The Study
According to an analysis published in the British Medial Journal, Vitamin D supplementation could play a major role in the fight against cold and flu and other respiratory infections.
Vitamin D is most commonly touted as a bone health supplement but, like all vitamins, it plays numerous roles in regulating a healthy body. One of those roles is in the immune system.
The immune system uses Vitamin D to make antimicrobial weapons that actually puncture holes in bacteria and viruses.
Vitamin D deficiency is a major concern everywhere in the developed world. People are spending less and less time in the sun, which is where we have historically gotten our Vitamin D from. So while we are certain that deficiency is widespread, we are still learning exactly how this can negatively impact health.
The team at Queen Mary University of London analyzed respiratory tract infections – which covers a wide range of illnesses from a sniffle to flu to pneumonia.
This analysis concluded that supplementing with Vitamin D is actually more effective than taking the flu vaccination for sparing infection.
The study also stated that it’s better to take Vitamin D daily or weekly than in monthly super doses.
The National Institute of Health stated that the findings were “worthy of serious further debate.” Our journey towards a true understanding of the many different ways vitamin deficiencies can affect health continues.
Are you Vitamin D Deficient?
You can always have your Vitamin D levels checked at a local hospital.
Symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency include:
– Fatigue
– Weight Gain
– Muscle Cramps or Weakness
– Joint Pain (especially in the back or knees)
– Low Immunity
– Low Calcium Levels in the Blood
– Mood Changes or Irritability
– Depression
– Bone Softening or Fractures
Vitamin D deficiency is most common in the autumn and winter months.