Got calcium supplements for Vitamin D3 deficiency. Is this normal?

I will try to cover al the aspects of your question the best i can.



It is possible to have the correct serum calcium concentration and a low D3 level. The D3 is not only important for the correct absorption of calcium, but also improves the concentration of calcium on the bones, the recovery of calcium and phospforus from the urine, regulates the other calcium related hormones (parathyroid hormone and calcitonin). D3 is not the only related factor of calcium metabolism but it is completely necessary so low D3 levels are treated as low calcium disease.

I will try to search for some info with common terms that explain this point better.



Yes it is normal. But just make sure that the calcium supplements contain a variety of the Vitamin D. D3 is the best. But if it has D2 or D1 just make sure to get enough sunlight exposure, at least 30 minutes a day so your body can transform D2 to D3.



You are very young for having this defficiencies. If you are a strict vegan you need supplements, there is no exception. You like it or not, we are omnivorous mammals so it is natural to have vitamin deficits if we became completely vegan or completely carnivore.

Try delactosed milk. If you do not like it many soy and almond milk preparation have added calcium and vitamin D to supply the requirements. A good source of calcium are beans, and corn tortillas (if you live near to a hispanic neighborhood you should ask for a store).





Heel spurs would be my first impression if you had came to my office. Go for a second opinion. Better with a general practitioner.



It is true it has it´s own warnings, but the dangerous treshold for calcium compsumtion is really high. Mostly because we have an especialized system that can hoard massive ammounts of calcium, the musculoskeletal system. Besides D3 protects against overdosis. And most cases of intoxication occur on people with some nasty diseases that alter the normal calcium metabolism. So you should not worry.

Thanks for the response. I will take your suggestion on checking with a GP as well, if only to rule out heel spurs.

Also, I am a vegetarian, not a vegan. I'm having no troubles eating yogurt, butter, cheese or desserts made using milk. Maybe because I eat them in more regulated quantities. I'll try out the de-lactosed milk options too. Hadn't really considered that. So, thank you once again

I am going to check if the medicines prescribed have any vitamin D3 in them.

Usually, how long does it take for Vitamin D3/Calcium levels to be back to normal? At least normal enough for me to be able to maintain it further with diet?

I have seen many cases of specialist or subespecialist that are so inmerse on their area that became somehow a little bit blind to diseases out of their confort zone. That is why i always suggest to have a trustable doctor that is used to resolve multiple systems diseases, like a GP, a family doctor, an internal medicine specialist, or a geriatrist (for older fellows).

With a balanced diet and proper supplements it may take up to 1 to 3 months to reach appropiate level of D3, it is very variable.

Remember if your suplements has D1 or D2 do not worry, just get some sunlight exposure daily and your body will transfrom it to D3.