A new study from Trinity College Dublin found that sufficient or adequate vitamin D levels in the body help boost the body's resistance against respiratory infections, particularly among older adults aged 70 years old and up.
What is vitamin D and how does it help strengthen respiratory immunity?
Vitamin D is also known as the ''sunshine vitamin.'' It is produced by the body when exposed to sunlight. Some people may find vitamin D familiar. That is because it is often found in vitamin supplements for bones because it helps the body absorb calcium.
Recent studies have shown however, that this is not all vitamin D can do. Research suggests that beyond calcium absorption, vitamin D also has anti-inflammatory properties and helps enhance our cells' ability to protect against bacteria, viruses, parasites, and more. For instance, once a virus comes in contact with the human body and seizes to attack the lungs, low levels of vitamin D would increase the organ's susceptibility to be infected. Ensuring you have adequate vitamin D levels appears to help the body be capable of stopping pulmonary inflammatory responses while enhancing our defense mechanisms against respiratory pathogens.
In fact, the University of Western Australia, Busselton Health Study, and Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital showed that there is a higher risk of poor respiratory and health among middle-aged adults who are reported to have insufficient amount of vitamin D in their system.
What if we can't get enough sunlight?
As staying at home is advised, you might be worried that your sun exposure is limited. Together with healthy diet and regular exercise, you can still help strengthen your immunity by consuming fatty foods like salmon and adding vitamins like Calcium + Vitamin D3 + Minerals (Caltrate Plus 500-D) that can help supplement your daily dose of vitamin D needs. Stay healthy!
If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.
ASC Reference Code: P004P052720CS
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