Upping your vitamin D intake may help ward off respiratory tract infections, a recent study shows. The study's findings suggest that maintaining optimal vitamin D levels may help protect against colds and flu.
The study involved 198 healthy adults, all of whom were followed during the 2009/2010 fall and winter season. Each month, researchers used blood tests to measure the participants' vitamin D levels. Throughout the study, participants also reported any symptoms of respiratory tract infection (such as congestion, sore throat, and cough).
Study results showed that participants with the highest vitamin D levels were less likely to develop viral infections. What's more, those with higher vitamin D levels had a significant reduction in their number of days of illness (compared to study members with lower vitamin D levels).
In past studies, vitamin D has been found to fight a number of other illnesses and conditions (including Crohn's disease, heart disease, colon cancer, and depression). In order to maintain optimal levels of vitamin D, many health experts recommend taking a daily supplement.
Do you know how the study defined higher amounts of vitamin D? RDA or more? So many people are deficient in vitamin D these days. Thanks for the info!