Virus protection is currently more of a topic than ever, and it should not be limited solely to your computer. In addition to precautionary measures and sensible hygiene, your immune system plays an outstanding role in the fight against viruses, bacteria, and fungi. According to recent studies, Vitamin D plays a particularly important role in this.
New study on immune defense and Vitamin D
According to researchers at Trinity College Dublin, increased intake of Vitamin D could significantly improve immune defense against respiratory infections and, moreover, lead to milder courses of illness. The research team led by Dr. Declan Byrne recommends daily doses of 20 to 50 micrograms in an article in the Irish Medical Journal. Byrne advises doctors and nursing staff in particular to ensure they are adequately supplied with Vitamin D. However, the researchers' recommendation generally applies to the entire population.
Higher Vitamin D3 dosage advisable
A US study, published at the beginning of April by the Sunlight Nutrition and Health Centre in San Francisco, suggests an even significantly higher intake of Vitamin D3 through dietary supplements in view of the risk of infection from flu viruses. For a few weeks, adults should even take 250 micrograms daily to quickly increase their Vitamin D levels. Subsequently, taking up to 125 micrograms daily for a while would still be sensible. You can find more information about Vitamin D3 and whether you are sufficiently supplied with it here.
Virus protection through cathelicidins
One reason for these study results could lie primarily in a special property of Vitamin D. According to a 2015 Harvard study, Vitamin D, or its form D3 (cholecalciferol) obtained from food or dietary supplements, stimulates the production of cathelicidins in immune cells. These are organic compounds with antimicrobial and immunomodulatory capabilities. For a few years now, they have been considered natural broad-spectrum virustatics that effectively defend against both so-called enveloped and non-enveloped viruses. This includes, for example, herpes, flu, and various SARS viruses.
• You can find more on the topic of Vitamin D here.
