Warmer weather is just around the corner, which will mean we’ve made it through the end of flu season and through the most common time for colds. Did you make it through unscathed or did the flu or a cold pay you a visit?
Well, in addition to Vitamin C, barricading yourself indoors away from people all winter, and good ole’ fashion hand sanitizer, scientists are now learning more about how Vitamin D can actually serve as a good defense for both the flu and colds. We have already known the benefit of Vitamin D in regards to bone and muscle health, but can Vitamin D actually lower our risk of respiratory infections?
That is exactly the claim made by a recent global collaborative study that examined data from 25 randomized trials, with a total of over 11,000 study participants.
Who will benefit the most from Vitamin D supplementation in regards to respiratory infections? Well, the researchers say those who have the lowest levels of Vitamin D (<10 mg/dL) will see the greatest impact of reduction in respiratory infections (cutting their risk in half).
Why is this so important? Millions of people are affected each year with acute respiratory infections, which, in some, can lead to death. So, if Vitamin D supplementation could reduce even a fraction of these cases, the impact would be remarkable.
Do you know your Vitamin D level? It may be worth getting this checked at your next visit. The recommended level for good bone health is anything 20 ng/mL or higher, whereas the Endocrine Society recommends that individuals have at least a level of 30 ng/mL.
If your Vitamin D levels are between 20 ng/mL to 30 ng/mL, it is recommended that you take around 1,000 to 2,000 int. units of Vitamin D2 (Cholecalciferol) daily. If your levels are below 20 ng/mL, we recommend that you take around 50,000 int units of Vitamin D3 (Ergocalciferol) two to three times weekly. It is important to get your levels checked routinely to ensure your levels are in a normal, healthy range.
So, the next time you’re at your doctor’s office, ask to get your Vitamin D levels checked if they are not already being monitored. Having a healthy, sufficient level could not only ensure that your bones are nice and strong, but it could also help defend you from the flu or a nasty cold.