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Suggest Ways To Manage Constipation While Taking Vitamin D3 Supplements
Question: Dear all
I am a rheumatoid arthritis patient ( present medication - Nebicard 2.5mg (Nebivolol), Methotrexate 7.5mg per week, Zincovit, VSL 3 ( lactobacillus). In early 2015, I was asked to take Vitamin D (8 booster doses60,000 IU each) as my VitD3 value was only 22 (30-100 normal they say). But after taking 1st week last yr, I had a constipation problem. Repeated next week/same problem. Then I stopped. Instead took 1000 IU for last 3 months. Still D3 value only 22. So why am I getting constipated when taking D3. What issue does it indicate? What is the solution? Will smaller doses work. My value is even only back to 22:-(( ).How to increase Vit D3? If I take fish oilto get Vit D3 I am afraid of palpitations ( I am taking NEbicard as pulse rate has sometimes shot up due to anxiety ). Reason being if I take chocolate or some foods like high-metabolism drinks ( HORLICKS) I can found my heart beats faster ( or is that normal) AGe 51. No Diabetes problem. High levels of fatigue. I got an attack of herpes 2 months back, frequent colds and coughs due to reduced immunity (which they say is because of methotrexate 7.5mg per week for last few months - irregular b4 that. ) Multiple joint swellings...
I am a rheumatoid arthritis patient ( present medication - Nebicard 2.5mg (Nebivolol), Methotrexate 7.5mg per week, Zincovit, VSL 3 ( lactobacillus). In early 2015, I was asked to take Vitamin D (8 booster doses60,000 IU each) as my VitD3 value was only 22 (30-100 normal they say). But after taking 1st week last yr, I had a constipation problem. Repeated next week/same problem. Then I stopped. Instead took 1000 IU for last 3 months. Still D3 value only 22. So why am I getting constipated when taking D3. What issue does it indicate? What is the solution? Will smaller doses work. My value is even only back to 22:-(( ).How to increase Vit D3? If I take fish oilto get Vit D3 I am afraid of palpitations ( I am taking NEbicard as pulse rate has sometimes shot up due to anxiety ). Reason being if I take chocolate or some foods like high-metabolism drinks ( HORLICKS) I can found my heart beats faster ( or is that normal) AGe 51. No Diabetes problem. High levels of fatigue. I got an attack of herpes 2 months back, frequent colds and coughs due to reduced immunity (which they say is because of methotrexate 7.5mg per week for last few months - irregular b4 that. ) Multiple joint swellings...
Brief Answer:
Lifestyle modification
Detailed Answer:
Hi there.
Thanks for the query.
The constipation could be due to raised calcium levels due to the effect of Vitamin D3 intake. So get your calcium and Vitamin D3 level rechecked. The solution will be to limit the intake if the values are high. Take Tablet Dulcolax once a day for 2 days to evacuate the bowel. Take Ispaghol husk to increase stool bulk. Drink 6 glasses of water daily. Do daily brisk walking exercise especially at 3:00PM for best Vitamin D3 synthesis at this time. Eat Omega 3fatty acid fortified food and oils, fatty fish, diary products like cheese. Avoid fish oil.
Lower immunity may be attributed to Methotrexate but you need to avoid Caffeine, colas, junk food, chocolate to reduce palpitations and improve immunity too.
I hope I have answered your query.
I will be available to answer your follow up queries.
Regards,
Dr. Aashish Raghu
Lifestyle modification
Detailed Answer:
Hi there.
Thanks for the query.
The constipation could be due to raised calcium levels due to the effect of Vitamin D3 intake. So get your calcium and Vitamin D3 level rechecked. The solution will be to limit the intake if the values are high. Take Tablet Dulcolax once a day for 2 days to evacuate the bowel. Take Ispaghol husk to increase stool bulk. Drink 6 glasses of water daily. Do daily brisk walking exercise especially at 3:00PM for best Vitamin D3 synthesis at this time. Eat Omega 3fatty acid fortified food and oils, fatty fish, diary products like cheese. Avoid fish oil.
Lower immunity may be attributed to Methotrexate but you need to avoid Caffeine, colas, junk food, chocolate to reduce palpitations and improve immunity too.
I hope I have answered your query.
I will be available to answer your follow up queries.
Regards,
Dr. Aashish Raghu
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Vit D3 has consistently been 22 only. Hv not checked Calcium. Assuming Calcium is high what to do? Meaning, is there a lower dose of Vitamin D3 which Ican take over a long period to get the same benefit? How long does it take before Vit d3 impacts my arthritis positively. Maybe a rheumatologist can also answer this?
Brief Answer:
Reduce dose to half if required. Takes 6 months to a year
Detailed Answer:
Reduce the dose or take half dose of what you are taking presently if you have high calcium and Vitamin D3 levels.
It would take you months to years for you to notice the benefit. Get 6 monthly DEXA Scan to note the improvement in your bone quality.
Reduce dose to half if required. Takes 6 months to a year
Detailed Answer:
Reduce the dose or take half dose of what you are taking presently if you have high calcium and Vitamin D3 levels.
It would take you months to years for you to notice the benefit. Get 6 monthly DEXA Scan to note the improvement in your bone quality.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar
Answered by
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