
134: We are not in a low vitamin D epidemic, with Regina Nuzzo PhD & Kristin Cobb PhD
The Perimenopause Solution Podcast
Vitamin D Deficiency Debunked
This chapter explores a study on surfers in Hawaii revealing surprising vitamin D deficiency rates despite high sun exposure, questioning the adequacy of current reference ranges. It highlights the implications of sensationalist scientific reporting and the misinterpretation of health statistics. Through a critical analysis of controversial claims and methodologies, the conversation underscores the importance of credible representation in scientific discourse.
Is everyone really low in vitamin D? Or have we been sold a narrative that doesn’t hold up under scrutiny?
In this mind-blowing episode, Tara sits down with Regina and Kristin, the investigative duo behind the Normal Curves podcast, to explore the truth behind the so-called "vitamin D deficiency epidemic." Spoiler: it may have been manufactured by outdated, flawed science—and driven by people with major conflicts of interest.
This is a must-listen for anyone taking vitamin D or worried about their levels. If you’ve been told your D is “low,” this episode might change everything.
In this episode we cover:- How the original vitamin D reference ranges were set (and how they were quietly reversed in 2024)
- Why testing vitamin D routinely may be doing more harm than good
- The role of conflicts of interest in shaping clinical guidelines
- What the latest randomized controlled trials (RCTs) actually show about supplementing vitamin D for disease prevention
- Why observational data can mislead us, and how low D might be the consequence—not the cause—of illness
- How much sun you actually need to make enough vitamin D (hint: it’s a lot less than you think)
- Why the “low D” narrative stuck around even after the science was overturned
If you're thinking about taking D, already taking D, or have been told your vitamin D is "low" (it likely isn't) then this one is for you.
WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE -https://www.youtube.com/@TaraThorne
Regina Nuzzo is a Gallaudet professor, award-winning science journalist, and co-host of the Normal Curves podcast. She brings statistics to life for students and audiences worldwide, often using sex-science examples to keep things lively. Her writing has appeared in Nature, The New York Times, Scientific American, and the Los Angeles Times, where she wrote a column on the science of sex and relationships. Alongside co-host Kristin Sainani, she penned a long-running statistics column for Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and now teaches a Stanford summer course on statistics for clinical informatics. Regina's work earned the American Statistical Association's Excellence in Statistical Reporting Award.
Kristin Cobb Sainani is a Stanford professor, science journalist, and co-host of the Normal Curves podcast. She brings statistics and scientific writing to students and audiences around the world. She also works as a statistician on sports medicine projects. Kristin has written widely about health, science, and statistics for both academic and popular audiences. She was a health columnist for Allure magazine for ten years and, alongside co-host Regina Nuzzo, penned a long-running statistics column for the journal Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. In 2018, she received Stanford's Biosciences Award for Excellence in Graduate Teaching. Known for her statistical sleuthing and ability to cut through academic jargon, Kristin champions clear language and rigorous methods in science.
Mentioned in this episode:
Normal Curves Podcast
https://www.normalcurves.com/vitamin-d-part-1-is-the-deficiency-epidemic-real/ https://www.normalcurves.com/vitamin-d-part-2-good-for-more-than-just-your-bones/ Normal Curves Website: https://www.normalcurves.com/EQUIP PRIME PROTEIN – Click HERE to grab yours and use my code: TARA to get 15% off. When you sign up for a subscription via my link, you’ll save 30% on the first month & 15% on any subsequent months!
Purchase Herbatonin here to get 15% automatically applied to your cart: https://symphonynaturalhealth.com/Tara
PIQUE TEA – These are some of Tara’s favourite teas! They’re crystal form, which makes them super unique and easy to transport in your purse, (they come in single use satchels!) and higher in polyphenols. They’re made from high quality ingredients with triple toxin screening, (super important when it comes to your tea). Click HERE to visit the shop.
HRT Made Simple™ - Learn how to confidently speak to your doctor about the benefits of hormone replacement therapy so you can set yourself up for symptom-free, unmedicated years to come without feeling confused, dismissed, or leaving the medical office minus your HRT script.
Hair Loss Solutions Made Simple™ – This course will teach you the best natural, highly effective, and safe solutions for your hair loss so you can stop it, reverse it, and regrow healthy hair without turning to medications.
The Perimenopause Solution™ – My signature 6-month comprehensive hormonal health program for women in midlife who want to get solid answers to their hormonal health issues once and for all so they can kick the weight gain, moodiness, gut problems, skin issues, period problems, fatigue, overwhelm, insomnia, hair/eyebrow loss, and other symptoms in order to get back to the woman they once were.
[FREE] The Ultimate Midlife Perimenopause Handbook - Grab my free guide and RECLAIM your confidence, your mood, your waistline and energy without turning to medications or restrictive diets (or spending a fortune on testing you don’t need!).
[BOOK A 30-MINUTE SESSION WITH TARA HERE]