Here is some food for thought:
* In 2006, Dr. John Cannell (Staff Psychiatrist at Atascadero State Hospital, California) and colleagues published a paper showing evidence that lower vitamin D blood levels during the winter can account for the increased transmissibility of the influenza virus among children and adults. Studies have proven that Vitamin D stimulates the immune system and disease-fighting cells, called macrophages and T cells. The cells create proteins that have antiviral and antimicrobial properties. Further, we know that macrophages and T cells have vitamin D receptors (VDRs) on them, enhancing their functions.
Dr. Cannell noted that patients in his psychiatric ward who took 2,000 IU of Vitamin D did not get the flu, while the patients in other wards (who did not take Vitamin D) did. The patients intermingled with each other so cross exposure was certain. The study demonstrated that Vitamin D supplementation could prevent one from developing the flu.
Dr. Cannell has been pushing 5,000 IU as a ‘threshold’ amount for adults. It should be mentioned that Cannell has a financial interest in selling vitamin D through Purity Products. Nothing wrong with that but it should be mentioned.
I was flipping channels a couple of weeks ago and caught a lecture done by a Phd from UCLA on their "Universityhouse" channel on Dish Network. This prof delved into and discussed six Vitamin D deficiency studies that showed links to not only immune system function, but several types of cancer, Type 1 diabetes and MS. The case was very well presented. The gist of the discussion was that humans need to get their Vitamin D blood serum levels up to 40-60 ug/ml, which is way above the current recommended daily amount.
As a redhead who has already spent way too much time in the sun I tend to avoid direct exposure if at all possible. I don't drink a lot of milk, so I started taking 2000 IU's of Vitamin D the next day. I'm going to have a blood test done in six weeks or so and see how my Vitamin D levels are looking.