Over the past few years, it was determined that my Vitamin D levels were impaired (low 20s). I started supplementation about two years ago at about 2,000 IUs which barely raised them. I switched to a 5,000 IU regimen for a while and they jumped to about 37 or so but of course I experienced some side effects. With the myriad of studies, I know "D" is important. What levels are acceptable and how can I best maintain them considering that both HIV, and Atripla which I take, lower "D" levels? Also, is supplementation an acceptable way to raise my levels?

What kind of side effects did you experience with 5000 IU daily of vitamin D? I have not heard of any.

If oral supplementation is not raising your Vitamin D levels above 40 ng/dl, ask your doctor to prescribe injectable calciferol.

Vitamin D is very important for people living with HIV. Most of us have low levels. We also experience loss of bone density that Vitamin D can help. Vitamin D has also been shown to reverse some of the negative effects of tenofovir on parathyroid hormone involved in calcium metabolism for bone health.

Nelson