pharmacist's suggestion.
>
>Two a day provide 100% of calcium BUT each chew contains 125% of Vitamin D
>or 250% daily. A generous vitamin D overdose!
>
>Why would they do that??? The BUMS!!!
>
>Reading up on vitamin D, I see too much can have a negative health effect,
>more so for folks on high blood pressure blood thinner meds, which doesn't
>apply to mine.
>
>My leg is about 90% mended, so the supplement will just be for a few weeks
>longer, I'm hoping. I do get the perceived feeling it's helping.
>
>Me and calcium supplements! If it's not one thing it's another. [sigh]

'Too much' is a LOT more than the RDI. RDI's for vitamins and minerals
are always set super-low. They're like the minimum you can get away
with, not really a maximum. You're not going to keel over and die from
a vitamin D overdose. My SILs were both told to take three or four
calciums per day by their doctors...

Bobo Bonobo® said...

> I take a 1000 IU Vit D every once in a while, and since the half life
> in the human body is 3-4 weeks, sporadic consumption is just fine.
> Nancy is right. The current thinking is that the RDA is too low.
> Some physicians recommend 1000 IU/day.
> You are very unlikely to come to harm from the Viactiv, unless it's
> harm to your wallet. Tums plus an occasional Vit D tablet is a lot
> cheaper.


Bryan,

I'll look at the TUMS. I was aware except just not how much calcium they
have.

Where's a Nutrition TV channel when ya need one? I doubt the Neelys or
Guy's Big Bite are reliable authorities.

Thanks!

Best,

Andy
--
Eat first, talk later.

Bobo Bonobo® wrote:


> I take a 1000 IU Vit D every once in a while, and since the half life
> in the human body is 3-4 weeks, sporadic consumption is just fine.
> Nancy is right. The current thinking is that the RDA is too low.
> Some physicians recommend 1000 IU/day.
> You are very unlikely to come to harm from the Viactiv, unless it's
> harm to your wallet. Tums plus an occasional Vit D tablet is a lot
> cheaper.

Viactiv grosses me out after only a few doses. I can't figure out
exactly what's so nasty about them. I'd much rather swallow a big
caplet than have to chew down one of those icky little nuggets.

The last time I bought them (I had a coupon), after a week even the kids
balked at taking them. I took the remainder up to school and left them
on the table in the teacher's lounge. Eventually they got eaten.

Nancy said:
It's been a big story lately, they are looking to increase the
recommended daily dose of Vitamin D. Viactiv isn't the only supplement
that is changing formula ahead of the FDA.
--------------------------------------------------
My doctor, an internist, has had my husband and I taking 2,000 mg of
Vitamin D daily for a couple of years now. At my last appointment my D
level was still low, so now I take 3,000 a day. I don't take Calcium,
though. My calcium levels are very high even though I don't drink milk
and have just a nominal amount of cheese in my diet.

Denise

Denise in NH wrote:
> Nancy said:
> It's been a big story lately, they are looking to increase the
> recommended daily dose of Vitamin D. Viactiv isn't the only supplement
> that is changing formula ahead of the FDA.
> --------------------------------------------------
> My doctor, an internist, has had my husband and I taking 2,000 mg of
> Vitamin D daily for a couple of years now. At my last appointment my
> D level was still low, so now I take 3,000 a day. I don't take
> Calcium, though. My calcium levels are very high even though I don't
> drink milk and have just a nominal amount of cheese in my diet.

They are saying that anyone who lives north of Atlanta isn't getting
enough Vitamin D from the sun. Your levels must be really low to
be taking so much.

I get 1000 from my calcium tablet and my multi vitamin. I still take a
D every few days like Bryan. Obviously you don't need to be taking
calcium, too much of that is not good either.

nancy

Andy wrote:
>
> Nancy Young said...
>
> > Andy wrote:
> >> Viactiv: calcium supplement. What the...?
> >>
> >> I bought a box of Viactiv chewable caramel calcium supplement at the
> >> pharmacist's suggestion.
> >>
> >> Two a day provide 100% of calcium BUT each chew contains 125% of
> >> Vitamin D or 250% daily. A generous vitamin D overdose!
> >>
> >> Why would they do that??? The BUMS!!!
> >
> > It's been a big story lately, they are looking to increase the
> > recommended daily dose of Vitamin D. Viactiv isn't the only
> > supplement that is changing formula ahead of the FDA.
> >
> > nancy
>
> nancy,
>
> I had no idea that was happening! I'll have to hunt down more info.
>
> They shouldn't be allowed to make what could be potentially unsafe changes!
>
> Best,
>
> Andy


It's not likely to be unsafe, when used as directed. Different people
need different doses of Vitamin D. Just stay out of the sun

Arri London said...

>
>
> Andy wrote:
>>
>> Arri London said...
>>
>> >
>> >
>> > Andy wrote:
>> >>
>> >> Viactiv: calcium supplement. What the...?
>> >>
>> >> I bought a box of Viactiv chewable caramel calcium supplement at the
>> >> pharmacist's suggestion.
>> >>
>> >> Two a day provide 100% of calcium BUT each chew contains 125% of
>> >> Vitamin D or 250% daily. A generous vitamin D overdose!
>> >>
>> >> Why would they do that??? The BUMS!!!
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > From the Viactiv Web page:
>> > http://www.viactiv.com/nutrition/ind...nutrition/cal_
>> > vit aminsdk.inc
>> >
>> > "D is for Depositing Calcium
>> > Vitamin D is critical in maximizing calcium absorption.* Two VIACTIV®
>> > Calcium Soft Chews contain 200 IU or 50% of the daily value of
>> > vitamin D."
>> >
>> > So your daily dose of Viactiv contains 50 percent of the needed
>> > Vitamin D, no more.
>>
>> Arri,
>>
>> I looked at their website and that's old product data.
>>
>> On the box's nutrition label, per chew...
>>
>> 50% calcium (500mg)
>> 125% vitamin D (500 IU)
>> 50% vitamin K (40mcg)
>>
>> Best,
>>
>> Andy
>
>
> My bad if that's the case. But 500 IU is just a minimum amount; IIRC
> more than that can be made by the skin on a sunny day.
>
> But read this if it will help:
> http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/vitamind.asp


Arri,

You obviously didn't read the different posts.

Andy

Andy wrote:
>
> Arri London said...
>
> >
> >
> > Andy wrote:
> >>
> >> Viactiv: calcium supplement. What the...?
> >>
> >> I bought a box of Viactiv chewable caramel calcium supplement at the
> >> pharmacist's suggestion.
> >>
> >> Two a day provide 100% of calcium BUT each chew contains 125% of
> >> Vitamin D or 250% daily. A generous vitamin D overdose!
> >>
> >> Why would they do that??? The BUMS!!!
> >
> >
> >
> > From the Viactiv Web page:
> > http://www.viactiv.com/nutrition/ind...rition/cal_vit
> > aminsdk.inc
> >
> > "D is for Depositing Calcium
> > Vitamin D is critical in maximizing calcium absorption.* Two VIACTIV®
> > Calcium Soft Chews contain 200 IU or 50% of the daily value of vitamin
> > D."
> >
> > So your daily dose of Viactiv contains 50 percent of the needed Vitamin
> > D, no more.
>
> Arri,
>
> I looked at their website and that's old product data.
>
> On the box's nutrition label, per chew...
>
> 50% calcium (500mg)
> 125% vitamin D (500 IU)
> 50% vitamin K (40mcg)
>
> Best,
>
> Andy


My bad if that's the case. But 500 IU is just a minimum amount; IIRC
more than that can be made by the skin on a sunny day.

But read this if it will help:
http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/vitamind.asp

Andy wrote:
>
> Arri London said...
>
> >
> >
> > Andy wrote:
> >>
> >> Arri London said...
> >>
> >> >
> >> >
> >> > Andy wrote:
> >> >>
> >> >> Viactiv: calcium supplement. What the...?
> >> >>
> >> >> I bought a box of Viactiv chewable caramel calcium supplement at the
> >> >> pharmacist's suggestion.
> >> >>
> >> >> Two a day provide 100% of calcium BUT each chew contains 125% of
> >> >> Vitamin D or 250% daily. A generous vitamin D overdose!
> >> >>
> >> >> Why would they do that??? The BUMS!!!
> >> >
> >> >
> >> >
> >> > From the Viactiv Web page:
> >> > http://www.viactiv.com/nutrition/ind...nutrition/cal_
> >> > vit aminsdk.inc
> >> >
> >> > "D is for Depositing Calcium
> >> > Vitamin D is critical in maximizing calcium absorption.* Two VIACTIV®
> >> > Calcium Soft Chews contain 200 IU or 50% of the daily value of
> >> > vitamin D."
> >> >
> >> > So your daily dose of Viactiv contains 50 percent of the needed
> >> > Vitamin D, no more.
> >>
> >> Arri,
> >>
> >> I looked at their website and that's old product data.
> >>
> >> On the box's nutrition label, per chew...
> >>
> >> 50% calcium (500mg)
> >> 125% vitamin D (500 IU)
> >> 50% vitamin K (40mcg)
> >>
> >> Best,
> >>
> >> Andy
> >
> >
> > My bad if that's the case. But 500 IU is just a minimum amount; IIRC
> > more than that can be made by the skin on a sunny day.
> >
> > But read this if it will help:
> > http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/vitamind.asp
>
> Arri,
>
> You obviously didn't read the different posts.
>
> Andy


Why would I do that LOL. I responded to yours.

Andy > wrote in :

> Viactiv: calcium supplement. What the...?
>
> I bought a box of Viactiv chewable caramel calcium supplement at
> the pharmacist's suggestion.
>
> Two a day provide 100% of calcium BUT each chew contains 125% of
> Vitamin D or 250% daily. A generous vitamin D overdose!
>
> Why would they do that??? The BUMS!!!

because most people in the US are seriously lacking in Vitamin D.
too little Vitamin D is implicated in several cancers.
just before i started radiation for my cancer, i had a blood test
to check my Vitamin D levels... which were about 6, much lower than
the >40 one should have... as a result, i'm on 2000 I.U. of Vitamin
D per day. according to the label, 1000 I.U. is 250% of the daily
value, so i'm taking 500%. the problem is that the daily value is a
guess. no one really knows how much Vitamin D we really need.

> Reading up on vitamin D, I see too much can have a negative
> health effect, more so for folks on high blood pressure blood
> thinner meds, which doesn't apply to mine.

it takes a lot of Vitamin D to have too much, at least for normal
folks. what with sunblockers & anti-UV clothing, most people just
aren't getting enough.
i am outside a lot, being a farmer, & if i'm that low on D, i
imagine those who have more indoor type lifestyles must be far
worse.

> My leg is about 90% mended, so the supplement will just be for a
> few weeks longer, I'm hoping. I do get the perceived feeling
> it's helping.
>
> Me and calcium supplements! If it's not one thing it's another.
> [sigh]

glad your leg is mending. my oncologist wants me to get calcium
infusions. the anti-cancer drug i take tends to speed up bone loss.
if i do infusions quarterly now though, i can likely avoid needing
monthly ones as i get older. personally, i think i'd rather take a
supplement.
lee

enigma said...

> Andy > wrote in :
>
>> Viactiv: calcium supplement. What the...?
>>
>> I bought a box of Viactiv chewable caramel calcium supplement at
>> the pharmacist's suggestion.
>>
>> Two a day provide 100% of calcium BUT each chew contains 125% of
>> Vitamin D or 250% daily. A generous vitamin D overdose!
>>
>> Why would they do that??? The BUMS!!!
>
> because most people in the US are seriously lacking in Vitamin D.
> too little Vitamin D is implicated in several cancers.
> just before i started radiation for my cancer, i had a blood test
> to check my Vitamin D levels... which were about 6, much lower than
> the >40 one should have... as a result, i'm on 2000 I.U. of Vitamin
> D per day. according to the label, 1000 I.U. is 250% of the daily
> value, so i'm taking 500%. the problem is that the daily value is a
> guess. no one really knows how much Vitamin D we really need.
>
>> Reading up on vitamin D, I see too much can have a negative
>> health effect, more so for folks on high blood pressure blood
>> thinner meds, which doesn't apply to mine.
>
> it takes a lot of Vitamin D to have too much, at least for normal
> folks. what with sunblockers & anti-UV clothing, most people just
> aren't getting enough.
> i am outside a lot, being a farmer, & if i'm that low on D, i
> imagine those who have more indoor type lifestyles must be far
> worse.
>
>> My leg is about 90% mended, so the supplement will just be for a
>> few weeks longer, I'm hoping. I do get the perceived feeling
>> it's helping.
>>
>> Me and calcium supplements! If it's not one thing it's another.
>> [sigh]
>
> glad your leg is mending. my oncologist wants me to get calcium
> infusions. the anti-cancer drug i take tends to speed up bone loss.
> if i do infusions quarterly now though, i can likely avoid needing
> monthly ones as i get older. personally, i think i'd rather take a
> supplement.
> lee


Oh lee,

Sorry to hear you're battling cancer!

What's left toI say??

Best,

Andy
--
Eat first, talk later.

enigma wrote:
> Andy > wrote in :
>
>> Viactiv: calcium supplement. What the...?
>>
>> I bought a box of Viactiv chewable caramel calcium supplement at
>> the pharmacist's suggestion.
>>
>> Two a day provide 100% of calcium BUT each chew contains 125% of
>> Vitamin D or 250% daily. A generous vitamin D overdose!
>>
>> Why would they do that??? The BUMS!!!
>
> because most people in the US are seriously lacking in Vitamin D.
> too little Vitamin D is implicated in several cancers.
> just before i started radiation for my cancer, i had a blood test
> to check my Vitamin D levels... which were about 6, much lower than
> the >40 one should have... as a result, i'm on 2000 I.U. of Vitamin
> D per day. according to the label, 1000 I.U. is 250% of the daily
> value, so i'm taking 500%. the problem is that the daily value is a
> guess. no one really knows how much Vitamin D we really need.
>
>> Reading up on vitamin D, I see too much can have a negative
>> health effect, more so for folks on high blood pressure blood
>> thinner meds, which doesn't apply to mine.
>
> it takes a lot of Vitamin D to have too much, at least for normal
> folks. what with sunblockers & anti-UV clothing, most people just
> aren't getting enough.
> i am outside a lot, being a farmer, & if i'm that low on D, i
> imagine those who have more indoor type lifestyles must be far
> worse.
>
>> My leg is about 90% mended, so the supplement will just be for a
>> few weeks longer, I'm hoping. I do get the perceived feeling
>> it's helping.
>>
>> Me and calcium supplements! If it's not one thing it's another.
>> [sigh]
>
> glad your leg is mending. my oncologist wants me to get calcium
> infusions. the anti-cancer drug i take tends to speed up bone loss.
> if i do infusions quarterly now though, i can likely avoid needing
> monthly ones as i get older. personally, i think i'd rather take a
> supplement.
> lee

I didn't know you had cancer. :-(

re vitamin D... We were told to avoid the sun for so many years.
Now it turns out that we do need the sun (or some other source
of vitamin D). I am thinking we should get as much as we can
without burning. (Note to self: get out more!)

--
Jean B.

Andy said...

>
> Oh lee,
>
> Sorry to hear you're battling cancer!
>
> What's left toI say??


lee,

I'm so sorry I can't perform miracles.

Best,

Andy

Andy > wrote in :

> Sorry to hear you're battling cancer!
>
> What's left toI say??

oh, pooh! i'm doing quite well, thanks
unfortunately, it does tend to make one tire easily, and i didn't get
the nausea & depressed appetite to go along with that, so i've put on
a few pounds (20, ack!) i'd rather not have
i've been trying to take the dogs on longer walks since it's warmed
up to see if i can lose it again. the dogs are all for this. pretty
soon the pond across the street will be warm enough to swim in, or at
least kayak around. last summer i was forbidden to swim (or kayak
because i might flip & get wet) because of surgery scars.
obfood: anyone have rhubarb recipes that aren't excessively
fattening, or should i just freeze it until i lose more weight?
lee

"Jean B." > wrote in
:

> I didn't know you had cancer. :-(

i wasn't talking about it until i had more of a handle on it. it
was a pretty agressive type, but hadn't spread & surgery and
radiation seems to have taken care of it. i declined chemo because
i'm uninsured & there's a limit to my savings account
fortunately my oncologist & surgeon both think that was the right
choice anyway.
if i had been insured, my outlook would not be so good. due to the
location & aggressive nature of the cancer, having to wait for
insurance approvals probably would have let it spread to both the
lymph system & through my chest wall... without insurance i was
diagnosed & through surgery in 5 weeks. my surgeon says it's
typically 8-10 weeks waiting for approvals to get through the
tests. that's horrifying.

> re vitamin D... We were told to avoid the sun for so many
> years.
> Now it turns out that we do need the sun (or some other source
> of vitamin D). I am thinking we should get as much as we can
> without burning. (Note to self: get out more!)

most sunscreens give me hives. i've never had a bad sunburn
though, but i've never been one for laying around in the sun
either. how boring!
the Vitamin D supplements aren't too bad. i just have to remember
to take them.
lee

enigma wrote:
> "Jean B." > wrote in
> :
>
>> I didn't know you had cancer. :-(
>
> i wasn't talking about it until i had more of a handle on it. it
> was a pretty agressive type, but hadn't spread & surgery and
> radiation seems to have taken care of it. i declined chemo because
> i'm uninsured & there's a limit to my savings account
> fortunately my oncologist & surgeon both think that was the right
> choice anyway.
> if i had been insured, my outlook would not be so good. due to the
> location & aggressive nature of the cancer, having to wait for
> insurance approvals probably would have let it spread to both the
> lymph system & through my chest wall... without insurance i was
> diagnosed & through surgery in 5 weeks. my surgeon says it's
> typically 8-10 weeks waiting for approvals to get through the
> tests. that's horrifying.

Egad! When you first mentioned the lack of insurance, I was
thinking of the monetary ramifications. I guess, in spite of
that, it is good that you DIDN'T have to go through any red tape.
This is surely something to ponder as we possibly head toward
a different system of medical care here.
>
>> re vitamin D... We were told to avoid the sun for so many
>> years.
>> Now it turns out that we do need the sun (or some other source
>> of vitamin D). I am thinking we should get as much as we can
>> without burning. (Note to self: get out more!)
>
> most sunscreens give me hives. i've never had a bad sunburn
> though, but i've never been one for laying around in the sun
> either. how boring!
> the Vitamin D supplements aren't too bad. i just have to remember
> to take them.
> lee

I rarely am out long enough to need sunscreen. I do get vitamin d
in a (good) multivitamin (i.e., one that is not just the rda).

Lee, I am sorry you have been having such a hard time and truly
hope things just continue to get better now.

>


--
Jean B.