The Relationship Of Vitamin D And Influenza

Isn’t it puzzling that when winter starts, influenza season starts too.Recent studies have unraveled this association.In winter, people stay most of the time indoors, congregate in crowded malls or in enclosed unventilated enclosures of elevators where influenza virus is discharged nasally or orally.These factors makes infectivity soar.Other critical factors may come into play, the freezing weather and predilection of the influenza virus to thrive in cold climate but some studies point out that vitamin D may be a factor. In the dark winter days especially in the Northern latitude the sun doesn’t shine as much, people don’t get sufficient Vitamin D for optimum functioning of their immune system to fight various microorganisms.

Numerous studies have shown that Vitamin D deficiency is a risk factor in influenza.Also, vitamin D can reduce your chances of catching the virus and can help alleviate the severity and symptoms of the disease. Researches have shown that the levels of calcidiol, an active form of vitamin D are conversely related to respiratory infections specifically influenza.Children with very low levels of calcidiol have been found to be high risk in contacting respiratory infections. With supplementation, as evidence has revealed there is a lesser incidence of colds or influenza.A low dose of as little as 800 International Units (IU)/day administered for two years has shown that there were no infections that occurred during the winter months.Also, a 1,000 IU/day has shown that it has eradicated cases of upper respiratory tract infections. The mechanism that may be involved is that Vitamin D regulates gene expression of various antimicrobial proteins which somehow destroy the lipoprotein membrane of microorganisms.It was also found that this effect is true even on viruses that are enveloped such as the influenza virus.These antimicrobial proteins are activated in the epithelium and in phagocytes, the scavengers in the body. Additionally, this antimicrobial activity is evident in the mucosal epithelial surfaces creating a barricade for viruses. These findings imply that vitamin D has a strong relationship with influenza.Let’s face it, influenza may be mild in some healthy individuals but in the young and the aged complications of influenza can lead to fatal consequences. During summer a few minutes each day of sun exposure can easily provide you with enough Vitamin D.Few foods unless fortified are rich in Vitamin D.The best bet is to take a Vitamin D supplement during winter. So how much Vitamin D should you take daily to improve your immunity against the influenza virus? Basing their recommendations from research, some experts concluded that 5,000 International Units (I.U.)/day and 1,000 IU /day for every pound of body weight in children should reduce influenza risk.2,000 IU/kg/ 3-4 days may have a treatment effect on infuenza. But there had been concerns on high dosages.Too much Vitamin D would result in toxicity.On the other hand, when taken too little it might not be adequate to meet the needs of children especially during sun deprived days of autumn and winter.Thus, as a general rule the upper safe limit of Vitamin D is 2,000 I.U.daily. The following guide on the dose of Vitamin D supplementation is based on scientific research and expert opinion applicable to both males and females.These recommendations are considered adequate intake by the US Institute of Medicine and National Academy of Sciences. For adults: • 18 to 50 years old and pregnant women- 5 micrograms or 200 IU daily • 50-70 years old- 10 mg daily or 400 IU • Over 70 years old- 15 or 600 IU Breast milk is a poor source of vitamin D.It would be wise to supplement infants as young as 2 month in sun deprived regions with Vitamin D. For children: • Children below one year and below-should not exceed 50 mg or 2,000 IU • One year and older- 25 mg or 1,000 IU and should not exceed 2,000 IU. In children, a 2008 review recommends 400 I.U.for all infants and children, including adolescents as based on clinical trials. Remember that these dosage recommendations are for supplementation only which means that you don’t have any deficiency of Vitamin D.If you have, as determined by a health care provider, your dosage may be higher that the above recommended doses. Vitamin D supplements come in capsules, liquids, soft gels and 50-1,000 I.U.are incorporated in multivitamin preparations.In sun deprived areas of the world it would be wise to ask your health care provider if you would need a higher dose of vitamin D as in the case of pregnant women.You can also avail of testing of the availability of Vitamin D in your body and consequently your health care provider can recommend the best dose for you. Vitamin D3 is the best supplement.It is the natural, more effective and thereby more bio-ready form for the optimum use of the body.

Post Your Comment