Overview
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 9 Researches
7
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 8 Reviews
8.2
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Softgel
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Vitamin D (as D3 Cholecalciferol)
125 mcg (5,000 IU)
625%
Top Medical Research Studies
8
We explored the potential benefits of vitamin D supplementation for reducing the risk of influenza infections. Through a comprehensive analysis of multiple Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs), we aimed to clarify whether taking vitamin D can help prevent the flu.
Our investigation identified 10 relevant trials that included a total of 4,859 participants. These studies varied in their dosages and duration of vitamin D use, allowing us to assess overall effectiveness across different populations.
The findings were encouraging: our analysis demonstrated that vitamin D supplementation appears to significantly reduce the risk of getting influenza, suggesting that those who increase their vitamin D intake might be better protected during flu season.
Importantly, we did not find significant differences between the studies that could affect our result, and there was no hint of publication bias. Consequently, we can confidently suggest that including vitamin D in our health strategies could enhance our defenses against the flu.
Our investigation identified 10 relevant trials that included a total of 4,859 participants. These studies varied in their dosages and duration of vitamin D use, allowing us to assess overall effectiveness across different populations.
The findings were encouraging: our analysis demonstrated that vitamin D supplementation appears to significantly reduce the risk of getting influenza, suggesting that those who increase their vitamin D intake might be better protected during flu season.
Importantly, we did not find significant differences between the studies that could affect our result, and there was no hint of publication bias. Consequently, we can confidently suggest that including vitamin D in our health strategies could enhance our defenses against the flu.
Read More
8
We conducted a practical study to investigate how daily vitamin D3 supplementation at 5000 IU might help reduce flu-like illnesses in healthcare workers. This was especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic, where preventing viral infections is crucial for those on the front lines.
Our study involved 255 healthcare workers who received the vitamin D3 supplement for at least two months and compared them to a control group of 2827 workers who did not receive the supplement. We asked participants to monitor themselves for any flu-like symptoms and report for COVID-19 testing accordingly.
The results were promising; those supplementing with vitamin D experienced a significant reduction in the incidence of flu-like illnesses. The numbers showed a noteworthy drop in non-COVID-19 flu-like illness rates among those taking the supplement. However, when it came to COVID-19 related flu-like illnesses, the difference was not statistically significant.
Overall, our exploration of vitamin D3's effects suggests that it may be a beneficial addition to the health routines of healthcare workers to stave off flu-like illnesses, although its influence on COVID-19 specifically requires further investigation.
Our study involved 255 healthcare workers who received the vitamin D3 supplement for at least two months and compared them to a control group of 2827 workers who did not receive the supplement. We asked participants to monitor themselves for any flu-like symptoms and report for COVID-19 testing accordingly.
The results were promising; those supplementing with vitamin D experienced a significant reduction in the incidence of flu-like illnesses. The numbers showed a noteworthy drop in non-COVID-19 flu-like illness rates among those taking the supplement. However, when it came to COVID-19 related flu-like illnesses, the difference was not statistically significant.
Overall, our exploration of vitamin D3's effects suggests that it may be a beneficial addition to the health routines of healthcare workers to stave off flu-like illnesses, although its influence on COVID-19 specifically requires further investigation.
Read More
8
We investigated the intriguing link between sunlight exposure, vitamin D production, and flu incidence. The study revealed that higher levels of sunlight are associated with a noticeable decrease in flu cases, particularly during the severe H1N1 epidemic in the fall of 2009.
Our findings indicate that a 10% increase in relative sunlight can lower the flu index during September and October by about 1.1 points on a 10-point scale. This layer of sunlight acts like a shield, helping protect individuals from catching the flu, thanks in part to its role in vitamin D production in our bodies.
A complementary study in New York State backed up these observations, reinforcing the message that adequate sunlight might be key in reducing flu incidence.
Our findings indicate that a 10% increase in relative sunlight can lower the flu index during September and October by about 1.1 points on a 10-point scale. This layer of sunlight acts like a shield, helping protect individuals from catching the flu, thanks in part to its role in vitamin D production in our bodies.
A complementary study in New York State backed up these observations, reinforcing the message that adequate sunlight might be key in reducing flu incidence.
Read More
Most Useful Reviews
10
No flu shots
2 people found this helpful
I take 10,000 IU daily during winter. My doctor monitors my vitamin D levels, and they are good! I would be seriously deficient without supplementation. In summer, I reduce to 5,000 IU. I never have the flu shot – nor the flu. This supplement is essential for me, and Jarrow is excellent. Just ensure you get your levels checked!
Read More
9
Forgot flu symptoms
These are the best vitamins! I have been taking them consistently for 2 years. They truly work; I have forgotten what a cold and flu feel like.
Read More
7.5
Strong immune support
J3 for Winter is another quality product from Jarrow. I supplement D3 during the winter months here in the northeast of the UK due to a lack of sun exposure. This product provides excellent support for immune function throughout the cold/flu season. Small, potent, and affordable.
Read More
Medical Researches
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 9 Researches
7
- All Researches
9
We recently examined how vitamin D impacts our body's response to influenza H1N1, an important viral infection. Utilizing 142 clinical cases from the Department of Otolaryngology at Sun Yat-sen University, we dug into the effects of vitamin D deficiency on chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), a condition that frequently involves damage to the airway's lining. By studying airway organoids treated with vitamin D, we were able to simulate how this treatment might bolster our defenses against flu viruses and bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus.
Our observations showed that many patients with CRS suffered from vitamin D deficiency. Notably, those who received vitamin D treatment exhibited faster cell growth in the nasal epithelium. When exposed to the H1N1 virus, these treated organoids demonstrated a remarkable ability to fend off the infection better than those without vitamin D. This protection stemmed from enhancements in host defenses, including improved production of antimicrobial proteins, reduced inflammation, and better epithelial integrity—crucial factors in fighting off infections.
We also uncovered some fascinating insights about the biological mechanisms at work. Vitamin D seemed to actively influence how epithelial cells develop and repair themselves while managing immune responses against infections. These findings underscore the significance of addressing vitamin D deficiency, especially for those vulnerable to respiratory illnesses.
Our observations showed that many patients with CRS suffered from vitamin D deficiency. Notably, those who received vitamin D treatment exhibited faster cell growth in the nasal epithelium. When exposed to the H1N1 virus, these treated organoids demonstrated a remarkable ability to fend off the infection better than those without vitamin D. This protection stemmed from enhancements in host defenses, including improved production of antimicrobial proteins, reduced inflammation, and better epithelial integrity—crucial factors in fighting off infections.
We also uncovered some fascinating insights about the biological mechanisms at work. Vitamin D seemed to actively influence how epithelial cells develop and repair themselves while managing immune responses against infections. These findings underscore the significance of addressing vitamin D deficiency, especially for those vulnerable to respiratory illnesses.
Read More
8
We explored how vitamin D supplementation might help reduce the risk of respiratory infections, particularly the flu, in care homes. Our systematic review of several randomized controlled trials focused on interventions to reduce the transmission of acute respiratory infections, looking beyond just vaccines.
Our findings highlighted that high-dose vitamin D supplementation led to a significant decrease in the incidence of acute respiratory infections, reducing the likelihood of getting sick. Specifically, one trial indicated a 40% reduction in these infections among participants receiving vitamin D compared to those who did not.
However, not all studies we reviewed showed compelling results for related supplements like vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and herbal aids, which did not significantly impact infection rates. This means that while vitamin D supplementation shows promise, more research is needed to fully understand its effects and confirm its benefits in combating flu and other respiratory illnesses.
Our findings highlighted that high-dose vitamin D supplementation led to a significant decrease in the incidence of acute respiratory infections, reducing the likelihood of getting sick. Specifically, one trial indicated a 40% reduction in these infections among participants receiving vitamin D compared to those who did not.
However, not all studies we reviewed showed compelling results for related supplements like vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and herbal aids, which did not significantly impact infection rates. This means that while vitamin D supplementation shows promise, more research is needed to fully understand its effects and confirm its benefits in combating flu and other respiratory illnesses.
Read More
8
We conducted a practical study to investigate how daily vitamin D3 supplementation at 5000 IU might help reduce flu-like illnesses in healthcare workers. This was especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic, where preventing viral infections is crucial for those on the front lines.
Our study involved 255 healthcare workers who received the vitamin D3 supplement for at least two months and compared them to a control group of 2827 workers who did not receive the supplement. We asked participants to monitor themselves for any flu-like symptoms and report for COVID-19 testing accordingly.
The results were promising; those supplementing with vitamin D experienced a significant reduction in the incidence of flu-like illnesses. The numbers showed a noteworthy drop in non-COVID-19 flu-like illness rates among those taking the supplement. However, when it came to COVID-19 related flu-like illnesses, the difference was not statistically significant.
Overall, our exploration of vitamin D3's effects suggests that it may be a beneficial addition to the health routines of healthcare workers to stave off flu-like illnesses, although its influence on COVID-19 specifically requires further investigation.
Our study involved 255 healthcare workers who received the vitamin D3 supplement for at least two months and compared them to a control group of 2827 workers who did not receive the supplement. We asked participants to monitor themselves for any flu-like symptoms and report for COVID-19 testing accordingly.
The results were promising; those supplementing with vitamin D experienced a significant reduction in the incidence of flu-like illnesses. The numbers showed a noteworthy drop in non-COVID-19 flu-like illness rates among those taking the supplement. However, when it came to COVID-19 related flu-like illnesses, the difference was not statistically significant.
Overall, our exploration of vitamin D3's effects suggests that it may be a beneficial addition to the health routines of healthcare workers to stave off flu-like illnesses, although its influence on COVID-19 specifically requires further investigation.
Read More
8
We explored the potential benefits of vitamin D supplementation for reducing the risk of influenza infections. Through a comprehensive analysis of multiple Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs), we aimed to clarify whether taking vitamin D can help prevent the flu.
Our investigation identified 10 relevant trials that included a total of 4,859 participants. These studies varied in their dosages and duration of vitamin D use, allowing us to assess overall effectiveness across different populations.
The findings were encouraging: our analysis demonstrated that vitamin D supplementation appears to significantly reduce the risk of getting influenza, suggesting that those who increase their vitamin D intake might be better protected during flu season.
Importantly, we did not find significant differences between the studies that could affect our result, and there was no hint of publication bias. Consequently, we can confidently suggest that including vitamin D in our health strategies could enhance our defenses against the flu.
Our investigation identified 10 relevant trials that included a total of 4,859 participants. These studies varied in their dosages and duration of vitamin D use, allowing us to assess overall effectiveness across different populations.
The findings were encouraging: our analysis demonstrated that vitamin D supplementation appears to significantly reduce the risk of getting influenza, suggesting that those who increase their vitamin D intake might be better protected during flu season.
Importantly, we did not find significant differences between the studies that could affect our result, and there was no hint of publication bias. Consequently, we can confidently suggest that including vitamin D in our health strategies could enhance our defenses against the flu.
Read More
8
We investigated the intriguing link between sunlight exposure, vitamin D production, and flu incidence. The study revealed that higher levels of sunlight are associated with a noticeable decrease in flu cases, particularly during the severe H1N1 epidemic in the fall of 2009.
Our findings indicate that a 10% increase in relative sunlight can lower the flu index during September and October by about 1.1 points on a 10-point scale. This layer of sunlight acts like a shield, helping protect individuals from catching the flu, thanks in part to its role in vitamin D production in our bodies.
A complementary study in New York State backed up these observations, reinforcing the message that adequate sunlight might be key in reducing flu incidence.
Our findings indicate that a 10% increase in relative sunlight can lower the flu index during September and October by about 1.1 points on a 10-point scale. This layer of sunlight acts like a shield, helping protect individuals from catching the flu, thanks in part to its role in vitamin D production in our bodies.
A complementary study in New York State backed up these observations, reinforcing the message that adequate sunlight might be key in reducing flu incidence.
Read More
User Reviews
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 8 Reviews
8.2
- All Reviews
- Positive Reviews
- Negative Reviews
10
No flu shots
2 people found this helpful
I take 10,000 IU daily during winter. My doctor monitors my vitamin D levels, and they are good! I would be seriously deficient without supplementation. In summer, I reduce to 5,000 IU. I never have the flu shot – nor the flu. This supplement is essential for me, and Jarrow is excellent. Just ensure you get your levels checked!
Read More
9
Forgot flu symptoms
These are the best vitamins! I have been taking them consistently for 2 years. They truly work; I have forgotten what a cold and flu feel like.
Read More
7.5
Strong immune support
J3 for Winter is another quality product from Jarrow. I supplement D3 during the winter months here in the northeast of the UK due to a lack of sun exposure. This product provides excellent support for immune function throughout the cold/flu season. Small, potent, and affordable.
Read More
7.5
Evidence of protection
Jarrow is my preferred choice. Vitamin D3 enhances immune function, and I feel it works well for my wellbeing. The size is very small. Dr. White mentions, “There is also evidence that maintaining vitamin D sufficiency reduces the long-term risk of developing certain types of cancer.” One review states supplementation could lower the risk of certain infections, including influenza and COVID-19.
Read More
7.5
Prophylactic dosage
The dosage is preventative; I take it during flu season to maintain immunity.
Read More
Frequently Asked Questions
9
Forgot flu symptoms
These are the best vitamins! I have been taking them consistently for 2 years. They truly work; I have forgotten what a cold and flu feel like.
7.5
Essential for winter
Vitamin D is a regular purchase, especially now in winter, and crucial in case of viral diseases and flu; it must be adequately accumulated in the body!
7.5
Strong immune support
J3 for Winter is another quality product from Jarrow. I supplement D3 during the winter months here in the northeast of the UK due to a lack of sun exposure. This product provides excellent support for immune function throughout the cold/flu season. Small, potent, and affordable.
7.5
Evidence of protection
Jarrow is my preferred choice. Vitamin D3 enhances immune function, and I feel it works well for my wellbeing. The size is very small. Dr. White mentions, “There is also evidence that maintaining vitamin D sufficiency reduces the long-term risk of developing certain types of cancer.” One review states supplementation could lower the risk of certain infections, including influenza and COVID-19.
10
No flu shots
2 people found this helpful
I take 10,000 IU daily during winter. My doctor monitors my vitamin D levels, and they are good! I would be seriously deficient without supplementation. In summer, I reduce to 5,000 IU. I never have the flu shot – nor the flu. This supplement is essential for me, and Jarrow is excellent. Just ensure you get your levels checked!
7.5
Prophylactic dosage
The dosage is preventative; I take it during flu season to maintain immunity.
8
We explored how vitamin D supplementation might help reduce the risk of respiratory infections, particularly the flu, in care homes. Our systematic review of several randomized controlled trials focused on interventions to reduce the transmission of acute respiratory infections, looking beyond just vaccines.
Our findings highlighted that high-dose vitamin D supplementation led to a significant decrease in the incidence of acute respiratory infections, reducing the likelihood of getting sick. Specifically, one trial indicated a 40% reduction in these infections among participants receiving vitamin D compared to those who did not.
However, not all studies we reviewed showed compelling results for related supplements like vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and herbal aids, which did not significantly impact infection rates. This means that while vitamin D supplementation shows promise, more research is needed to fully understand its effects and confirm its benefits in combating flu and other respiratory illnesses.
Our findings highlighted that high-dose vitamin D supplementation led to a significant decrease in the incidence of acute respiratory infections, reducing the likelihood of getting sick. Specifically, one trial indicated a 40% reduction in these infections among participants receiving vitamin D compared to those who did not.
However, not all studies we reviewed showed compelling results for related supplements like vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and herbal aids, which did not significantly impact infection rates. This means that while vitamin D supplementation shows promise, more research is needed to fully understand its effects and confirm its benefits in combating flu and other respiratory illnesses.
7
We explored how vitamin D may influence the occurrence and duration of symptoms related to respiratory infections, which includes the flu. The study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the overall effectiveness of vitamin D supplementation.
The results showed that using vitamin D can indeed reduce the risk of experiencing acute respiratory infections (ARIs) by a small margin. Specifically, it was found that the risk ratio for vitamin D preventing ARIs was about 0.97, indicating a slight protective effect. Moreover, vitamin D supplementation also appeared to shorten the duration of symptoms by approximately 6%, making it easier for individuals to recover.
It's important to note that the effectiveness of vitamin D seemed to vary based on certain factors, like the dosage and whether the diagnosis was assessed clinically or through self-reporting. Though this study provides promising evidence, it does not isolate the effects of vitamin D on influenza specifically. Therefore, while we can say that vitamin D may help in the broader context of respiratory health, more targeted research is needed to understand its role in flu prevention or treatment.
The results showed that using vitamin D can indeed reduce the risk of experiencing acute respiratory infections (ARIs) by a small margin. Specifically, it was found that the risk ratio for vitamin D preventing ARIs was about 0.97, indicating a slight protective effect. Moreover, vitamin D supplementation also appeared to shorten the duration of symptoms by approximately 6%, making it easier for individuals to recover.
It's important to note that the effectiveness of vitamin D seemed to vary based on certain factors, like the dosage and whether the diagnosis was assessed clinically or through self-reporting. Though this study provides promising evidence, it does not isolate the effects of vitamin D on influenza specifically. Therefore, while we can say that vitamin D may help in the broader context of respiratory health, more targeted research is needed to understand its role in flu prevention or treatment.
9
We recently examined how vitamin D impacts our body's response to influenza H1N1, an important viral infection. Utilizing 142 clinical cases from the Department of Otolaryngology at Sun Yat-sen University, we dug into the effects of vitamin D deficiency on chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), a condition that frequently involves damage to the airway's lining. By studying airway organoids treated with vitamin D, we were able to simulate how this treatment might bolster our defenses against flu viruses and bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus.
Our observations showed that many patients with CRS suffered from vitamin D deficiency. Notably, those who received vitamin D treatment exhibited faster cell growth in the nasal epithelium. When exposed to the H1N1 virus, these treated organoids demonstrated a remarkable ability to fend off the infection better than those without vitamin D. This protection stemmed from enhancements in host defenses, including improved production of antimicrobial proteins, reduced inflammation, and better epithelial integrity—crucial factors in fighting off infections.
We also uncovered some fascinating insights about the biological mechanisms at work. Vitamin D seemed to actively influence how epithelial cells develop and repair themselves while managing immune responses against infections. These findings underscore the significance of addressing vitamin D deficiency, especially for those vulnerable to respiratory illnesses.
Our observations showed that many patients with CRS suffered from vitamin D deficiency. Notably, those who received vitamin D treatment exhibited faster cell growth in the nasal epithelium. When exposed to the H1N1 virus, these treated organoids demonstrated a remarkable ability to fend off the infection better than those without vitamin D. This protection stemmed from enhancements in host defenses, including improved production of antimicrobial proteins, reduced inflammation, and better epithelial integrity—crucial factors in fighting off infections.
We also uncovered some fascinating insights about the biological mechanisms at work. Vitamin D seemed to actively influence how epithelial cells develop and repair themselves while managing immune responses against infections. These findings underscore the significance of addressing vitamin D deficiency, especially for those vulnerable to respiratory illnesses.
8
We conducted a practical study to investigate how daily vitamin D3 supplementation at 5000 IU might help reduce flu-like illnesses in healthcare workers. This was especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic, where preventing viral infections is crucial for those on the front lines.
Our study involved 255 healthcare workers who received the vitamin D3 supplement for at least two months and compared them to a control group of 2827 workers who did not receive the supplement. We asked participants to monitor themselves for any flu-like symptoms and report for COVID-19 testing accordingly.
The results were promising; those supplementing with vitamin D experienced a significant reduction in the incidence of flu-like illnesses. The numbers showed a noteworthy drop in non-COVID-19 flu-like illness rates among those taking the supplement. However, when it came to COVID-19 related flu-like illnesses, the difference was not statistically significant.
Overall, our exploration of vitamin D3's effects suggests that it may be a beneficial addition to the health routines of healthcare workers to stave off flu-like illnesses, although its influence on COVID-19 specifically requires further investigation.
Our study involved 255 healthcare workers who received the vitamin D3 supplement for at least two months and compared them to a control group of 2827 workers who did not receive the supplement. We asked participants to monitor themselves for any flu-like symptoms and report for COVID-19 testing accordingly.
The results were promising; those supplementing with vitamin D experienced a significant reduction in the incidence of flu-like illnesses. The numbers showed a noteworthy drop in non-COVID-19 flu-like illness rates among those taking the supplement. However, when it came to COVID-19 related flu-like illnesses, the difference was not statistically significant.
Overall, our exploration of vitamin D3's effects suggests that it may be a beneficial addition to the health routines of healthcare workers to stave off flu-like illnesses, although its influence on COVID-19 specifically requires further investigation.
3
We set out to explore whether a three-month regimen of vitamin D supplementation could lower the risk of influenza infection in elderly nursing home residents who had already received the seasonal flu vaccine. In our study, 97 participants were enrolled, with more than 73% being women. They were divided into two groups: one received vitamin D supplements, while the other did not.
Even though we found that fewer participants in the vitamin D group tested positive for the flu compared to the control group (five versus twelve), the difference was not statistically significant. Most importantly, despite taking the recommended 800 IU of vitamin D each day, residents did not reach sufficient vitamin D levels, and the supplementation did not appear to have any beneficial effect on preventing influenza infections among those already vaccinated.
This highlights a critical aspect: despite being one of the recommended strategies for health improvement, standard vitamin D supplementation may not be effective in significantly reducing the risk of flu in this vulnerable population.
Even though we found that fewer participants in the vitamin D group tested positive for the flu compared to the control group (five versus twelve), the difference was not statistically significant. Most importantly, despite taking the recommended 800 IU of vitamin D each day, residents did not reach sufficient vitamin D levels, and the supplementation did not appear to have any beneficial effect on preventing influenza infections among those already vaccinated.
This highlights a critical aspect: despite being one of the recommended strategies for health improvement, standard vitamin D supplementation may not be effective in significantly reducing the risk of flu in this vulnerable population.
8
We explored the potential benefits of vitamin D supplementation for reducing the risk of influenza infections. Through a comprehensive analysis of multiple Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs), we aimed to clarify whether taking vitamin D can help prevent the flu.
Our investigation identified 10 relevant trials that included a total of 4,859 participants. These studies varied in their dosages and duration of vitamin D use, allowing us to assess overall effectiveness across different populations.
The findings were encouraging: our analysis demonstrated that vitamin D supplementation appears to significantly reduce the risk of getting influenza, suggesting that those who increase their vitamin D intake might be better protected during flu season.
Importantly, we did not find significant differences between the studies that could affect our result, and there was no hint of publication bias. Consequently, we can confidently suggest that including vitamin D in our health strategies could enhance our defenses against the flu.
Our investigation identified 10 relevant trials that included a total of 4,859 participants. These studies varied in their dosages and duration of vitamin D use, allowing us to assess overall effectiveness across different populations.
The findings were encouraging: our analysis demonstrated that vitamin D supplementation appears to significantly reduce the risk of getting influenza, suggesting that those who increase their vitamin D intake might be better protected during flu season.
Importantly, we did not find significant differences between the studies that could affect our result, and there was no hint of publication bias. Consequently, we can confidently suggest that including vitamin D in our health strategies could enhance our defenses against the flu.
5
We conducted a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial to explore whether vitamin D supplementation could lower the risk of flu among young children. The study involved 248 participants aged two to five years from daycare centers in Taiwan, who were divided into two groups: one received 2000 IU of vitamin D daily, while the other group received a placebo for one month.
The results were intriguing. We found an 84% relative risk reduction for flu infection in the vitamin D group compared to the placebo group. However, this finding did not achieve statistical significance, which means we can't be certain of its importance. The data suggested that the placebo group might have a higher chance of getting the flu, but again, the results were not definitive.
Additionally, no significant differences were observed in terms of enterovirus infections between the two groups, and the same trend was seen among household members of the children. Everyone who received the vitamin D treatment managed to raise their vitamin D levels above 30 ng/ml, indicating that the supplementation was effective in boosting their vitamin D status.
Overall, while vitamin D supplementation might offer some protective effect against flu in preschoolers, the evidence does not strongly support this. We recommend further research to fully understand the impact.
The results were intriguing. We found an 84% relative risk reduction for flu infection in the vitamin D group compared to the placebo group. However, this finding did not achieve statistical significance, which means we can't be certain of its importance. The data suggested that the placebo group might have a higher chance of getting the flu, but again, the results were not definitive.
Additionally, no significant differences were observed in terms of enterovirus infections between the two groups, and the same trend was seen among household members of the children. Everyone who received the vitamin D treatment managed to raise their vitamin D levels above 30 ng/ml, indicating that the supplementation was effective in boosting their vitamin D status.
Overall, while vitamin D supplementation might offer some protective effect against flu in preschoolers, the evidence does not strongly support this. We recommend further research to fully understand the impact.
References
- Willcox ML, Lavu D, Yousaf U, Dalton S, Roberts N, et al. The effectiveness of interventions to reduce the transmission of acute respiratory infections in care homes: a systematic review. J Public Health (Oxf). 2024;46:551. doi:10.1093/pubmed/fdae178
- Liao S, Huang Y, Zhang J, Xiong Q, Chi M, et al. Vitamin D promotes epithelial tissue repair and host defense responses against influenza H1N1 virus and Staphylococcus aureus infections. Respir Res. 2023;24:175. doi:10.1186/s12931-023-02477-4
- van Helmond N, Brobyn TL, LaRiccia PJ, Cafaro T, Hunter K, et al. Vitamin D3 Supplementation at 5000 IU Daily for the Prevention of Influenza-like Illness in Healthcare Workers: A Pragmatic Randomized Clinical Trial. Nutrients. 2022;15. doi:10.3390/nu15010180
- Arora J, Patel DR, Nicol MJ, Field CJ, Restori KH, et al. Vitamin D and the Ability to Produce 1,25(OH)D Are Critical for Protection from Viral Infection of the Lungs. Nutrients. 2022;14. doi:10.3390/nu14153061
- Huang YN, Chi H, Chiu NC, Huang CY, Li ST, et al. A randomized trial of vitamin D supplementation to prevent seasonal influenza and enterovirus infection in children. J Microbiol Immunol Infect. 2022;55:803. doi:10.1016/j.jmii.2022.01.003
- Zhu Z, Zhu X, Gu L, Zhan Y, Chen L, et al. Association Between Vitamin D and Influenza: Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials. Front Nutr. 2021;8:799709. doi:10.3389/fnut.2021.799709
- Godan Hauptman A, Lukić-Grlić A, Vraneš J, Milošević M, Gagro A. The effect of standard-dose wintertime vitamin D supplementation on influenza infection in immunized nursing home elderly residents. Croat Med J. 2021;62:495.
- Abioye AI, Bromage S, Fawzi W. Effect of micronutrient supplements on influenza and other respiratory tract infections among adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Glob Health. 2021;6. doi:10.1136/bmjgh-2020-003176
- Slusky DJG, Zeckhauser RJ. Sunlight and Protection Against Influenza. Econ Hum Biol. 2021;40:100942. doi:10.1016/j.ehb.2020.100942
