The warm sunny days are over for many of us, and with that, we tend to be more susceptible to colds and flus. Our skin is one major source of vitamin d, and there are fewer cases of colds and flu during the summer months so is there a correlation between vitamin d levels in the body and your chances of getting the flu or a cold during the winter months? If so, maybe the answer is the prevention of colds and flu during the winter months by supplementing with vitamin d?
Vitamin D has been well researched over the years in its’ role in calcium absorption and metabolism of bone health. But recent research is suggesting that vitamin d may have an important role in many diseases thus have a strong impact on the strength of our immune system.
HOWEVER
We just don’t have solid scientific evidence about the long-term safety of high dose vitamin d supplementation. One example of this is our calcium levels ( others include magnesium, vitamin k). There is a delicate balance between all four and in this post, the author of this post mentions that perhaps our low vitamin d levels are due to high calcium levels. And the author furthers explores the idea that magnesium deficiency, pH imbalance, protein deficiency, liver dysfunction may also be contributing.
This is why working with a doctor is always best. Getting a baseline of vitamin d levels and if they are low, and do not increase after a few months of supplementation, other areas need to be addressed.
Vitamin D Trivia
D3 is the active form and is mostly found in animal sources, for example, fish ( cod liver oil), halibut, sardines, salmon.
D2 is found in almost all plant sources but it needs to be converted to D3 in the body, which is more work for the body, and sometimes is not that optimal.
side note: D2 is mostly given as a prescription ( and at a high dose) although it is much more desirable to take the more usable and potent form D3
Vitamin D Dosing
RDA 200 IU a day yet, optimal dosage during the winter months is 1100 IU a day. My girls and I call our liquid vitamin d our Liquid Sunshine. Remember to consider vitamin k & a and magnesium.
We use Pure Encaps Liquid vitamin d/k. Travel over to Fullscript and set up an account and purchase it there. If you have questions, always feel free to email me.
A few other vitamin d sources in the winter months:
Get outside on sunny days
Food sources: dark leafy greens, eggs, organ meats, cod liver oil ( Nordic Naturals), salmon, mushrooms
Remember to work with a doctor and get a baseline!
