Flu and colds like winter because of lack of vitamin D (sunshine); 2000 mg/day of Vitamin D-3 supplements nearly prevent colds and flu

[Guest guest]

An intriguing new theory suggests that diminished winter blood levels of

vitamin D increase people’s susceptibility to influenza infection. Patients

supplemented with vitamin D were shown to be completely protected against

influenza infection, even while living in close proximity to people infected

with flu.

Vitamin D has far-ranging effects on the immune system. Dangerous flu virus

strains stimulate white blood cells to produce inflammatory cytokines

associated with severe illness, while vitamin D protects against this

effect. Vitamin D enhances the production of antimicrobial peptides, which

are proteins that protect organisms from infection-causing microbes such as

viruses. Vitamin D also activates essential infection-fighting immune cells

known as macrophages.

People who live at higher latitudes, where less vitamin D is available from

exposure to sunlight, experience a greater risk of illnesses such as

multiple sclerosis, diabetes, osteoporosis, and certain cancers.

People seeking to optimize immune health and protect against viral flu

infections, particularly elderly adults, should consider supplementing with

high-dose vitamin D, especially during the winter months

 

http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2007/feb2007_report_vitamind_01.htm?source=eNewsL\

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