A lot of people take vitamin D supplements during cold season in order to keep sickness at bay. Even though scientists have not been able to prove that the supplements have the capacity of preventing common cold, otherwise known as upper respiratory tract infection, some research findings have indicated that having a higher level of the vitamin may reduce the risk of catching cold.
The effectiveness of vitamin D supplements for the prevention of common cold has been tested in few studies which has produced mixed results. In 2009, a study published in Epidemiology and Infection revealed that the vitamin was unable to reduce the incidence as well as severity of upper respiratory tract infections over a period of three months. In an experiment that involves 162 adults, those who were given 2,000 IU of Vitamin D supplements were no more unlikely to suffer colds than those who are placed on a placebo.
On the other hand, a population study published that same year in the Archives of Internal Medicine proposed that maintaining optimal levels of vitamin D can assist the body in repulsing colds. Analyzing the data of 18,883 people, researchers discovered that those with lower levels of the vitamin were about 40% more likely to possess a recent report of respiratory infection in comparison with those with higher levels. The study was able to discover a specific strong link between low levels of the vitamin and respiratory infection risk among participants having a history of respiratory disorders like asthma.
Whichever way you may look at these findings, the most important fact is that vitamin D supplements are good for the proper metabolism of the body. If the body metabolism is not hampered, the rate of exposure to cold will be reduced. Maintaining optimal levels of the vitamin is also beneficial to the body in many other ways. The bones will be kept strong thereby preventing osteoporosis.
Furthermore, in order to fight common cold, there are additional things you need to do. It is important to wash your hands frequently so that your rate of catching infection will be reduced. You should also eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly. Regular exercise will keep your body in good shape and boost your immune system. It is also essential to get sufficient sleep and if you are concerned about the level of vitamin D in your body, you can get in touch with a primary health care provider in your area.