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Feb 23, 2009 05:15 PM | 19
Is sunshine more than just a home remedy for a cold? New research suggests it may be: In a study that will be published tomorrow, people with low levels of vitamin D — also known as the "sunshine vitamin" — were more likely to catch cold and flu than folks with adequate amounts. The effect of the vitamin was strongest in people with asthma and other lung diseases who are predisposed to respiratory infections.
People with the worst vitamin D deficiency were 36 percent more likely to suffer respiratory infections than those with sufficient levels, according to the research in this week's Archives of Internal Medicine. Among asthmatics, those who were vitamin D deficient were five times more likely to get sick than their counterparts with healthy levels. And the risk of respiratory infection was twice as high among vitamin D-deficient patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) than in lung patients with normal levels of the vitamin.
All this means that healthy adults, who typically get two colds a year, might suffer an extra one if they're vitamin D deficient. For people with asthma or COPD, who get around four or five colds annually, lack of vitamin D might tack on additional infections, but exactly how many isn’t known, co-author Adit Ginde tells ScientificAmerican.com.
Ginde, of the University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, and colleagues at Harvard Medical School found the association when they compared vitamin D levels taken from nearly 19,000 participants in the federal government's National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) with their answers to the question, "In the past few days, have you had a cough, cold or other acute illness?"
Only a study that gave vitamin D supplements to people with low levels and compared their respiratory infection rates with people who had sufficient levels of the vitamin would show a true cause and effect, Ginde says. But, he adds, the results build on previous research suggesting that vitamin D is important to the function of the immune system.
Lab work has shown that lack of vitamin D is associated with weaker production of an antimicrobial peptide called hCAP-18, a protein that works with immune-system cells to kill pathogens. "We think that if you're exposed to a virus [and] you have sufficient vitamin D, those cells will be better equipped to fight off that organism so you don’t get an infection," says Ginde, an assistant professor of surgery in his university's department of emergency medicine. In people with vitamin D deficiency, it's possible that "those cells don’t work as well so you're more like to get a cold or infection or something more severe."
In people with asthma or COPD, he added, vitamin D deficiency "is a second hit" that may compound their underlying risk of respiratory infection from their disease.
Having 30 nanograms of vitamin D per milliliter of blood is considered optimal. More than half of the people in the study had vitamin D levels below that threshold.
The most recent recommendations from the Institute of Medicine (IOM), which are 12 years old, say that Americans should get 200-600 International Units of vitamin D a day. But those recommendations were set based on the vitamin's contribution to bone health, not immunity and overall wellbeing. Proponents of more vitamin D intake, such as Michael Holick, say 1,000-2,000 IUs might be needed. An IOM update to the recommendations is expected in May 2010.
"It's clear that the American population needs more vitamin D overall for its effects on bone health and the growing literature on non-skeletal benefits for general health," says Ginde, who expects participants in an upcoming vitamin D trial will get the amped up levels of 1,000-2,000 IUs that advocates are pushing for. "We're not recommending that everyone go out and take that, but that's the magnitude of change we're talking about."
Image © iStockphoto/TommL
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flu,
asthma,
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19 Comments
Add CommentIt is apparent that one dose range doesnt fit all. I say get a 25 OH vit D level then take as much vitamin D that is needed to fix it. Like any one pair of shoes will not fit everyone not one fixed dose range of vitamin D will fix everyone either..
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisFrom my point of view(nutritional biochemist and dietary suppl.regulatory aff.manager) I could not believe taht all scientist who have led the vitamin D revolution (Holick, Heaney, Vieth, Hollis, Garland, Norman etc.) are excluded from the proposed new FNB Committee on vitamin D. Dr. Catherine Ross, was a right hand of late Proff. J.Olson , one of the world most recognized expert for vitamin A, but NOT for vitamin D. Someone (C.Ross) whose articles on vitamin D could not be found in any serious american/european nutritional scientific journal should not be a "President " FNB Commitee.- it seems that this person has no limits in her unfounded ambitions. In February (2009) issue of The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition , Dr. Ross is a coauthor of vitamin A , article but not vitamin D. How I could trust to the decisions regarding the new vitamin D RDA issued by such a Commitee.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisSincerely,
Mr.Dusan Obradovic, Pharm M
nutritional biochemist
Diet.Supp.Reg.Aff.Dept.
Galenika a.d.
Pharmaceutical factory
Belgrade, Serbia
I believe we all should most likely st ick with the advice of Dr. Connell and the Vitamin D council's recommendations. Although, for myself, I also use the Hydrogen Peroxide blood oxygenating therapy since I am about 74 years of age, I do follow a three times weely dosage of about 7,000 units of D3 as well as other vitamin/mineral supplements for general health upkeep, I have had no shots, vaccines, or other anti-biotic therapies without even a sniffle since suscribing to the Council's info on the D role in general immune health; not even after being in the presence and, of course, very close proximity of three flu ridden grandchildren and son-in-law. I love this stuff because it is so truly evidenced in my own health.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisI personally believe in your research of Vitamin D,I have been on a product called Cardio Cocktail for 5 months and it has 5,000 IU I have not been sick once this winter. In addition to that my blood pressure has gone down and my hair and nail have improved. When you take larger amount of vitamin D it also acts as a antidepressant. Thanks for sharring your study
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisDenise
I have been on Cardio Cocktail as well for several months and think the 5000 IU of Vitamin D has been very benificial. It is in liquid form and therefore more absorbable.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisI am a workout fanatic and committed believer in natural health for decades. For the last two years I and my wife, who has had severe COPD for many years, have taken 5,000 IUs daily of Vitamin D3 in a tiny gelcap. I have had NO colds or flu in that time period and my wife only once or twice a year. Prior to our vitamin D3 regimin she was constantly getting sick and I too but only 2 or 3 times a year. God Bless Dr Cannell and the Vitamin D Council.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisAbout Vitamin D.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to this<a href="http://evoandproud.blogspot.com/2009/06/what-caused-rickets-epidemic.html">What caused the rickets epidemic?</a>.
<a href="http://evoandproud.blogspot.com/2009/06/pseudo-epidemic.html">A pseudo-epidemic?</a>.
<a href="http://evoandproud.blogspot.com/2009/06/mad-dogs-and.html">Mad dogs and .... </a>
<a href="http://evoandproud.blogspot.com/2009/06/vitamin-d-and-homeostasis.html">Vitamin D and homeostasis </a>
About Vitamin D.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to this<a href="http://evoandproud.blogspot.com/2009/06/what-caused-rickets-epidemic.html">What caused the rickets epidemic?</a>.
<a href="http://evoandproud.blogspot.com/2009/06/pseudo-epidemic.html">A pseudo-epidemic?</a>.
<a href="http://evoandproud.blogspot.com/2009/06/mad-dogs-and.html">Mad dogs and .... </a>
<a href="http://evoandproud.blogspot.com/2009/06/vitamin-d-and-homeostasis.html">Vitamin D and homeostasis </a>
About Vitamin D.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to this<a href="http://evoandproud.blogspot.com/2009/06/what-caused-rickets-epidemic.html">What caused the rickets epidemic?</a>.
<a href="http://evoandproud.blogspot.com/2009/06/pseudo-epidemic.html">A pseudo-epidemic?</a>.
<a href="http://evoandproud.blogspot.com/2009/06/mad-dogs-and.html">Mad dogs and .... </a>
<a href="http://evoandproud.blogspot.com/2009/06/vitamin-d-and-homeostasis.html">Vitamin D and homeostasis </a>
Vitamin d is definitely very important, especially in children. I also suffer from SAD and it helps with that too (takes time tho). I get all my vitamin D products for myself and my kids from here: http://www.evergreenhealthstore.co.uk
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisGreat Article, Thanks!
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisPeople should also be aware not to buy anything without proper inquiry about product quality. There is a lot of marketing junk out there.
With research, I have found those to be the best: http://bestbuy.usana.com
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisVitamin D3 Supplements:
NOW Vitamin D softgels supply this key vitamin in a highly-absorbable liquid softgel form. Vitamin D is normally obtained from the diet or produced by the skin from the ultraviolet energy of the sun. However, it is not abundant in food. As more people avoid sun exposure, Vitamin D supplementation becomes even more necessary to ensure that your body receives an adequate supply. Vitamin D3 Supplements on discount at NutroVita.com.
For more details please visit:
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Vitamin D3 Supplements:
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisNOW Vitamin D softgels supply this key vitamin in a highly-absorbable liquid softgel form. Vitamin D is normally obtained from the diet or produced by the skin from the ultraviolet energy of the sun. However, it is not abundant in food. As more people avoid sun exposure, Vitamin D supplementation becomes even more necessary to ensure that your body receives an adequate supply. Vitamin D3 Supplements on discount at Nutrovita.com.
For more details please visit:
http://www.nutrovita.com/32760/now-foods/vitamin-d-3-2-000-iu.htm
Thank you for your posts...really informative! Most people aren't aware of the function of Vitamin D, and don't know that it's actually a pro-hormone. I recommend Vitamin D with K2 from Isotonix. Check out the product at www.marketamerica.com/newgenerationwellness to gain more insight on this awesome supplement. Here, you'll find all the medical research, benefits, FAQ's, and customer comments & feedback on their experience using the product. OPC-3, another supplement from Isotonix, is one of the most advanced antioxidants on the market. See what makes this product totally unique from all the rest. I use both supplements, as well as all of the other Isotonix supplements. Check them out and tell me what you think...maybe include this link on your blog for your readers to check out as well!
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisUse REFERRAL CODE: rroad46@yahoo.com to sign up and try the products. I am sure you will not be disappointed. All customers receive CASH BACK on every order. Not only will you improve your health, and increase your Vitamin D levels, you will add a little something to your bank account as well!
Let me know what you think at rroad46@yahoo.com. To your better health, better fitness, and better living!
RL Stevenson
New Generation Wellness
I was recently diagnosed as severely deficient, and have been looking for a place to discuss with fellow sufferers... I was unable to find anything so I decided to start my own forum, it's http://www.vitamindforum.com . It would be great if people could join up and post their experiences!
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisVitamin D3 Iu:
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisVitamin D-3 2,000 IU - Buy Vitamin D-3 2,000 IU 120 sg by Now Foods on discount at NutroVita. Vitamin D-3 2,000 IU and other Now Foods products are available on huge discount prices at NutroVita.
Other Ingredients: Rice Bran Oil, Softgel Capsule (gelatin, glycerin, water) and Corn Oil.Contains no: sugar, salt, strach, yeast, wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, shellfish or preservatives.
For more details please visit:
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This does not surprise me at all. People are just not spending as much time outside as they used to. People are not getting their benefits from milk or the sun like they should, even me. But one thing that has helped me has been <a href="http://www.theisotonicvitaminstore.com">opc-3</a>. An isotonix product that has almost endless health benefits.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisThanks so much for this article! I am a huge lover of Vitamin D, which is why I request a desk at my office next to a window that faces the sun. I need to feel the sun on my skin, otherwise I will go crazy. http://www.wecreateriches.com/index.asp?r=rbecker
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisI personally believe that Vitamin D is an immune system stimulant and for that reason I presume people tend to fall sick more often in the winter as compared to the other seasons partly due to the lack of exposure to the sun. It might be a good idea to get a little help from vitamin supplements during the winter to obtain enough vitamin D’s to stay healthy throughout the year.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisPlease visit http://www.meta-ehealth.com/site/office/index.jsp?id=000340 for more information