Vitamin D has long been considered important for overall systemic health. It plays a role in the absorption of certain minerals, such as calcium and magnesium. It is important for bone health and regulates over 1000 human genes. Some studies suggest it may prevent certain cancers, cardiovascular disease and multiple sclerosis.
One of the most interesting responsibilities of vitamin D in the human body is its role in the regulation of the immune system. It has been shown to regulate the body's production of anti-microbial peptides (protein fragments responsible for attacking foreign bacteria and viruses) from the innate immune system, which is the body's rapid-responding first line of defense against foreign invaders.
Vitamin D is synthesized in our bodies due to sunlight exposure. Twenty minutes of sun exposure a day to our skin between 10 am and 2 pm is enough for our bodies to produce the required vitamin D needed. However, because of our lack of sun exposure during the fall, winter and spring seasons, deficient levels of vitamin D is very common in our country, especially in the midwest region. Recently, causal relationships have been connected between the the influenza season (October through April of each year) and lack of vitamin D synthesis during these same months as one explanation for high rates of influenza infection.
In a 2007 study, 104 women given vitamin D were three times less likely to report cold and flu symptoms than placebo controls. A Low dose (800 IU/day) not only reduced reported symptoms, it abolished the seasonality of reported colds and flu. A higher dose (2000 IU/day) virtually eradicated all reports of colds or flu.
Because of this, we recommend investing in a vitamin D supplement. It is an effective way to prevent the flu for you and your family, free of preservatives, chemicals and allergens.
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