Update on Vitamin D and COVID-19

Update on Vitamin D and COVID-19

Author: Chris Masterjohn, PhD April 26, 2020 Duration: 23:20

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DISCLAIMER: I am not a medical doctor and this is not medical advice. I am also not an infectious disease epidemiologist and I am not speaking on behalf of infectious disease epidemiologists. I have a PhD in Nutritional Sciences and my expertise is in conducting and interpreting research related to my field. Please consult your physician before doing anything for prevention or treatment of COVID-19, and please seek the help of a physician immediately if you believe you may have COVID-19.

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It would mean the world to me if you support this service by purchasing a copy of my ebook, The Food and Supplement Guide to the Coronavirus. The guide contains my most up-to-date conclusions about what we should be doing for nutritional and herbal support on top of hygiene and social distancing for added protection. Due to the absence of randomized controlled trials testing nutritional or herbal prevention, these are my best guesses for what is likely to work without significant risk of harm, based on the existing science.

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Unfortunately, I have not been immune to the effects this virus has had on the economy. My revenue from my other offerings started falling in February, and by mid-March I had days where my revenue was zero. I have three people who work for me full-time, and I am doing everything I can to avoid laying any of them off. By mid-March I had depleted 75% of my emergency fund in order to avoid any layoffs, and without charging for the guide I would not have been able to hold out much longer.

Charging for the guide has allowed me to keep everyone working, replete some of my savings, and devote myself to researching COVID-19 full-time. As a result I now publish this daily COVID-19 series and the free newsletter, am involved in the design of several clinical trials that are in the process of being submitted for registration now, and am able to continually update the guide for free whenever my research warrants it.

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PLEASE NOTE: As a result of the COVID-19 crisis and the time I am committing to staying on top of relevant research, as well as the high volume of questions I receive, it may take me extra time to respond to questions here. For an up-to-date list of where I respond to questions most quickly, please see the contact page on chrismasterjohnphd.com.

Chris Masterjohn, PhD, is the Founder and Scientific Director of the mitochondria test Mitome.


Chris Masterjohn, PhD hosts Mastering Nutrition, a podcast that digs into the science of how our bodies work at a fundamental level. The focus here is on mitochondrial health-the energy powerhouses within our cells-and how optimizing them forms the cornerstone of lasting vitality. Chris brings his background as a nutrition scientist and his experience founding BioOptHealth to these conversations, which move beyond generic diet advice. Instead, the podcast explores how individual differences, informed by tools like whole genome sequencing and detailed biochemical data, can reveal personalized paths to better metabolic function. Listeners will hear deep dives into cutting-edge research, practical interpretations of complex studies, and discussions on how to apply these insights in a real-world context. This isn't about quick fixes or trending superfoods; it's about building a coherent, scientifically-grounded understanding of nutrition from the cellular level up. Each episode aims to provide the kind of nuanced, evidence-based perspective that can help you make sense of conflicting health information. Whether the topic is a specific nutrient, a metabolic pathway, or a broader principle of wellness, Chris works to translate dense science into actionable knowledge. Tune in for a thoughtful, detailed exploration of what it truly means to master your own nutritional landscape.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 712

Mastering Nutrition
Podcast Episodes
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Here's how to get NIACIN from FOOD. 🍲😋 I recommend getting a half gram to a gram of protein per pound of bodyweight (double this if you measure your weight in kilograms), which contributes to your niacin status, as well…
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COFFEE 😍😍😍 Is it a good source of NIACIN? That depends on how you brew it. This episode has the details on the effect of roasting, coffee strength, and decaffeination. This episode is brought to you by Ancestral Suppleme…
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Ever wonder if you need more niacin? This episode covers the signs and symptoms of niacin deficiency as well as the reasons you'd be likely to become deficient. This episode is brought to you by Ancestral Supplements' Gr…
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Duration: 6:43
Niacin, niacinamide, nicotinamide riboside, nicotinamide mononucleotide, oh my! 🙉 Which form should you take for anti-aging? In this episode, I recommend nicotinamide riboside (NR). It's better at increase NAD+ levels th…
Should You Inject Yourself With NAD+? | Chris Masterjohn Lite #130 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:46
Should you inject yourself with NAD+ to stay young forever? 💉😮 My buddy Ben and some guys at Onnit are doin' it. 👊 I'm a little less prone to livin' on the edge. 🤓 I like the idea of living forever, but, well, I don't wa…
What to Do About Fatty Liver | Chris Masterjohn Lite #129 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:31
An estimated 70 million Americans have fatty liver disease, and the strongest predictors are obesity and type 1 or type 2 diabetes. The lab I worked in when I completed my PhD specialized in fatty liver disease, so I did…
Vitamin A and Fatty Liver | Chris Masterjohn Lite #128 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:30
Fatty liver can hurt your liver's ability to store vitamin A, which could make vitamin A supplements or vitamin A-rich foods toxic. Yet one of the main conditions that causes fatty liver -- obesity -- also makes your cel…