Published: December 15, 2012Updated: 07:02 December 16, 2012

Vitamin D v. the Flu

POWERFUL WEAPON FOR COLD AND FLU SEASON

Looking for another weapon to help you and your family fight colds and flus this season? Try supplementing with vitamin D. Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), to be exact.

Studies indicate that vitamin D3 is effective at fighting both of these seasonal miseries.

One study of 300 children found that those who took 1,200 International Units (IUs) of vitamin D3 per day were significantly less likely to get the flu than those who unknowingly took a placebo.

Research also suggests that adults who’ve already come down with a cold or flu may experience relief by taking 2,000 IUs per day for three days.

One study found that a nutrient combo of vitamin C, vitamin D3, folic acid, and selenium provided significant relief of cold symptoms and recurrent upper respiratory tract infections.

In addition to fighting sickness, vitamin D3 appears to help improve bone mineral density, reduce asthma, ease inflammation, and alleviate depression, among many other benefits.

http://tasteforlife.com/nutrition-plus/vitamin-d-v-flu-1 

SELECTED SOURCES

“Dietary Efficacy of a Multinutrient Combination in Patients with Recurrent Upper Respiratory Tract Infections” by K. Schmidt and S. Zirkler, MMW Fortschr Med, 10/11

“Effects of Vitamin D on Immune Disorders with Special Regard to Asthma, COPD and Autoimmune Diseases . . .” by J. L. Szekely and A. Pataki, Expert Rev Respir Med, 12/12

“Randomized Trial of Vitamin D Supplementation to Prevent Seasonal Influenza . . .” by M. Urashima et al., Am J Clin Nut, 5/10

“Use of Vitamin D in Clinical Practice” by J. J. Cannell and B. W. Hollis, Alter Med Rev, 3/08