I'm not a nurse but I've been a melanoma patient for several years and I know a lot about Vit D, mainly due to having to have a higher Vit D level than the usual but also because my consultant is one of the UK's experts in the subject.

It all depends if you already have a deficient level. Has your level been tested? If not, I suggest you ask your GP for a blood test (explain why). If your level is under 25nmol/L you are deficient and the extra supplement will be fine for an extended period. If you are between 25 to 50nmol/L you are insufficient and the supplement is fine for a short period. Over 50 to 80 is the optimal level so I would argue that a lower maintenance supplement of 1000 or 2000iu is better for you.

You can overdose on Vit D but you have to have a huge intake of supplement, 60,000iu, for toxicity to occur. So even with your regular multivitamin and new supplement there is little chance of you suffering any toxicity but 4000iu daily is the most I would be happy taking (my last test showed my level is 89 and I take 1000iu). If you are buying your supplement (rather than it being prescribed) consider an oral spray as it absorbs into the body better than capsules.

Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)

Hello and thanks for posting,

The NHS website has information about the recommended daily vitamin D.

www.nhs.uk/.../

Your GP can do a routine blood test to check for your current vitamin D levels in your body, and this can provide a better guide to how much to take daily. Many people in the UK have low levels of vitamin D. Most recommended vitamin D supplements are 1000iu or 2000iu daily, so seek medical advice, as 4000iu might be in the upper range, bearing in mind you are also taking a multivitamin daily.  

I hope that this helps,

Best wishes,

Vanda

For several years Ive been taking 4000IU vitamin D every day during winter to alleviate SAD caused by low light levels in winter. With no ill effect.

The Scandanavians have also been doing this for many years. They have even less winter daylight than UK.

A years supply costs around £8.00.

Thank you, Angie, that's really helpful. I had my Vit D tested when I had bloods done before my final chemo. I will call the unit for the result and go from there.

Wishing you well 

Amy

Hi Sigurd, thanks for taking the time to reply.

Amy