Vitamin D reduce flu, respiratory illness

Vitamin D may reduce the incidence and severity of viral respiratory tract infections, including influenza, according to a new study published in journal PloS ONE. Researchers followed 198 healthy adults during the fall and winter 2009 to 2010 to determine if the declining concentrations of vitamin D seen in the fall and winter in a temperate climate could be a factor in the seasonal increased prevalence of respiratory viral infections such as the flu. In the double blind study, participants had blood samples drawn monthly using a 25-hydroxyvitamin D test to measure vitamin D levels. Participants reported any evidence of an acute respiratory tract infection (nasal congestion, sore throat, and/or cough with or without fever, chills, fatigue and general malaise). Of the 18 participants who maintained vitamin D levels of 38 ng/ml or higher during the study period, only three developed viral infections. Of the 180 other participants, 81 developed viral infections. Those with the higher vitamin D levels also experienced a marked reduction in the number of days ill. The findings suggest supplementing with vitamin D to achieve a blood level 38 ng/ml or higher could result in a significant health benefit by reducing the incidence of viral infections of the respiratory tract.

Steve - CDC, are you paying attention?