Close X
Friday, November 1, 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

High milk intake may lead to early death: Study

High milk intake may lead to early death: Study
Instead of strengthening your bones, drinking more than three glasses of milk a day may increase the risk of early death, a study has found....

High milk intake may lead to early death: Study

Binge drinking hampers memory in long run

Binge drinking hampers memory in long run
High doses of alcohol during adolescence may continue to affect the brain even after drinking stops, leading to structural changes...

Binge drinking hampers memory in long run

Fat food items that one should eat

Fat food items that one should eat
Whether we're trying to lose weight or just avoid gaining it, many of us think steering clear of dietary fat is the first step. Contrary to common belief...

Fat food items that one should eat

Proper breathing is key to body, mind control

Proper breathing is key to body, mind control
Breathing is the most essential and frequent activity that we engage in from birth till death. Yet it is one of the most neglected aspects of our...

Proper breathing is key to body, mind control

Women tend to ignore heart symptoms more

Women tend to ignore heart symptoms more
Partly due to a perception that coronary artery disease is a "man's disease", women are more likely to delay seeking care when heart symptoms...

Women tend to ignore heart symptoms more

Snoring masks don't kill sex life: Study

Snoring masks don't kill sex life: Study
A common therapy to tackle obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) does not become a hindrance between the sheets, says a study, allaying fears of OSA...

Snoring masks don't kill sex life: Study