As the flu season takes place, it is just but vital to take necessary precautions to prevent these illnesses. Now, researchers have recently claimed that we might have just found ourselves the right protection from the illness as it has been found that Vitamin D supplements could potentially spare more than three million people from colds or flu in the UK each year. Experts said that although the sunshine vitamin is primarily essential for muscle and bone health, it also has a significant role in one's immune system.
Vitamin D: The Answer To Winter Infections
According to reports revealed by New Scientist, the most common respiratory tract infection as experts would describe it is the common cold, but others include bronchitis, pneumonia, and infections of the sinuses or ears. In any given year, it was found that at least 70 percent of the population gets one or more respiratory infection. In conducting their study, researchers have revealed that they have pulled the data from 25 separate clinical trials, which has been conducted in 14 countries, in order for them to get definitive answer and has consequently found that supplements can help prevent acute respiratory tract infections, particularly among those who are deficient in vitamin D.
Research Findings On Vitamin D
Meanwhile, as per BBC News, a team of experts from the Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) have allegedly looked at respiratory tract infections, which is believed to have been covering a wide range of illnesses from a simple sniffle to flu to pneumonia. Thus, experts are convinced that although flu is considered to be far more serious than the common cold, vitamin D supplements are regarded to be more effective than flu vaccination. Experts have claimed that there were greater benefits for those taking pills daily or weekly as compared to those who take it in monthly super-doses and in people who were deficient in the first place.
Furthermore, Public Health England (PHE) has already advised everyone to take vitamin D supplements especially in autumn and winter for the sake of healthy bones and muscles. However, Prof. Louis Levy, the head of nutrition science at PHE has highly emphasized that the evidence found on vitamin D and infection is inconsistent and this study does not provide sufficient evidence to support recommending vitamin D for reducing the risk of respiratory tract infections. Ultimately, experts have also claimed that the study strengthens the case for introducing food fortification to improve vitamin D levels in countries such as the UK where profound vitamin D deficiency is common.
