Optimal Vitamin D is a Potent Anti-Viral for the Flu Season

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Department of Medicine have recently reviewed the important role vitamin D plays in regulating the immune system, including its ability to help you prevent and combat viral infections such as the flu. 

The researchers point out that there is strong scientific evidence that a lack of vitamin D is associated with the risk of getting the flu and upper respiratory tract infections. Numerous studies demonstrate that vitamin D has direct anti-viral properties as well as boosting various immune-related compounds that defend against infection.

Several years ago I covered this topic in great detail in my article, Can Vitamin D Help Prevent H1N1 Swine Flu from Spreading? In this article I not only go over how vitamin D boosts your anti-viral and anti-bacterial immune defenses, but I also explain how well people lacking vitamin D are the likely transmitters of the seasonal flu. 

It is a crime that public health officials don’t insist on vitamin D adequacy as a major tool to stop infection from spreading, not only for the individual but for society. 

Adults need 4000 IU – 8000 IU of vitamin D to have optimal vitamin D levels in the winter and some may even need higher doses. If you are prone to catching bugs then a basic step is to optimize your vitamin D.