25 hydroxy-vitamin d is 11 ng/ml. already have chronic joint pain, doctor wants to start lipitor (atorvastatin) but no vit d supp. should i get second opinion?

This is vvery low.: You should be on vit d. Getting vit d3 softgels and taking one daily is something you should be doing. Apart from osteoporosis, vit d levels that are low are associated with increased risk for prostate, breast, and colon cancer, heart disease and stroke, and more recently, multiple sclerosis. I take 5000iu per day. One of the best nutritional supplements more most of my patients! ask why first!

You are right!: 25-ohd3 indicates both endogenous production and oral intake.Therapy is based on total level of 25-ohd.Optimal levels are above or 30 ng/ml. Get a second opinion !

Yes: Vitamin d has many functions. Low vitamin d can contribute to Insulin resistance , elevate cortisol levels and impact other hormones including thyroid hormone. Vitamin d is important for your immune system and low levels have been linked to cancer and autoimmune disease.