Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Higher Vitamin D means less severe AS?

That's amazing that they would think to do a study like that in Turkey but not here in the USA.

The outcome of the study says that those with lower levels of Vitamin D had worse symptoms.

What we don't really know, though, is if whatever is causing AS is also causing low Vitamin D
or
is some issue in the body causing low Vitamin D which in turn causes AS.

Any thoughts?

I or my doctors have yet to figure why I can't take vitamin D supplements for my severe Osteoporosis - I am hoping my upcoming endocrinologist/surgeon will finally give me answers as to what is happening in my endocrine system.

This information is very interesting.

Hugs
Gerri & Makaylah

I would think, Violeta, and mind you this is just my instinct speaking; It's inflammation in the stomach that causes it. It makes the most sence to me, as I only first got the problem when the stomach started acting up. That the body should use too much Vitamin D because of inflammation in general does not sound that logical to me. the body is quite adept at regulating vitamin levels. However if the ability of the stomach to absorb vitamin D is impaired...how could the body regulate?

I like to take a logical approach, but I may ofc be very wrong.

Gilth, I think you have something there - I just don't think docs click onto the fact that if you have problems in your gut, particularly stomach and first part of the small intestine, then you are going to have problems with malabsorption, and that is going to have an impact on a whole lot of things. Only place I have ever seen the impact of malabsorption recognised is with coeliac disease - where they will commonly test for things like B12, and folate, and in fact low folate is often a first sign of coeliac. But its not just coeliac that impairs your bodies ability to absorb, and I am sure that any kind of inflammatory damage to your gut is going to slow things down.

Deal with inflammation, and you don't have anywhere near as many problems.

Yes, malabsorption does make sense. And Vitamin D is fat soluble, so you would have to be able to digest and absorb fats. Let me get to work on that end of it. Thanks, gilth and cemc.

No. Only rectify the deficiency.

That's good. Do you know yet if it's correcting the osteoporosis?

My doctor is looking into Multiple Endocrine problems - he is thinking problems with parathyroid, thyroid, adrenal, pancreas and pituitary are causing severe Osteoporosis and severe vitamin D deficiency (these problems cause severe with stomach, liver, skin, duoderum, small intestine and heart problems as well).

Hugs
Gerri & Makaylah

They can test for malabsorption. I've had the tests done. I do have that when my gastritis and IBS flare, but not as much when they settle. And during that time my D went down fast. Ask for that test if your gastritis and IBS are flared.

Amazing.....

I have never felt so bad as now...and in the past 2 years I have rarely sun bathed or even tanned from outdoor activities....trying to save my skin from wrinkles as I turn the half century mark...maybe for me the sun is more than a tan...it is feeling free of AS symptoms!

I have an appt tues 8/14 with my wonderful Rheumy...I am going to bring to light this very matter!

I am currently....when I remember , taking a vitamin d3 supplement .....

Thank you so much for this valuable info!!!

Debi