Higher Vitamin D Levels Linked to Fewer Infections

The Epoch Times ^ | July 10, 2010 | Dr. John Briffa

[CutePuppy]

Previously I have highlighted the benefits vitamin D has with regard to improving the immune response and helping keep infections such as flu at bay.

It has been mooted that the upsurge in viral infections during the winter is connected with the generally lower vitamin D levels at this time. The traditional view is that winter infections are due to “indoor crowding.”

However, research indicates that flu epidemics do not occur in the summer in crowded workplaces despite the presence of the flu virus around people who should be susceptible to infection. This is based on research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention team in Atlanta, published in May 2001 in the Emerging Infectious Diseases journal, and other research published in Volume 8 of Epidemiologic Reviews in 1986.

These facts were plucked from a study by the department of medicine at Yale University. Published in June in PLoS One journal, the study looked at the relationship between vitamin D levels and risk of viral respiratory tract infection such as cold and flu. This study assessed blood levels of vitamin D and viral infection in almost 200 American men and women throughout last autumn and winter.

This study produced some interesting findings:

Compared to individuals with vitamin D levels less than 38 ng/ml (95 mmol/l), individuals with levels of 38 ng/ml or above were about half as likely to suffer from a viral respiratory infection during the study period.

Of those with higher vitamin D levels (as defined above), 83 percent had no infections at all during the study period, compared to 55 per cent of those with lower levels.

Those with higher levels of vitamin D who succumbed to flu were ill for an average of two days per infection.

Those with lower levels of vitamin D who succumbed to flu were ill for an average of nine days per infection.

This study showed that as vitamin D levels rose, so did resistance to infection. However, the benefit appeared to plateau at about 38 ng/ml.

Of course, epidemiological studies of this nature cannot be used to prove causality (that is, that higher vitamin D levels protect against viral infection). They indicate only that the higher vitamin D levels are associated with improved resistance to infection.

However, the idea that vitamin D might actually help protect against infection is at least plausible, as the authors of the above study point out: “Vitamin D has known effects on the immune system. The production of the antimicrobial peptides cathelicidin by macrophages and β-defensin by endothelial cells is upregulated by vitamin D. These peptides may be involved in the direct inactivation of viruses.”

If it is true that optimizing vitamin D can help protect against infection, then this might have particular significance for the elderly, particularly those who are institutionalized.

A combination of low vitamin D, somewhat compromised immune function, and crowding could indeed be a lethal mix for some. Enhanced sunlight exposure or vitamin D supplementation could be a safe and inexpensive way of protecting against illness and preserving life.

[kalee]

bttt

[rintense]

I’m strictly an organic chicken girl now. Bought some on a whim and can’t believe the difference. It cooks faster, is juicier and just tastes better.

[Mere Survival]

I haven’t bought organic chicken at a supermarket. I’ve eaten a lot of what they now call free range chicken from a ranch (we used to call them . . . wait for it . . . “chicken”) and enjoyed them, but haven’t had them for years. Will have to give it a try. Where do you buy them?

[rintense]

We have a 'Fresh Market' and they have a very good selection of organic products. I forget the brand name, though. What attracted me to it? The color of the meat and the fact they trim all the gross ligament and fat off. I hate that stuff! Its the only chicken I've purchased that goes straight to the grill with no trimming.

I'll bookmark this thread and post the name when I buy some this weekend.

[Mere Survival]

Awesome. Thanks.

[vis a vis]

In the last few months I have cut out almost all processed foods ( never ate many anyway) I now eat 3 eggs everyday, plus more cheese, more meat and more whole milk. I have more energy, better remembery, and have lost those last stubborn 10 pounds. My cholesterol has also dropped below the 200 mark. I think that I have been lied to my entire adult life about food. I long ago added butter back into my diet. I have always exercised and struggled with my weight until the changes made above. How is that possible with all I have heard in the last 30 years about what I should eat to be healthy?
I never gave up coffee or chocolate in moderation though.

[Mere Survival]

I’m with you. I don’t think they were lying though. I think it was the same foolish idea that they had with baby formula back in the 50’s and 60’s and 70’s. I think that big chunks of people actually think “scientists” can design a better food than God. Silliness, but the writers and editors and publishers and websites believe it . . . and the sellers want your money so their motives are at best mixed. Natural way is the best way. Amazing that your cholesterol dropped so much by eating delicious natural foods that many people view as unhealthy.

[jla]

Thanks, rintense. I’ll look for them when I’m next in Target.

[Kimmers]

Isn't this amazing? I know you aren't the only one with low Vit D.....If you have trouble finding the Vit D3 5,000IU, we get ours on line from Puritan Pride.....