Close X
Saturday, November 30, 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

Long working hours bad for your heart

Long working hours bad for your heart
The longer the work hours or overtime you put in, the higher your chances of developing coronary heart disease within 10 years, says an alarming study...

Long working hours bad for your heart

Why some people can't resist unhealthy food

Why some people can't resist unhealthy food
The reason why some people cannot resist calorie-dense snacks even at the risk of gaining extra weight may be due to decreased activity in the...

Why some people can't resist unhealthy food

How to keep flu away on wedding day

How to keep flu away on wedding day
 Autumn weddings might be a rage right now, but the year end also brings along cold and flu. If you are one of those who gets sick easily, start...

How to keep flu away on wedding day

Brush teeth before sleep for healthy smile

Brush teeth before sleep for healthy smile
How often do you attend late night parties and then use plain laziness as an excuse for not brushing your teeth before sleep? Better not forget that...

Brush teeth before sleep for healthy smile

Partner violence may trigger insomnia, upset stomach

Partner violence may trigger insomnia, upset stomach
Intimate partner violence not only triggers psychological problems but may also lead towards developing physical symptoms like irritable...

Partner violence may trigger insomnia, upset stomach

Fresh at college? Ensure proper calcium intake

Fresh at college? Ensure proper calcium intake
According to a new study, girls who join college know the benefits of eating healthy foods but lack confidence in their ability to do it, especially when it comes...

Fresh at college? Ensure proper calcium intake