Vitamin D and The Incidence of Colds and Flu
A study suggests that low levels of vitamin D have been linked to higher incidence of colds and flu.
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is produced by the body upon exposure of the skin to the ultraviolet rays of the sun. It also occurs naturally in quite a limited number of foods, a common nutritional additive of some, and is available as an element of certain dietary supplements.
Vitamin D plays a vital role in facilitating calcium absorption in the intestines as well as in sustaining sufficient levels of calcium and phosphate in the serum which promotes normal mineralization of bones.
Other functions played by vitamin D in human health include regulation of some neuromuscular and immune functions. As an immunoregulator, it acts to reduce the degree of inflammation. A number of genes encoding proteins that control cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis (cell death) are partly regulated also by vitamin D.
A study published in the Feb.23 issue of the journal Archives of Internal Medicine, found a possible association between low vitamin D levels and a higher incidence of colds and flu.
The researchers led by Dr. Adit Ginde, an assistant professor of surgery in the emergency medicine division at the University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, reviewed and analyzed data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, gathered between 1988 and 1994.
They found that among the survey participants – who were 75 percent white and whose average age was 38 – those whose vitamin D levels were below 10 nanograms per milliliter of blood (considered low), had an almost 40 percent likelihood of having had a respiratory infection compared with those whose vitamin D levels were 30 ng or higher. And this finding was consistently seen across all races and ages studied.
Image via Wikipedia
Furthermore, the researchers found that asthma patients with the lowest levels of vitamin D were five times more at risk of developing a respiratory infection, and vitamin D-deficient patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) had two times the risk.
However, Ginde warned that still in the works are studies designed to determine whether vitamin D supplementation would really lower the risk for respiratory infection they found.
Image via Wikipedia
Meanwhile, this finding should better equip us in fighting against respiratory infection, especially during this season of flu and H1N1 influenza. We need to eat a well-balanced diet rich in vitamin D and have adequate exposure to sunlight to ensure that we are not deficient of this essential vitamin. Specifically, people with asthma and other chronic lung diseases need to have sufficient levels of vitamin D to help lower their risk for respiratory infections like colds and flu.
Liked it
MMV Abad | Oct 4, 2009 | Reply
This is something new about Vitamin D. Thank you, Mel.
Beth Suess | Oct 4, 2009 | Reply
Very interesting article!
giftarist | Oct 4, 2009 | Reply
Thanks for sharing this, very interesting
Mr Ghaz | Oct 4, 2009 | Reply
Another virtue of knowledge from you Melody..very informative and helpful article about nutrition topic….Thanks for the tips.
Joe Dorish | Oct 4, 2009 | Reply
Fascinating study which makes me think the lower levels of sun available in winter is why we get more colds and flu then.
CHAN LEE PENG | Oct 4, 2009 | Reply
Valuable and great piece, thanks.
deep blue | Oct 4, 2009 | Reply
A great informative post. Thanks a lot kabayan.
Christine Ramsay | Oct 4, 2009 | Reply
Interesting facts. Good work.
Christine
Christine Ramsay | Oct 4, 2009 | Reply
Interesting facts. Good work.
Darla Smith | Oct 4, 2009 | Reply
Interesting article.
Judy Sheldon | Oct 4, 2009 | Reply
Melody, thanks so much for sharing this valuable information about Vitamin D.
Petalm | Oct 4, 2009 | Reply
Very indepth article.
Lady Sunshine | Oct 4, 2009 | Reply
Very interesting article, Melody. And Joe makes a very good point.
Journalist marlene | Oct 4, 2009 | Reply
Great informative article.
Moses Ingram | Oct 4, 2009 | Reply
Some interesting facts here, thanks for sharing.
Ruby Hawk | Oct 4, 2009 | Reply
Thatt’s interesting and helpful information, I take my vitamin D every day along with my multiple, fish oil. and calcium.
Poetic Enigma | Oct 4, 2009 | Reply
Great article, and facts! Thanks for sharing (:
Eunice Tan | Oct 4, 2009 | Reply
Very informative and useful!
Uma Shankari | Oct 4, 2009 | Reply
Well compiled and interestingly presented information.
SharifaMcFarlane | Oct 5, 2009 | Reply
Hmm.
Thank you for this!
Some scientists think that’s why there’s a higher incidence of flu in winter too!
obikelvin | Oct 5, 2009 | Reply
Great post! Consider me your fan from now on out.But why don’t you chill with one of my fascinating articles titled “What Happens in a Sexual Encounter with a Real Ghost?”
martinpm | Oct 5, 2009 | Reply
thanks for sharing very interesting.
strovek | Oct 5, 2009 | Reply
Very informative. I always thought it was vitamin e from the sun though.
Eric Goode | Oct 5, 2009 | Reply
A vitamin D deficiency can also cause rickets. Rickets is very prevelant in children in under-developed countries but cannot affect anyone. Great post!
Eric Goode | Oct 5, 2009 | Reply
Sorry rickets can affect anyone
CA Johnson | Oct 5, 2009 | Reply
This article was really interesting. I think you did some really great research about Vitamin D.
sweetie1 | Oct 11, 2009 | Reply
nice one but i was told that all we need vit D is supplied by sun rays we dont need suppliments
CutestPrincess | Nov 3, 2009 | Reply
Brilliantly written article, good information.