There is a fair amount of research looking at the role of oxidant stress, and the imbalance of oxidants and anti-oxidants (like vitamin C) in RA and other immune/autoimmune/inflammatory disorders. Let us all know what your rheumatologist says about it when you ask.

If you live in a cold place, sunlight and natural Vitamin D is not enough in the winter. Health Canada highly recommends daily supplements from Oct 1 to May 30. The reason is because the sun is at a very slanted angle, and it does not have the affect on the body to produce natural vitamin D.

Now, I can't say if you live in the south. I just returned from Phoenix, and it was warm and sunny. I feel certain if I was in the sun 15 minutes there, I would not take supplements. My chiropractor (Yes, not a nutritionist!) recommends 50,000 i.u. At first. I have cut down a bit. It is supposed to be good for all kinds of things.

As for whether we can boost our immune systems too much, I have been careful to make sure I get enough of every vitamin and mineral, since the days when I was getting pneumonia and bronchitis. However, since the drugs are having so much trouble working, I wonder if maybe I should cut back a bit? Not on winter vitamin D, but on other things? I just know if I don't take Engevita Yeast daily, I get severe mouth sores, which is a sign of a Vitamin B deficiency. It is water soluble, so you can't take too much, but you also cannot store it, either!

Really good discussion. About all that I can add is that in addition to the plentiful use of hand sanitizer, I also use Hibiclense a couple of times a day on hands and face. I am in sales, in and out of businesses and public places five days a week. Still have a child in high school. Here in the deep south it's been a very mild winter and thus far no additional sickness this year.