DesertBloom

Hi Monte: How are you? I’m glad you got your tests done, but I’m kind of surprised about the reference range they gave you for normal D. There’s has been a growing concern about the amount of vitamin D that we get and from what I’ve read they are planning to raise the reference ranges on D levels. As you know, the RDA has been changed from 400 to 800-1,000 a day on D and some even recommend going higher than that to 2,000 IU’s. It’s hard to pin anyone down on what is normal or optimal on this test but everyone seems to agree that the normal range should be listed with a higher range of numbers, because the labs are using health based figures instead of the general population results like most tests do. I’ve heard that 50-125 or higher is considered normal, so I thought the ranges would have changed by now.

If what I’ve read is true, than your score is in the normal range for the new D requirements and testing levels. You could talk to your Dr about this and see what he say’s. I’m having the same test done in a week or so, so I’ll let you know if the reference ranges on D 25 change any. If your vitamin D was too high you would expect to see high calcium and PTH levels as well, which you don’t have.

If the labs don’t change the reference ranges, then I would still say your score is good since it’s not out of the range they list. Usually Drs don’t get concerned until your score goes, several points, out of range. My calcium level is always right at the top of the range, and they don’t get concerned about it until it goes out of range by a couple of points. When my calcium is 10.7 or 10.8 they still only list that as "slightly elevated" and then watch it by doing another test every month or so. Once my cal goes back to 10.4, they stop the frequent testing and start doing tests every 4 months.

I hope that answers your question, but I would also run it past the Dr as well.

If you want to read about this, a good place is the Linus Pauling Institute, the Vitamin D Council or the ASBMR on vitamin D-their audio series.

Oh, and I forgot to mention I FINALLY found an accupunturist in a nearby town, but I haven't gone yet. We are trying to figure out if my dx is good enough for Medicare to pay for it, also my pain is better because I'm going to PT 3 times a week and doing some cervical treatment and they have a pool I can use. Once the therapy ends they charge 5.00 a visit for the pool class, but they won't let me start that yet, because I just found out I have 3 ruptured discs in my neck, but at least I finally found out what the pain is coming from, that I've had for so long. The cervical exercises are helping my neck and low back pain, which is really surprising YEAH!!! I will not have another spinal surgery if I can possibly help it, so this has to work

Another thought: Some Drs feel that if you live in So Cal and you get unprotected sun 3 times a week, for up to 20 mins, that's all the D you need. I'm not sure about this so I get a little extra in my diet and supplements.