Guardian Science article

"Insufficient exposure to sunshine, resulting in low levels of vitamin D, could play a part in a wide-range of diseases, from multiple sclerosis to rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, some cancers and even dementia, scientists say today."

Cool. I wonder if the NHS will pay for me to move to the Med?

I started taking Vitamin D around 13th September. I have noticed some easing of pain and my mood has lifted. Whether this is as a result of taking the vitamins I can't tell yet, but I shall carry on for the time being. Feel better than I have for a while.

The girl at Holland and Barratt said that it can also affect Seasonal Affective Disorder, certainly worth a try in my book.

Angie

interesting i had no idea about this whatsoever.

will definately on my list on questions for next visit,

Suzanne

theres something about in the NRAS MAG OR MAYBE it was other one i get

Well i have it and i lived outside as a child
worked outside for years on farms milk lady etc .

as a child our Mother made us play outside in all weathers as we had a big shed and pig stys so being out in the sun big time .

christine

I think many of us have problems with Vitamin D deficiency, part of the territory that goes with RA I am sorry to say. Adcal D3 is an excellent way of keeping on top of the problem but a prescription for some sun would be most welcome That said we would probably all end up with hypersensitivity due to the combination of meds and sun Aaargh ... ruddy RA!

Lyn x

As one who has huge Vit D problems please, do be aware of what can happen. I am sure I have posted this before, but in case I haven't, here goes.

Someone on the forum went to have their Vit D levels checked and suggested I should do the same. My blood tests, when they came back, showed a complete lack of Vit D which has affected my Parathyroid glands to such an extent that they are now secreting 5 times the normal level of parathyroid hormone. This, in turn, affects the body's calcium levels, mine to such an extent that I now have Osteomalacia or Ricketts as it is more commonly known - and all this in the space of under a year. I am now taking 40,000 units of Calciferol monthly, which has a kick on effect on the blood calcium levels and drives them up as well. On the plus side, my ERS is down from 89 to 66 - way to go but at least it's on the way down.

Don't worry about your thyroid, Sheila. The parathyroid glands are completely separate. There are 4 of them and they lie behind the thyroid gland. This info may help you:
"The sole purpose of the parathyroid glands is to control calcium within the blood in a very tight range between 9.0 and 10.1 . In doing so, parathyroids also control how much calcium is in the bones, and therefore, how strong and dense the bones are. Although the parathyroid glands are located next to (and sometimes inside) the thyroid gland, they have no related function. The thyroid gland regulates the body’s metabolism and has no effect on calcium levels while parathyroid glands regulate calcium levels and have no effect on metabolism. Calcium is the element that allows the normal conduction of electrical currents along nerves--its how our nervous system works and how one nerve 'talks' to the next. Our entire brain works by fluxes of calcium into and out of the nerve cells. Calcium is also the primary element which causes muscles to contract. (editor's note, almost all of us adults live with calcium levels in the mid 9 range; there are almost no adults who feel well with calcium levels below 9 or above 10.1). "

I do think it's well worth getting Vit D levels checked because it's all related to calcium/parathyroid function.

Thought you might like to know that my calcium levels are slowly on the down (why oh why didn't I believe my consultant?) and the increased MTX is bringing down my inflam levels. Just starting to feel almost human again (not a word, please, Doreen)

Doreen's on cloud 9 again!