VITAMIN D IS DANGEROUS

Summary

In this video, the speaker explains the differences between vitamin D dangers and vitamin D toxicity, emphasizing that true toxicity is extremely rare. The speaker also highlights the importance of magnesium, zinc, vitamin K2, and vitamin A in ensuring proper vitamin D function. He discusses how these nutrients work synergistically and how deficiencies in one can impact the effectiveness of the others. Additionally, the video covers the best sources for each nutrient and gives practical advice on how to choose high-quality supplements and avoid harmful additives. Finally, the speaker offers a simple test to detect hidden starches in vitamin D supplements.

Takeaways

• 😀 Vitamin D toxicity is extremely rare and usually requires consuming hundreds of thousands of IU over extended periods.
• 😀 The main concern with excess vitamin D is too much calcium in the blood, but this is preventable with proper nutrient balance.
• 😀 Magnesium is crucial for vitamin D's effectiveness. A deficiency in magnesium can worsen with high vitamin D intake.
• 😀 Magnesium helps prevent vascular calcification and clotting by acting as a natural calcium channel blocker.
• 😀 Zinc is essential for the proper functioning of vitamin D receptors, and a deficiency can be worsened by high vitamin D supplementation.
• 😀 Zinc deficiencies can cause symptoms like poor taste, acne, and lower testosterone levels.
• 😀 Vitamin K2 helps direct calcium into bones and teeth, preventing it from accumulating in arteries.
• 😀 For every 10,000 IU of vitamin D3, consider taking 100 micrograms of vitamin K2, preferably in the MK7 form.
• 😀 Vitamin A (retinol) works synergistically with vitamin D to keep calcium out of arteries and improve overall absorption.
• 😀 Choose natural vitamin D3 over synthetic D2, as D3 is more effective. Avoid supplements with unnecessary fillers like maltodextrin.
• 😀 Key foods to support vitamin D absorption include magnesium-rich leafy greens, zinc-rich red meat, and vitamin K2 from grass-fed butter and fermented foods.

Q & A

What is the difference between vitamin D dangers and vitamin D toxicity?

Vitamin D dangers refer to potential issues related to vitamin D supplementation, while vitamin D toxicity is extremely rare and typically only occurs when consuming hundreds of thousands of international units of vitamin D3 over an extended period. The main symptom of toxicity is too much calcium in the blood.

How much vitamin D3 would it take to cause toxicity?

According to Professor Bruce Hollis, you would need to consume hundreds of thousands of international units (IUs) of vitamin D3 daily for months to develop any toxicity. This level of intake is far beyond typical supplementation doses.

What role does magnesium play in vitamin D effectiveness?

Magnesium is essential for vitamin D to work properly. If you have a magnesium deficiency and take a large amount of vitamin D, the deficiency may worsen because vitamin D increases the body's need for magnesium.

How does magnesium help prevent vitamin D toxicity?

Magnesium is a natural calcium channel blocker and helps control calcium levels in the blood. This can prevent vascular calcification (calcium buildup in blood vessels), which is a potential concern when there is too much calcium due to excessive vitamin D intake.

Why is zinc important when taking vitamin D3?

The vitamin D receptor is dependent on zinc. If you are slightly zinc deficient and take vitamin D3, the deficiency can be exaggerated, as the requirement for zinc increases with vitamin D intake. Zinc also plays a role in maintaining healthy skin, taste, and testosterone levels.

What is the function of vitamin K2 in relation to vitamin D?

Vitamin K2 helps prevent calcium buildup in the arteries and directs calcium into the bones and teeth. It works synergistically with vitamin D to ensure proper calcium metabolism in the body.

What should you consider when choosing a vitamin D3 supplement?

It's important to choose vitamin D3 (not D2) and ensure it comes from natural sources, rather than synthetic forms. Additionally, avoid supplements with hidden fillers like maltodextrin or glucose syrup, which are commonly added by manufacturers.

How can you test for hidden starches in vitamin D supplements?

To test for hidden starches like maltodextrin in a vitamin D supplement, open the capsule, mix it in water, and add a few drops of iodine. If the solution turns dark purple, it indicates the presence of starch.

What foods are rich in magnesium?

Magnesium can be found in leafy green vegetables (due to their chlorophyll content), chocolate (without sugar), certain nuts (like almonds), and pumpkin seeds. Magnesium supplements, such as magnesium glycinate, are also commonly used.

How much magnesium should you take if you're experiencing muscle cramps?

If you're experiencing muscle cramps, it may be necessary to increase your magnesium intake. Some individuals have required up to 2400 milligrams of magnesium to relieve cramps, although 800 milligrams is typically sufficient for most people.