I am not absorbing fat, and this has driven my vitamin D levels to the lowest they have ever been. Has anyone else struggled with this? Any tricks for increasing absorption? I am on 50,000 units twice a week now. I take Vit D with a meal that contains fat (nuts, peanut butter) and I really don't know what else to do. I am a bit concerned for my bone health as I already have osteopenia. Do pancreatic enzymes help?

5 hours ago, AZhiker said:

I did not have DS. My dexa scan shows mild osteopenia, a change from a perfectly normal scan 2 years ago.

But you do have malabsorption of fat, right? This is something you have in common with the DS crowd. And this effects all of of the fat soluble vitamins (ADEK).

As for pancreas enzymes: that's an issue best to be discussed with both your surgeon and a gastroenterologist.

Edited March 22, 20206 yr by summerset

22 minutes ago, MsMocie said:

50 000 units????????????????????????????????????

I take a 50.000 IE once per week as well or in summer 2 x 20.000 IE.

2 x 20.000 IE per week is recommended by the dietitians in my team. They say that it needs to be adjusted according to blood values. Some can take 1 x 50.000 IE per week and it's ok. Others need to take 2 x 20.000 IE per weeks. Others need to take 5.000 IE per day to keep their levels good.

6 hours ago, MsMocie said:

50 000 units????????????????????????????????????

that's not unusual when you're taking prescription vitamin D. I had to take that (in the gel caps) for a few weeks before I had surgery to get my vitamin D levels up to normal. Afterward I took a much lower dose of a dry vitamin D just to maintain that level.

I just came across an article. I’m guessing your malabsorption is due to surgery but wanted to pass this along:

Dr. De Latour says malabsorption (and floating poop) is typically caused by three main conditions: celiac disease, lactose intolerance, or pancreatitis.

15 hours ago, 2Bsmaller18 said:

I just came across an article. I’m guessing your malabsorption is due to surgery but wanted to pass this along:

Dr. De Latour says malabsorption (and floating poop) is typically caused by three main conditions: celiac disease, lactose intolerance, or pancreatitis.

Well I am totally gluten intolerant - have been for years but I can't get tested for celiac because I would have to eat gluten for a couple of weeks first, and I just can't do that. The misery if I did that would be unbearable. And I am definitely lactose intolerant, since surgery. So maybe that's 2 out of 3. I don't think I have pancreatitis - no other symptoms and my enzymes are normal. But I still may ask my doc about pancreatic enzymes. Thanks for the info,

On 3/22/2020 at 12:22 AM, AZhiker said:

I did not know the difference between D2 and D3. I knew D3 was more easily absorbed and I wondered why my PCP prescribed D2. But knowing I am vegan would make sense. Thanks for the info.

I personally wouldn't take D2 with a ten foot pole. Your Hydroxy25 test won't measure the accurate level of D in your blood when using it and you can go toxic on it since it has an extended effect.

I use a D3 from Vitacost that has raised mine to 69 this past time. I was formerly around 9. I now only take 2000mg per day and I take it with my other vitamins ADEK from my Celebrate Multi Capsule. I make sure to also take it with fermented veggie so I get natural K2 for better absorption and some kind of healthy fat serving in my meal. I take it in the morning.

But Vitacost has the capsule (dry form) in many strengths beyond 2k mg.