Vitamin D Insufficiency May Be Associated with Acute Respiratory Tract Infection

[Guest guest]

I note that most of us will test lower than 40 nmol/L for blood Vitamin D (25-OH Vitamin D). This could affect immune function such that people who supplement to get their blood levels up to 40 nmols OR MORE could experience less upper respiratory infections (and perhaps other microbial infections).

In my case this has required supplementing with 5000 IU per day for several months. I tested at 25 nmols when I supplemented with 1000 IU per day.

Ask your doctor for a 25-OH Vitamin D blood test and see if you need to supplement.

Mooney

www.michaelmooney.net

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Vitamin D Insufficiency May Be Associated with Acute Respiratory Tract Infection in Young Men

ACUTE RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTION - Vitamin D, Serum 25(OH)D"An association of serum vitamin D concentrations < 40 nmol/L with acute respiratory tract infection in young Finnish men," Laaksi I, Ruohola JP, et al, Am J Clin Nutr, 2007; 86(3): 714-7. (Address: I. Laaksi, Department of Cell Biology, Medical School, Medisiinarinkatu 3, 33014 University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland. E-mail: ilkka.laaksi@... ).

In a study involving 800 young Finnish men, results indicate an association between vitamin D insufficiency (serum vitamin D levels less than 40 nmol/L) and acute respiratory tract infection. The participants who were serving on a military base were followed for 6 months, during which the number of days of absence from duty due to respiratory infection was counted. Subjects with serum 25(OH)D concentrations less than 40 nmol/L (vitamin D insufficiency) had significantly more days of absence from duty due to respiratory infections, compared to subjects with serum 25(OH)D levels greater than or equal to 40 nmol/L. Thus, the results of this study suggest that vitamin D insufficiency may be associated with acute respiratory tract infection in young men. The authors conclude, "Clinical trials of vitamin D supplementation are needed to investigate whether it enhances immunity to microbial infections."