Vitamin D May Cut Risk of Flu

New research from the Yale University Medical School showed that Vitamin D may reduce the incidence and severity of influenza and other the upper respiratory tract infections, and those with higher levels of vitamin D also experienced a marked reduction in the number of days they were ill.

Simple steps such as eating foods rich with vitamin D and getting more sunshine may help to reduce your chances of contracting flu and other similar illnesses. In addition to getting more sun and consuming milk and foods with vitamin D such as fatty fish, eggs, and grasssfed beef products (especially dairy), researcher James R. Sabetta, MD recommends supplements, especially for people in areas with less sunlight and for those who spend daylight hours in darker, indoor environments.

The researchers conclude that the lower levels of vitamin D seen during the winter in temperate climates may contribute to the prevalence of influenza in colder months. Sabetta says vitamin D has known effects on the immune system, and the study reinforces the association between vitamin D deficiency and susceptibility to infections of the respiratory tract.

Sabetta JR, DePetrillo P, Cipriani RJ, Smardin J, Burns LA, et al. 2010 Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D and the Incidence of Acute Viral Respiratory Tract Infections in Healthy Adults. PLoS ONE 5(6): e11088. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0011088