Was wondering if anyone else experienced this.
Background:
I started taking 5kIU D3 daily in Sept. '14. It helped improve energy and, after a weird initial rash, reduced allergies also. But I started developing pain in the "adrenal area" of my back, which over the course of a few months spread down the rest of the back near the spine and around to the ribcage, making my ribs very tender. I also got progressively worsening pain in the knees. I finally made the connection and discontinued D supplementation 3 weeks ago. The symptoms all gradually faded and as of 2 days ago are basically gone.
Of course there is info on this online suggesting:
1) these are "start up" symptoms that are important to power through. This doesn't seem likely since they worsened over months.
2) these indicate a deficiency of cofactors, primarily A, but also K2, Mg, and Ca. I supplement with the LEF absurdly high dose K1/2, take ~ 600 mg elemental Mg as citrate or glycinate (not to mention enough greens to get more than the RDA from diet and Epsom baths 3 - 5 days a week), and shoot for 1g Ca between diet and supplement (citrate/malate), so is A deficiency the probable culprit? I tried eating liver for a while, but it's gross and has a ton of copper. I do have a gene defect according to 23andme that impairs carotenoid conversion (and had carotenoid as a child), as well as skin conditions (excessive sebum) that might be suggestive of marginal A status.
I was thinking of cod liver oil supplementation, but is the A in that retinol or some other form? Would Nordic Naturals or Green Pasture be a better way to go?
Thanks for any recommendations, and I'd be interested to know if anyone else has experienced this. Optimal D status seems to be one of these no-brainer things, unless perhaps you're an acolyte of Dr. Marshall.