Vitamin D & the Flu: What you need to know!

It’s on its way. It’s only a matter of weeks. No, I’m not talking about the onslaught of mudslinging political ads. I’m talking about the seasonal flu and the swine flu hysteria. Soon enough we’re going to be barraged with news about how bad it’s going to be. I have two pieces of advice for you.

1. Don’t be fooled. Last August, the Centers for Disease Control estimated that the H1N1 Virus would cause 90,000 deaths in the United States. Only a fraction of that number were even hospitalized, and the severity of the H1N1 infection proved to be no worse than the normal seasonal flu. I’m guessing this year will not be much different when it comes to the media’s coverage of the upcoming Flu Season. The best way to avoid serious flu-related consequences is to have the strongest immune system you can. That means you eat healthy, exercise regularly, and get adjusted!

2. TAKE VITAMIN D! A study published in the American journal of Clinical Nutrition found that a Vitamin D supplement was actually more effective at reducing the risk of flu infection than vaccines or antiviral drugs. Of 354 children between the ages of 6 and 15, half were given a daily supplement of 1,200 IU of Vitamin D, while the other half were given a placebo pill. Within 2 months, the group of children taking vitamin D were 50 PERCENT LESS LIKELY to become infected than the control group. The drop in infection rate corresponded with an increase in vitamin D blood levels.

In contrast, Antiviral drugs (most commonly oseltamivir and zanamivir) reduce rates of infection by only 8%. Studies of the flu vaccine show varied effectiveness, from 0% reduction in rate of infection, to 15%, at most.

In conclusion, TAKE VITAMIN D! Our office has a month’s supply of Vitamin D at 4,000 IU daily for only $13! Whether or not you decide to get a flu vaccine, you SHOULD be getting Vitamin D daily!