Vitamin D and the Flu
White blood cells contain vitamin D receptors, as do all cells in the human body. When vitamin D binds to them, it causes the release of antimicrobial proteins that help your body fight invading viruses and germs. People with lower blood vitamin D levels are more susceptible to getting sick, and tend to have a more severe infection.
A study conducted on healthy adults found that people with lower levels of vitamin D were twice as likely to get the flu, compared to people with high levels.
Vitamin D insufficiency is common in sunny Australia, particularly in winter. You make vitamin D in your skin when you are exposed to the sun’s UVB rays. Midday is when UVB rays are strongest. In much of Australia the sun is too weak during winter, therefore even if you are outdoors a lot, you could still be low in vitamin D. Ask our reception for Practitioner Only Vitamin D.
