Oct
29
Written by:
Dr. Cherniawski
10/29/2009 11:46 AM
Studies reveal:
- There is an epidemic of vitamin D insufficiency in the United States.
- Vitamin D has important functions in the immune system and regulates 1,000 human genes.
- Over 3 years, 800 IU of vitamin D3 reduced the incidence of colds and flues by 70%, while 2,000 IU reduced the incidence to nearly zero.
- 104 women given vitamin D were three times less likely to report cold and flu symptoms than placebo controls.
- In addition to fighting the flu, adequate vitamin D reduces the incidence of multiple sclerosis, cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and tuberculosis.
Summary: Americans are not exposed to enough sunlight to produce adequate levels of vitamin D. As a result, the immune system weakens and incidence of colds, flues, and serious diseases increases. Vitamin D3, also called cholecalciferol, is the most active form of the vitamin and can prevent colds and flues if taken daily and in the proper dosage.
Dr. Cherniawski's Recommendation: Take 800-2,000 IU of vitamin D3 daily during the winter. Take 800 IU of vitamin D3 daily during the summer. There is no need to supplement on days that you are exposed to approximately 30 minutes of sunlight, without sunscreen, on most of your body.
To Learn More: Attend a FREE nutrition workshop on Wednesday November 4th at 6:00pm at Life Align Wellness Center. Bring a guest and receive one free visit in the office (one free treatment for an established patient and one free consultation for all others). Seating is limited. Call 456-6772 to rsvp.
References: Archives of Internal Medicine Sept 2007; 167:1730-173, Journal of the AMA Dec 2006 pp. 2832-38, Nature Medicine Apr 2006 12(4): 388-90, Epidemiology and Infection Oct 2007 vol. 135 no. 7 pp. 1095-98, Virology Journal Feb 2008 vol. 5, Annals of Epidemiology vol. 19 issue 7 Jul 2009 p 468-83.
1 comment(s) so far...
Re: Vitamin D to Prevent the Flu?
Hi Angela,
First of all, congratulations to you and Shawn on your pregnancy. How exciting! Uncle Dennis & I are praying for a healthy and happy gestation period and birth!
Thank you for the Vit D news. I had read similar info in magazines and health reports, but it's good to get verification of good benefits from more than one source, and from more reliable sources such as yourself.
Thankfully, our Internist believes in the use of supplements, and already had me at 2000 mg per day. I passed the info on to Uncle Dennis,so he upped his dosage as well. Just recently, the vitamin supplement we take also increased the quantity of Vit D3 in it's formula, so we no longer need to take a separate tablet.
I do have one question. I have read that there can be differences in quality/bioavailability between different brands. I've never read that Vit D3 can vary in quality from one manufacturer to the next like, say, calcium.
Do you have any further info on vitamin and mineral supplements in general that would be useful? I understand that calcium citrate is the most absorpable form of calcium, when taken with magnesium and Vit D. Is that correct?
Please keep us updated with ways to extend our longevity.
Taking supplements and eating right are the most simple things we can do!
Love you, Shawn and Baby,
Aunt Chris and Uncle Dennis
By chris fellie on
11/8/2009 9:55 PM
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