Close X
Thursday, October 31, 2024
ADVT 
Health & Fitness

Study finds Vitamin D effective for reducing flu and colds

Darpan News Desk, 14 Mar, 2017 04:34 PM
  • Study finds Vitamin D effective for reducing flu and colds
People who boost their vitamin D levels with supplements reduce their risk of respiratory tract infections, such as the flu, by up to 12%, according to a new systematic review and meta-analysis study of 25 randomised controlled trial (RCT) studies published recently in the British Medical Journal (BMJ).
 
The study reported that this equates to one person being spared a respiratory tract infection (RTI) for every 33 taking vitamin D supplements. The benefit is greater in those receiving daily or weekly vitamin D versus bolus or monthly dosing, with the number needed to treat dropping to 20. The impact in Canada, based on a population of 35 million people, shows vitamin D could spare 1.75 million people having one RTI per year.
 
“The results are likely to change the cost/benefit analysis relating to fortification of foods with vitamin D significantly,” said Adrian Martineau, clinical professor of respiratory infection and immunity at Queen Mary University of London.
 
This new study found:
 
• 12% reduction of respiratory tract infections based on all studies and all dosing regimens
• 19% reduction of respiratory tract infections for those receiving daily or weekly vitamin D doses
• No statistically significant effect on risk of respiratory tract infections for those receiving bolus or monthly dosing
• 70% reduction in respiratory tract infections for those with low vitamin D blood levels below 25 nmol/L and receiving weekly or daily dosing of vitamin D
 
In Canada, 35% of people or approximately 12 million people have vitamin D levels below 50 nmol/L. This increases to 40% in winter. More than 50 vitamin D scientists recommend that you reach a vitamin D blood level of between 100-150 nmol/L for optimal health.
 
“This study proves that by increasing your vitamin D blood levels through daily intake you could significantly prevent flu, colds and other respiratory infections,” said Perry Holman, Executive Director of the Vitamin D Society. “One of the reasons we have more flu and colds in the winter is due to the lack of UVB sun exposure and the resulting lower vitamin D levels.”
 

MORE Health & Fitness ARTICLES

Beware Of Allergens This Winter

Beware Of Allergens This Winter
While the onset of freezing temperatures brings an end to seasonal pollen allergies, it doesn't mean that your environment is free of allergens.

Beware Of Allergens This Winter

Why females live longer than males

Why females live longer than males
Researchers from the University of Exeter in Britain found that male flies die earlier than their female counterparts when forced to evolve with the...

Why females live longer than males

Restrooms not as unhealthy as you may think

Restrooms not as unhealthy as you may think
In the study, the team from San Diego State University in California analysed the abundance of the microbial community on floors, toilet seats...

Restrooms not as unhealthy as you may think

Britons seek fewer work hours as longer hours injurious to health

Britons seek fewer work hours as longer hours injurious to health
 With recent research showing that long working hours can make us ill and ineffective, one in 10 Britons would like to work fewer hours, says a new Office...

Britons seek fewer work hours as longer hours injurious to health

Twitter a lifeline for people with serious gut disorder

Twitter a lifeline for people with serious gut disorder
People suffering from gut-related chronic illness are gainfully utilising the micro-blogging site Twitter to locate places where gluten-free food is available...

Twitter a lifeline for people with serious gut disorder

Ten Common Reasons Why We Don't Exercise

Ten Common Reasons Why We Don't Exercise
We all intend to exercise regularly. But when it comes to putting intention to practice, only about 10 percent are successful. Others happen to have numerous seemingly convincing excuses for not doing so. Here are some of the oft-quoted "reasons", and the reality behind them:

Ten Common Reasons Why We Don't Exercise