Dr. Eric Berg Profile picture
Apr 13, 2025 13 tweets 5 min read Read on X
The Most Common Mistakes People Make When Taking Vitamin D

Millions take vitamin D—yet remain deficient.

Why? Because they make key MISTAKES that block vitamin D from being absorbed or used properly.

Here are the most common errors—and how to fix them.

Let’s break it down: Image
Vitamin D3 influences over 10% of your genetic expression.

It plays a vital role in immunity, hormone balance, mood regulation, and calcium metabolism.

But without the right supporting nutrients and protocols, it can do more harm than good.

Here are 7 common mistakes to avoid: Image
1/ Taking vitamin D without magnesium

Magnesium is required to activate and convert vitamin D into its usable form in the body.

Without sufficient magnesium, your D3 supplement remains inactive—regardless of the dose.

But not all magnesium is equal—so which type works best?
2/ Using the wrong magnesium

Magnesium oxide absorbs poorly—just 4%—and often leads to diarrhea.

For better results, choose:
• Magnesium glycinate (ideal for sleep)
• Magnesium citrate (helps digestion)

Now, let’s look at the next common mistake people make with vitamin D…
3/ Skipping vitamin K2

Vitamin D helps absorb calcium, but K2 directs it to the right places.

Without K2, calcium may build up in arteries and soft tissue.

Use the MK-7 form of K2: 100mcg per 10,000 IU of D3.

Now, let’s look at the next cofactor people often ignore…
4/ Ignoring zinc

Zinc is essential for converting cholesterol into active vitamin D.

It also supports immune function, sex hormones, and enzyme activity.

For every 10,000 IU of D3, take 20mg of zinc for optimal effectiveness.

But dosage matters too… Image
5/ Taking too little vitamin D3

The standard 600–800 IU/day? Far too low to be effective.

Most people need 6000–10,000 IU daily for real benefits.

Experts like Dr. Michael Holick and Dr. Bruce Hollis both recommend 10,000 IU/day.
6/ Choosing D2 instead of D3

Vitamin D2 is poorly absorbed, less stable, and quickly broken down in the body.

Always choose D3 (cholecalciferol)—it’s more bioavailable and matches the form your body makes from sunlight.

Now, let’s address the final mistake… Image
7/ Improper testing and supplement timing

To ensure accurate vitamin D levels, stop supplementation 3 days before testing.

Blood D3 levels don’t reflect the active vitamin D inside cells, so explore other assessment methods.

Now you can optimize your vitamin D intake! Image
To dive deeper into vitamin D and its impact, check out this insightful interview with Dr. Bruce Hollis.

We shared expert insights on the science behind vitamin D, its effects on your health, and how to optimize your intake.

A bit about me:

I am the creator of Healthy Keto® & Intermittent Fasting protocols.

I educate millions on nutrition and wellness, empowering over 100M people to make healthier choices.

Follow me for evidence-based insights to improve your health and vitality. Image
Thank you for reading!

What is ONE thing you learned from this thread? Comment below...

And follow me @dr_ericberg for more evidence-based insights to improve your health and longevity.

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More from @dr_ericberg

Feb 8
Many people believe that worsening eyesight is simply inevitable.

The truth is that you can naturally GET YOUR EYESIGHT BACK.

Don’t believe me? Check this out: 🧵
By age 45, most people need glasses.

There is a specific problem that often goes undetected in routine eye exams.

It is called contrast sensitivity loss, which is the inability to see subtle differences between shades of gray.
Contrast sensitivity loss causes blurriness, especially in low-light environments.

Standard eye exams use high-contrast charts, which are black letters on white backgrounds.

Because of this, the condition often goes undetected.
Read 17 tweets
Feb 6
What happens if you use rice water on your hair for 2 weeks?

This ancient remedy is rich in nutrients, and modern science is finally catching up.

It can promote growth, reduce frizz, and improve scalp health.

Here’s exactly how to make it… and why it works so well: 🧵 Image
Rice water has been used in Asia for centuries.

But most people today make it the wrong way.

Simply soaking rice in water for a few hours and applying it will not deliver real results.
The key is fermentation.

During fermentation, natural microbes break down the starch in rice water and release bioactive compounds that strengthen the hair and support scalp health.

This process is what transforms plain rice water into an effective remedy.
Read 13 tweets
Feb 3
Millions of people struggle with depression.
In many cases, the root cause is a simple nutrient deficiency.

Here are 5 key deficiencies that can silently trigger depression.

1/ Zinc… 🧵 Image
Zinc is essential for neurotransmitter production and hundreds of biochemical reactions.

Deficiency can be genetic or dietary, especially in vegetarians, vegans, or those who don't eat a lot of animal products.

Sources include red meat, shellfish, and other animal proteins.
2/ Vitamin B12

B12 is essential for producing serotonin, the neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood.

Deficiency can contribute to fatigue, low energy, and symptoms of depression.

Common causes include low stomach acid, absorption difficulties, or inadequate dietary intake.
Read 12 tweets
Feb 1
Baking soda isn’t just for reducing odors in your refrigerator.

Here are 7 unexpected benefits of baking soda you can use in your everyday life: 🧵
1/ Teeth whitener and mouthwash

Baking soda whitens teeth & changes the mouth’s pH to reduce harmful bacteria.

This helps:
• Reduce bad breath
• Limit tartar & plaque buildup
• Clean teeth gently

Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 1 tablespoon of water. Brush & rinse.
2/ Natural deodorant

Sweat itself does not cause odor. Bacteria are responsible for body odor.

Baking soda creates an alkaline environment where odor-causing bacteria cannot survive.

And the best part?
You can make your own natural deodorant at home in minutes…
Read 12 tweets
Jan 30
Not all supplements are safe.
In fact, some can be harmful to your health.

Here are 10 vitamins you should never take… and why: 🧵
1/ Synthetic Vitamin A
(often labeled as retinyl palmitate or retinyl acetate)

Builds up in the liver and fat tissue.
Linked to toxicity, birth defects, and bone loss.
In skin creams, it can become carcinogenic under UV light.

Better sources: egg yolks, liver, cod liver oil.
2/ Synthetic Beta-Carotene

Manufactured from petroleum byproducts.
In studies, smokers taking it had a higher risk of lung cancer.
Natural carotenoids protect health, synthetic versions can damage it.

Best sources: carrots, leafy greens, sweet potatoes.
Read 15 tweets
Jan 27
I’m 60, and it took me over 30 years to figure this out.

These are the 7 biggest health mistakes I made… and why they almost ruined me:

1/ Taking too many vitamins 🧵
At one point, I was taking over 100 supplements a day.
Entire bottles, not just pills.

I kept searching for the vitamin that would restore my energy.
I never found it.

Here’s what I didn’t understand back then…
Supplements don’t work without a solid nutritional foundation.

My diet lacked key macronutrients, especially protein and healthy fats.
No supplement can replace those.

What works instead:
Start the day with protein and get energy from healthy fats, not sugar. Image
Read 13 tweets

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