Vitamin D may help reduce the spread of viral respiratory tract infections. including influenza.
A new study followed close to 200 adults during fall and winter. Participants had blood samples drawn monthly, and a 25-hydroxyvitamin D test was used to measure vitamin D levels. All participants were asked to report any evidence of an acute respiratory tract infection -- such as nasal congestion, sore throat, cough, fever, chills, fatigue or general malaise.
According to Newswise:
“Of the 18 participants who maintained vitamin D levels of 38 ng/ml or higher during the study period, only three (16.6 percent) developed viral infections. Of the 180 other participants, 81 (45 percent) developed viral infections. Those with the higher vitamin D levels also experienced a marked reduction in the number of days ill.”