Bottom Line/HEALTH: Is there any common supplement that everybody takes, but that truth be told is really toxic and no one should be taking it, or they should be extremely careful of taking it?
Andrew Rubman, ND: Taking too much vitamin D. D means danger. The material acts in a way that resembles a hormone in the body. Just as we found out the incredible utility of it and absolutely being surprised to no end by how many different human systems it works in, we’ve dropped the top end of recommended or prescribed dosage down dramatically because, like taking potassium supplements, it can build up in the body. It can be hard to get out, and it can be devastating if it’s taken in excess.
Bottom Line A couple years ago, vitamin D was the darling, and they were recommending, what, 5,000?
Rubman: That’s not so bad. Some of the orthopedic surgeons were thinking about 50,000 once a month, and they found out that that was actually counterproductive. So they dropped that way down. But we have brought the lower level up. So you said, “All right, smart guy. What is a good average level for John and Jane Doe from Peoria to be taking?” 2,000 to 3,000 international units of vitamin D-3. And be aware of the fact that some genius figured out how to make it out of lanolin about three years ago, so it’s dirt cheap. You can get it in a drop form, sweetened with a little Stevia…you’re good to go.
Bottom Line: All right, and that’s D-3 and not D-2, right?
Rubman: Right.
Bottom Line: Can somebody get that same 2,000 to 3,000 IUs by walking in the sun each day?
Rubman: In the United States, particularly this season, absolutely not. And even in the summer, when we tend to dress with less clothing, we really shouldn’t count on it. We really should take supplemental, additional vitamin D-3.
Bottom Line: All right, thank you, Dr. Rubman.