[Alli]

I went into the doctor a few weeks ago because I was chronically tired, had bad headaches and got dizzy spells pretty often. I was thinking it was anemia or my mono relapsing.

Anyway, my mom got a call today and I guess my vitamin D levels are 7, and the norm for vitamin D is 35.

My mom isn't blaming veganism, and the doctor isn't either, which is great, but I'm still thinking about temporarily introducing dairy back into my diet. My doctor is putting me on a supplement, but I think that if I consume some dairy I'll probably help the process along faster, and I want to do everything I can.

Now, I would really, really, appreciate being talked out of doing this because I want to stick with this vegan thing. I love it, and it's part of me, and I want it to stay part of me. My rice milk is fortified with vitamin D and so is my multi vitamin, but I guess neither is really doing much.

 

[Diana]

The best source for Vitamin D is the sun. But maybe this is not an option for you.

Vitamin D deficiency is common even for non-vegans especially in the winter months. So I don't think this should be a reason for you to go back to animal products. And if I remember correctly, you've not been a vegan for so long (or am I wrong here) so I would think also that this deficiency was building up for a long time. Which is probably why even the doctor didn't blame your veganism.

Why not just take a supplement rather than resorting to animal products? I mean, what is more ethical and "nice". A supplement, or exploiting an animal to get your Vitamin D?

But please please do not exceed what the doctor advises you to take. Vitamin D overdose harmful to your health.

In my daily supplement that I take there is Vitamin D (along with B12, some zinc and some other stuff - can't remember now).

 

[Aussyj]

I would agree that you do not need to introduce animal products into your diet in order to up your vitamin D. Besides the fact that it would be against your current ethics, it is also not needed. There are vegan vitamins on the market for vitamin D, and milk has such a little amount that it would do little good to begin drinking it for your deficiency.

"One cup of vitamin D fortified milk supplies about one-fourth of the estimated daily need for this vitamin for adults. Although milk is fortified with vitamin D, dairy products made from milk such as cheese, yogurt, and ice cream are generally not fortified with vitamin D." (( http://healthlink.mcw.edu/article/982088787.html ))

Also, how much of the rice milk and fortified foods are you consuming? If you have not been Vegan that long - chances are that you weren't getting enough Vitamin D from your previous lifestyle as well.

 

[shineonyou]

I don't think you need to drink dairy milk again. I'm not expert, but even though dairy milk is fortified with vitamin D, soy milk and other non dairy milks are as well. What would the difference be?

 

[Alli]

Thank you.

I have a supplement that my doctor recommended and I have to take 3000 mg (I think it's mg) a day. And Diana, you are right, sunlight's not an option right now, or I would have no problem. Haha.

 

[VeganClaudia]

Quote:

Originally Posted by shineonyou

I don't think you need to drink dairy milk again. I'm not expert, but even though dairy milk is fortified with vitamin D, soy milk and other non dairy milks are as well. What would the difference be?

Well put. I agree.

 

[meatless]

If you're going to compromise at all, compromise by dosing up with a D3 supplement (most commercial supplements are NOT the vegan version, D2). I really don't think cow's milk will bring you any sort of advantage, given that soy and rice milk are fortified as well, so it would be cruelty inflicted without any benefit even coming from it.

However, you can buy D2 supplements online at vegan stores like vegan essentials, so if that's an option then you should consider it.

 

[belledozer]

I take a 1000mg of vitamin D, but not because I'm a vegetarian. I'm taking it as I've got the precursor to osteoporosis. And it helps with calcium absorption. I don't think that consuming dairy alone is going to give you the amount that you need. You are better off with a Vitamin D suppliment.

 

[Vegan Joe]

I'm just deficient, so don't feel bad.

 

[Thalia]

Quote:

Originally Posted by shineonyou

I don't think you need to drink dairy milk again. I'm not expert, but even though dairy milk is fortified with vitamin D, soy milk and other non dairy milks are as well. What would the difference be?

Exactly. Vitamin D is not naturally occurring in milk anyway. It would be like taking a vitamin pill with a glass of non-fortified milk.

 

[froggythefrog]

Quote:

Originally Posted by shineonyou

I don't think you need to drink dairy milk again. I'm not expert, but even though dairy milk is fortified with vitamin D, soy milk and other non dairy milks are as well. What would the difference be?

D2 is from plant sources, but not easily absorbed by the body.

D3 is from animal sources and easily absorbed by the body.

Your body uses the sun to produce vitamin D, so short bouts of sunbathing are a good idea. About 15 minutes laying in the sun may help. (And with that, I just read, you're not getting much sun where you are right now.

)

 

[Alli]

Quote:

D2 is from plant sources, but not easily absorbed by the body.

D3 is from animal sources and easily absorbed by the body.

Your body uses the sun to produce vitamin D, so short bouts of sunbathing are a good idea. About 15 minutes laying in the sun may help. (And with that, I just read, you're not getting much sun where you are right now. )

Yeah. And unfortunately, I have a stubborn mother who doesn't like purchasing things online (including vegan vitamin D supplements... agghh). Not only is my supplement D3, it contains gelatin. And, of course, I have to take it... Maybe it's all in my head, but I get nauseous every time I take one.

It's so gross.