hi , StatisticallyChallenged ,
great to hear that you have improved things so dramatically is such a short space of time. It does seem that you have been short of essential micro-nutrients , lack of which can have lots of mal-effects on your body. Vitamin D , is one of the most important - it is not actually a vitamin , it is a hormone . Lack of it, has a multi various effect on our bodies. we have Vitamin D receptors on all of our cells , and vitamin d acts as a signalling compound and enabling compound , which means , those cells can produce proteins , or react as required when subjected to requirements of your body. In other words , when triggered , the genes in each cell nucleus will produce proteins as required. Over 2000 genes are affected . That is about 10% of your entire genome. Lets say, for instance, you need serotonin , then Vit D switches on the gene that enables you to convert tryptophan ( an amino acid), into serotonin . Lack of vitamin D could inhibit this process, so you could become depressed . This is the action of just one gene. Imagine the outcome if hundreds of different cell types cannot react as they evolved to do , because they lack the ability to use vitamin D hormone , which should be available in your system , but is lacking or reduced.
At a level of 22 nmol/l you are in the zone of rickets in children. In adults the effects on bone could be bad , over the long term . You would not exhibit rickets , but you could exhibit painful joints , muscle pains etc , whereby insufficient calcium is absorbed by your intestinal tract. Vitamin D acts on the receptors in your enterocytes ( gut cells ), in order to prompt them to absorb calcium. Again , just one of the genetic responses of your cells , which , when reduced can lead to bone problems such as osteoporosis, osteopenia, osteomalacia etc. In addition, Vitamin D acts upon the immune system , helping to conquer bacterial and viral infection, ( see the latest news in the media ) .An overactive immune system can produce many diseases which , if not controlled, can lead to many problems , from psoriasis, Multiple sclerosis, lupus etc. Vitamin D modulates the immune system, via its genetic effects.
The question , then becomes , what should you do about it? Well the answer is , bring your body up to levels of vitamin D , for which you evolved, which are natural, which are "optimal".
Incidentally - lack of B12 could be due to autoimmune problems , whereby intrinsic factor is not produced , limiting your ability to to absorb any B12 in your diet. assuming you are not vegetarian. Many gut problems such as Crohn's etc seem to be associated or exacerbated with low Vit D. Again , excessive autoimmune responses which have been shown to be associated with low vitamin D.
Suffice it to say , a great deal of research has gone into this question , over the last few years. Slowly , the medical profession is catching up with recommendations about optimum levels. It was 50 and above , now it is 75 and above ... in some places. Your natural level , as a primate, is 120 -140 nmol/L . It has been that level for millions of years , but now , in the UK , we have cut down our ability to achieve those levels. We almost completely cover our skin with clothes. We often use a suncream to deflect UVB sunlight, resulting in a dearth of Vitamin D in our systems.
It is great that you have found out what has happened to you . In my opinion , you should take supplementation to ensure you always stay above 100 nmol/L , it will greatly benefit your health . Take a daily or near daily dose , weekly or monthly is not as good. There are lots of reasons for this , but this post is long enough already. ! If you do have gut absorption problems , then a sublingual Vit D spray may be better for you , you can absorb it , without going through the digestive system. probably 3000 IU per day would be good.
My advice would be to get a Vit D level test , around March , April , time when you are likely to be lowest, to see how you have improved or are maintaining your level. A yearly check would be good.
If the doc won't do it , get a test here <a class="break-all" href="http://www.vitamindtest.org.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.vitamindtest.org.uk/</a>
It is an NHS lab , so no worries about their authenticity. ! They charge £ 28 , so it is a private test , a blood spot on blotting paper. They e-mail the result to you within a week.
best of luck
If you need any more info , just PM .
BTBH
PS . Have a look at these threads - here are many people with Vit D deficiency , how they supplemented , their symptoms, how they got on , lots of information , a long read , but invaluable , if you have a vitamin D deficiency.
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/general_health/2421492-Vitimin-D-can-it-have-this-effect
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/general_health/2841497-If-you-are-vitamin-D-deficient-what-have-you-been-prescribed?msgid=67349268#67349268
The recent discovery that Vitamin D Deficiency in Northern Latitude Western Society people , is probably, just as important to us, as the discovery of antibiotics ..... is a very sobering thought.
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