[dianaiad]

Vitamin D and multiple myeloma

by dianaiad on Fri Feb 06, 2015 11:16 am

I was prescribed a 12 week course of vitamin D2, 50,000 units, once a week.

After I was done with that, I was told to start taking a vitamin D supplement daily. My vitamin D level was down substantially.

Yesterday my oncologist told me that studies have shown that vitamin D has actually helped prolong remissions and even, in some cases, may have helped keep cancer (he was talking about colon cancer, actually, but he figured that it wouldn't hurt me to pay attention too, especially since my vitamin D levels were down anyway).

He wasn't the one who prescribed the Vitamin D in the first place, so I have two docs telling me to woman up and take the pills.

OK, here's the question ... or questions.

1. Are there studies about vitamin D and multiple myeloma, and where can I find them?
2. Is there really a difference between vitamin D2 and vitamin D3, and which one should I be taking?

[Eric Hofacket]

Re: Vitamin D and multiple myeloma

by Eric Hofacket on Fri Feb 06, 2015 11:52 am

Good questions. I recall an article last year that researchers found that vitamin D enhances or is a crucial part of immune system function in ways that were not understood before. My take away was having proper vitamin D levels can help prevent getting illness and infection.

In the three years I have had myeloma, I have seen it is a common recommendation to take vitamin D supplements to address bone strength issues. I do not recall seeing anything regarding vitamin D having direct anti-myeloma properties.

I have a big jar of vitamin D pills I have been taking for years but not always every day. I sporadically remember to take one in the morning but often do not if I am busy or in a hurry. I have not been concerned about the irregularity because I figured I get plenty of vitamin D from other foods and being in the sun.

In November I started seeing an endocrinologist to address dexamethasone complications. She ran and bunch of labs, including one for vitamin D levels. I was surprised to find my vitamin D levels were too low. I thought this only happened with people who stayed out of the sun and always used sun block. I live in southern California, not Siberia. And I had been taking some of the vitamin D supplements, just not religiously like I take my Revlimid. And there is vitamin D in my food. I now take my vitamin D supplement pill every day.

I learned one difference between D2 and D3 is one comes from the body naturally producing it from sun exposure and the other typically is from supplements or food. So if you are out in the sun a lot, one will spike higher on the lab test, and if you take supplements, the other will. As far as I know, they are the same as far as the body is concerned and it is the combined level that matters. Maybe somebody more knowledgeable can add to or correct me if I am wrong.

[Multibilly]

Re: Vitamin D and multiple myeloma

by Multibilly on Fri Feb 06, 2015 12:11 pm

See:

AC Hall and MB Juckett, "The Role of Vitamin D in Hematologic Disease and Stem Cell Transplantation," Nutrients, 2013 (full text)

Abstract:

Vitamin D is a steroid hormone with a broad range of biological effects ranging from the classical role as a mediator of calcium and phosphate balance to cellular differentiation and immune modulation. These effects impact normal and dysfunctional hematopoietic and immune function, which may allow an avenue for improved treatment and support of patients suffering from hematologic disorders. In this review, we will summarize the role of vitamin D in normal hematopoiesis, discuss ways in which vitamin D may improve outcomes, and discuss a potential role of vitamin D for treating hematologic disorders and modulating the immune system to improve the outcome of allogeneic stem cell transplant.

When I did the research a couple of years back, I came to the conclusion that liquid D3 with K2 was the way to go (but this was partially based on some much-less-than-hard-science articles I read, so take my D3/K2 recommendation with a big grain of salt).

The Mayo recommends either D3 or D2 in their mSMART guidelines.

http://www.msmart.org/msmart_mar09_002.htm

[Steve]

Re: Vitamin D and multiple myeloma

by Steve on Fri Feb 06, 2015 2:17 pm

Vitamin D is particularly important if the patient is on bisphosphonates. Apparently, the vitamin D optimizes the bisphosphonate effects.

[NStewart]

Re: Vitamin D and multiple myeloma

by NStewart on Sat Feb 07, 2015 12:24 am

I can't comment on your question about research on the possible effect of vitamin D in relation to multiple myeloma. But, there is plenty of research about D levels and the development of cancer. I know that the cancer center that I worked for included D levels on all women diagnosed with breast cancer. I don't know what the other cancer departments did. My oncologist at the same cancer center has never mentioned vitamin D level testing.

Two years ago I asked my primary doctor to test my D levels. As with you, my level was almost non-existent. I took 50,000 mg of D2 for 6 weeks and then was told to take 2000 mg of D3 daily after that. Although my levels haven't been retested, I have noticed an overall difference in how I feel. Has it been instrumental in helping to keep my myeloma stable? I don't know, but I will continue to take the D3.

Nancy in Phila