Vitamin A and D Deficiency Common in Kids with Newly Diagnosed Celiac Disease

I was diagnosed with gluten intolerance and corn intolerance in 1993, when I was 57 years old.  It first showed up as Dermatitis Herpitiformis.  I've been on a gluten-free diet and have avoided corn products since.

Back when I was 14, (that would have been in 1950), I developed an outrageous case of psoriasis.  In those days, it was treated with X-ray and various creams and soaps.  My dermatologist was very wise, however.  He discovered I was vitamin A deficient and prescribed 25,000 I. U. of Vitamin A daily, until the psoriasis cleared.  After that, I was to take the Vitamin A, 25,000 I.U. for three months and then stop.  At the first sign psoriasis was returning, I was to resume the Vitamin A, 25,000 I.U. for three months, and continue the routine forever.  The reason for the stop and start treatment was that Vitamin A can be quite toxic if too much is taken.

In the 1980's Beta Carotine became readily available, and I switched to Beta Carotine, 25,000 IU, because the body eliminates the Beta Carotine it doesn't need, and so it is not toxic.

In the last couple of years, I have developed a touch of psoriasis, for which I use a small amount of prescribed ointment.  The psoriasis hasn't expanded, and I continue the Beta Carotine.

In looking back over the years, I suspect I was Gluten Intolerant from early childhood, but not to an extreme degree.  I have passed on my intolerance to my two sons and my two grandchildren.  Interesting.  And my brothers have it too.

I mention all this because it may be useful information to add to the body of knowledge we as fellow Gluten Intolerant people, are gathering.

I'm very curious about this information. 

  I was told at an early age that we needed to be in the sun for at least ten minutes a day to get the necessary amount of vitamin d.

  So what's going on with celiac and vitamin d? Are our bodies not making the vitamin because of the celiac? Are we not getting enough sun and seeing an increase in symptoms, or greater intensity of symptoms? 

  My symptoms did not get really bad until i was dx'd with lupus and had a sun allergy. I was staying out of the sun completely. 

  I wonder how many others have quit sun bathing, or use intense sun screens. How many of us take supplements to counteract the lack of sun exposure?