I would like to introduce myself and inquire about Vitamin D

Just diagnosed or new to the community
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Greetings everyone,

I am new to this chat. I recently discovered this forum as I tend not to discuss my situation with others. I am pleased to have found the Hep community forum where I can share and feel at ease. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Crystal. I was diagnosed with hepatitis in 2007. I am married, and my husband and children are all negative and have received the hepatitis vaccine. My hepatitis has not resolved, so I have chronic hepatitis. Over the years, I have not taken any medication for my condition, and my doctor continuously monitors my hepatitis along with all my liver lab tests and ultrasounds, which have all been normal. Just last year, in November 2024, I underwent a liver ultrasound and discovered that I have fatty liver. I can likely attribute my fatty liver to significant weight gain and an unhealthy diet high in sugars. This year, I have changed my eating habits and lost 20 pounds. I intend to continue eating healthily as I age. They conducted a blood test, and my ALT, AST, ALP, bilirubin, AFP, and FibroScan (F0-F1) results are all normal. Living with chronic hepatitis takes a toll on your life, affecting physical, psychological, and social well-being, especially given my circumstances; I am uncertain how I contracted it. My parents are negative. I do not drink or smoke, and I have not been active or had multiple partners, but I do not blame anyone, including myself. It exists, and I will educate those around me. It is beneficial to have a supportive partner. I always strive to think positively, eat healthily, and maintain my faith in God. That is a bit about me :slightly_smiling_face:

Here is my question:

I just got my Vitamin D test results back, and it turns out I’m deficient at -10. My doctor has put me on vitamin D3. Has anyone else dealt with low vitamin D and taken it? I came across something that said having hep (an infection) can lower your vitamin D levels and that you shouldn’t take any vitamins or supplements because it might impact the hep?! I’m feeling a bit lost. I know my doctor prescribed it, but I’d love to hear another perspective. I have Vitamin D3 and K3. Is it safe for me to take them?

Thank you,
Crystal

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Hi @Crystal79,
Welcome to the community, and thanks for sharing your experience and story. I am also glad that you have been and have continued to be monitored. You are right about our diet, it is hard to eat healthy. We will keep trying.

I have been prescribed D3 for a couple of months now. D3 is important in preventing infections. I have not had any issues with this. I do not take any supplements. I agree; we can only do our best, and as long as we give it our best efforts, that’s all that matters. Keep up with all the good work you are doing. Keep us posted. Bansah1

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I also take vitamin D and haven’t had any issues with it. There are definitely some supplements that can cause liver toxicity, but I haven’t heard of this with vitamin D

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Hi @Crystal79,

Welcome to the community! We’re happy to have your perspective, and I’m pleased you have achieved a healthy attitude towards your HBV infection.

As to your vitamin D levels: Low vitamin D is very common among people in America (and presumably many countries with similar diets). I am not HBV+ and I had low Vitamin D until I started taking it as a supplement, so low vitamin D is not unique to people with HBV. As with all vitamins, it is good to get the levels up to a normal point from a general health perspective. However, be very careful when reading information on the internet about vitamin D. It went through a “viral” phase a few years ago and people were making absurd, unsubstantiated claims about its health benefits. So my recommendation is to maintain your health new diet (I wish I could lose 20 pounds–you are my idol!) and take the vitamin supplements your doctor recommended, but not to worry about vitamin D. It’s a good part of a healthy diet but is not a wonder-cure.

I wish you the very best.

John.

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