Looking for another weapon to help you and your family fight colds and flus this season? Make sure you're getting enough vitamin D. Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), to be exact.
Studies indicate that vitamin D3 is effective at fighting both cold and flu.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 10 randomized controlled trials involving almost 5,000 people found that vitamin D supplementation was associated with a 22 percent lower risk of influenza.
One study of 300 children found that those who took 1,200 International Units (IUs) of vitamin D3 per day were significantly less likely to get the flu than those who were given a placebo.
Research also suggests that adults who’ve already come down with a cold or flu may experience relief by taking 2,000 IUs per day for three days.
One study found that a nutrient combo of vitamin C, vitamin D3, folic acid, and selenium provided significant relief of cold symptoms and recurrent upper respiratory tract infections.
In addition to fighting sickness, vitamin D3 appears to help improve bone mineral density, reduce asthma, ease inflammation, and alleviate depression, among many other benefits.
