Brad Stanfield on Vitamin D3
30 episodes · 87 references · 2021–2025
- Stanfield takes 1,000–4,000 IU of vitamin D3 daily and considers it essential for calcium absorption, bone health, and immune function, while strongly warning against mega-dosing - Endorses standard guidelines of 600–800 IU for most adults, with higher doses (1,500–4,000 IU) only for specific populations like pregnant women or those at risk of diabetes - Cites large trials (VITAL, Cochrane) showing no benefit for cancer or heart disease prevention in people with adequate levels; cautions that high doses reduce bone density and increase fall risk
Consumption
- Stanfield currently takes 1,000 IU of vitamin D3 daily as part of his supplement regimen, paired with 120 mcg of vitamin K2 for bone strength - Previously supplemented with 2,000–4,000 IU daily for several years before reducing his dose - States he would not exceed 4,000 IU per day based on the clinical evidence
Benefits
- Critical for calcium absorption and bone mineralization; best-established benefit is preventing rickets in children - Reduces upper respiratory infections by 12–17%, with 43% fewer fever-accompanied infections in children; also linked to 22% reduction in autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis - Associated with reduced risk of type 2 diabetes in pre-diabetic adults, improved depression symptoms, and a small (3%) reduction in all-cause mortality per a 56-trial Cochrane review
Best Practices
- Standard dosing: 600 IU for adults under 50, 800 IU for those over 50–70, per Endocrine Society guidelines; routine blood testing not recommended for healthy people - Higher doses warranted for specific groups: ~3,000 IU daily during pregnancy, ~3,500 IU for those at high risk of diabetes, 1,500 IU for children up to 18 - Should be taken with vitamin K2 to direct calcium into bones; Stanfield personally caps intake at 4,000 IU and advises against exceeding that
Cautions
- Mega-dosing causes hypercalcemia (nausea, kidney stones, muscle weakness) and paradoxically reduces bone density — wrist BMD dropped 2.4% at 4,000 IU and 3.5% at 10,000 IU in a clinical trial - Large trials (VITAL) found no benefit for cancer, cardiovascular disease, fractures, falls, or cognitive function in people with adequate levels; one meta-analysis linked levels above 100 nmol/L to increased pancreatic cancer risk - High doses correlate with increased fall risk and muscle weakness — one study showed 9% grip strength loss and 13% leg strength loss at 2,800 IU daily
“I supplement with vitamin D between 2,000 and 4,000 units every day.”
How To Look Younger Than Your Age - Latest Advances
“Personally, I've been using 2,000 units of vitamin D every day, but I'm changing my dose after looking at the research again.”
The PERFECT Vitamin D Supplement Dose
“I've been supplementing with around 4,000 units of vitamin D every day and I've done this for a number of years.”
Groundbreaking Vitamin D & Immune System Study
“I also take 1,000 units of vitamin D as well as 120 micrograms of vitamin K2 to optimize my bone strength.”
Magnesium Benefits | Should We Use A Supplement?
“Overall, I wanted to supplement with 1,000 international units.”
The Only Three Supplements I Take
“Research has uncovered an association between vitamin D deficiency and the risk of fatty liver disease. There's also a link with the severity of the disease.”
Fatty Liver Fixed by Ozempic (GLP-1)
“It's also a key regulator of processes related to immune function, muscles, cell growth, and how we process glucose.”
This Study Proved We Were WRONG About Vitamin D
“In adults with pre-diabetes, vitamin D was effective in decreasing the risk for developing full-blown type 2 diabetes.”
Large Vitamin D Human Study Confirms Benefit
“Vitamin D can play a preventative role for those at high risk of progressing to diabetes, potentially delaying or preventing the progression to full-blown diabetes.”
This Study Proved We Were WRONG About Vitamin D
“Vitamin D3 helps to ensure that the calcium that I get in my food is absorbed into my body.”
Do This Daily to STOP Bone Loss & Prevent Fractures
“This is the basis for the idea that vitamin D and vitamin K should be taken together.”
New Studies Reveal the BEST Way to Take Vitamin K2 & D
“Adults up to 50 years of age should generally get at least 600 international units of vitamin D a day.”
This Study Proved We Were WRONG About Vitamin D
“For those under 75 who are otherwise healthy, the guidelines recommend 600 international units for younger adults, increasing to 800 international units as you hit 50 years and above.”
I Might Get Canceled for This…
“The latest endocrine society guidelines suggest following a recommended daily intake of 600 international units for younger adults and increasing that to 800 international units as you hit 50 and above.”
New Vitamin D & Immune System Study
“Kids up to 18 should get about 1,500 international units daily.”
This Study Proved We Were WRONG About Vitamin D
“Mega dosing vitamin D has skyrocketed in popularity over the past 3 to 4 years, but the uncomfortable reality is that there's a distinct lack of evidence of benefit from the clinical studies we have to date.”
What's the Perfect Vitamin D Dose?
$0.04/ct
$10.62 total
$0.03/ct
$10.83 total
$0.05/ct
$12.06 total
$0.05/ct
$11.95 total
$0.04/ct
$6.54 total
$0.33/ct
$20.00 total
