Taking Vitamin C in Winter? You're Relying on the Wrong Vitamin

Have you always heard that the way to avoid colds and various winter illnesses is by regularly taking vitamin C? Sorry to disappoint, but a new study reveals that it's an entirely different vitamin responsible for disease protection: Vitamin D.

The study is based on data analysis from 11,000 participants in clinical trials across 14 countries worldwide. The study's editor, Professor Adrian Martineau from Queen Mary University in London, says: "This joint research effort has provided us, for the first time, with proof that Vitamin D protects against respiratory infections... The lower the level of Vitamin D in a person, the stronger the effect of taking the supplement will be. For maximum benefit, it's important to take Vitamin D daily." The researchers found that the vitamin's impact was strong enough even to prevent asthma attacks.

Vitamin D deficiency is currently defined as a global epidemic. Until now, the proven benefits of this vitamin were mainly related to bone and muscle health. It now turns out to be essential for the functioning of the immune system as well. It seems to protect against respiratory infections by raising the level of peptides (a natural antibiotic-like substance) in the lungs. The study results also explain why colds and respiratory tract diseases are more frequent in winter when most people receive significantly less Vitamin D due to reduced exposure to sunlight.

The researchers concluded by saying that the reduction in risk of acute respiratory infection following Vitamin D intake was equivalent to the protective effect created by a flu vaccination.

Colds and respiratory infections are the most common reasons for doctor visits and work absences. Considering that Vitamin D supplements are readily available and inexpensive, researchers suggest that public health systems would undoubtedly benefit from promoting the intake of Vitamin D supplements during the more risky months of the year.