Did you know that there are studies which show that people with vitamin D deficiencies are reportedly at a higher risk of viral respiratory tract infections?
⠀
There have also been links between low vitamin D status and the development of diseases such as asthma, cardiovascular attack, autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, irritable bowel disease, rickets and more.
⠀
There is sufficient evidence which suggests that vitamin D is a regulator of immune health.
⠀
We certainly have receptor sites for vitamin D in most immune cells. Some of these immune cells can even activate inactive vitamin D (vitamin D2 – I.e from our plant based foods) into the active form, D3 (the form you get from eating animal based foods and also from unfiltered sun exposure).
⠀
Vitamin D not only helps your immune system search for, target and kill pathogens & bacteria, it also acts as an anti-inflammatory after the war.
⠀
If that isn’t enough, this vitamin also helps produce more antibodies and supportive immune cells, meaning that it also goes as far as to play a role in disease prevention.
⠀
How much you need:
This needs to be determined by a clinician who has full access to your health files.
⠀
Some populations like darker skinned people, or those with diseases and/or infections may need significantly more than the the UK upper limit (100 micro grams per day).
⠀
A minority of the population have genetic mutations and cannot absorb vitamin D, leaving dangerously high amounts in the blood and kidneys, which could result in kidney stones and other manifestations of toxicity.
⠀
The best and safest method of obtaining vitamin D is from the sun, by wearing no sunscreen & minimal clothing for a minimum of 20-30 minutes, preferably in the late morning.
⠀
As it is currently still winter/early spring for many of us, this option is not available yet, and have to depend on food and supplements.
⠀
Food sources of vitamin D3:
-whole eggs
-sardines
-beef
-canned tuna
-liver (lamb, beef, chicken, cod – MUST be organic)
-salmon
-mackerel
-mushrooms (d2)
⠀
To support your body in the absorption of vitamin D, it’s best to combine with magnesium & calcium rich foods.

#vitamind #vitaminddeficiency #vitamins #nutrients #immunehealth #immunesupport #immunefunction #healthyimmunesystem #healthdefense #respiratoryhealth #respiratorysupport #coronavirus