Overview
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Questionable
Based on 8 Researches
6.5
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 16 Reviews
8.7
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Capsule
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Vitamin D3 (as cholecalciferol)
125 mcg
625%
Vitamin K activity from:Vitamin K1 (as phytonadione)Vitamin K2 (as menaquinone-4)Vitamin K2 (as trans menaquinone-7)
2,100 mcg1,000 mcg1,000 mcg100 mcg
1,750%
Iodine [from Sea-Iodine™ Complex Blend (organic kelp and bladderwrack extracts, potassium iodide)]
1,000 mcg
667%
Top Medical Research Studies
8
We carried out a study to investigate whether vitamin D3 supplements could help prevent seasonal influenza A in schoolchildren. Our approach involved a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial conducted from December 2008 to March 2009.
This ensured that neither the participants nor the researchers knew who was receiving the vitamin D3 or the placebo, making our findings more reliable. During the trial, we provided 1200 IU of vitamin D3 daily to one group while the other received a placebo.
The results were promising; we found that only 10.8% of the children taking vitamin D3 contracted influenza A, compared to 18.6% in the placebo group. This reduced incidence led us to a relative risk of 0.58, suggesting that vitamin D3 supplementation may lower the chances of getting the flu.
Interestingly, we noticed the most significant benefits among children who hadn’t been taking any other vitamin D supplements and those who began nursery school after age three. Additionally, in children with a past asthma diagnosis, vitamin D3 seemed to dramatically reduce asthma attacks.
Overall, our findings indicate that taking vitamin D3 in the winter could be beneficial for schoolchildren, especially for certain groups. We believe this study adds valuable insights into preventive health measures against influenza A.
This ensured that neither the participants nor the researchers knew who was receiving the vitamin D3 or the placebo, making our findings more reliable. During the trial, we provided 1200 IU of vitamin D3 daily to one group while the other received a placebo.
The results were promising; we found that only 10.8% of the children taking vitamin D3 contracted influenza A, compared to 18.6% in the placebo group. This reduced incidence led us to a relative risk of 0.58, suggesting that vitamin D3 supplementation may lower the chances of getting the flu.
Interestingly, we noticed the most significant benefits among children who hadn’t been taking any other vitamin D supplements and those who began nursery school after age three. Additionally, in children with a past asthma diagnosis, vitamin D3 seemed to dramatically reduce asthma attacks.
Overall, our findings indicate that taking vitamin D3 in the winter could be beneficial for schoolchildren, especially for certain groups. We believe this study adds valuable insights into preventive health measures against influenza A.
Read More
8
We investigated how Vitamin D3 might influence the effects of influenza A virus (IAV) on human cells, particularly focusing on its ability to reduce apoptosis, which is the programmed cell death that contributes to tissue damage during flu infections.
In our exploration, we used a specific type of human lung cell called A549 to observe the effects of a pandemic strain of IAV. We found that IAV infection led to cell death by disrupting normal autophagy, which is the process cells use to clean up damaged parts and support their survival.
Thankfully, Vitamin D3 appeared to counteract this effect. It helped restore autophagic activity by boosting the expression of certain proteins that are essential for this process. This action led to decreased cell death, suggesting that Vitamin D3 can help protect lung cells during flu infections.
Overall, our findings indicate that Vitamin D3 is a promising candidate for limiting cellular damage during IAV infection through its unique pro-autophagic properties.
In our exploration, we used a specific type of human lung cell called A549 to observe the effects of a pandemic strain of IAV. We found that IAV infection led to cell death by disrupting normal autophagy, which is the process cells use to clean up damaged parts and support their survival.
Thankfully, Vitamin D3 appeared to counteract this effect. It helped restore autophagic activity by boosting the expression of certain proteins that are essential for this process. This action led to decreased cell death, suggesting that Vitamin D3 can help protect lung cells during flu infections.
Overall, our findings indicate that Vitamin D3 is a promising candidate for limiting cellular damage during IAV infection through its unique pro-autophagic properties.
Read More
7
We conducted a thorough investigation to determine whether daily vitamin D3 supplementation, specifically at a dosage of 5000 IU, could lessen the occurrence of flu-like illnesses among healthcare workers. Our study involved a well-structured trial at a tertiary university hospital, where a group of healthcare workers received vitamin D3 supplements over nine months, while another group acted as controls without supplementation.
The results were quite promising. Among the 255 healthcare workers who completed at least two months of the vitamin D3 regimen, we discovered that their risk of experiencing flu-like illnesses was significantly lower compared to the control group. In fact, there was a noteworthy reduction in the rate of non-COVID-19 influenza-like illnesses, which reflects the positive impact of vitamin D3 on respiratory health.
However, when it came to COVID-related flu-like illnesses, the difference wasn’t statistically significant. This suggests that while vitamin D3 is beneficial for reducing general flu-like symptoms, it may not specifically target COVID-19 symptoms as effectively. Overall, our findings indicate that vitamin D3 supplementation can be a valuable tool for healthcare workers in minimizing illness, thereby enhancing their overall well-being and ability to care for patients.
The results were quite promising. Among the 255 healthcare workers who completed at least two months of the vitamin D3 regimen, we discovered that their risk of experiencing flu-like illnesses was significantly lower compared to the control group. In fact, there was a noteworthy reduction in the rate of non-COVID-19 influenza-like illnesses, which reflects the positive impact of vitamin D3 on respiratory health.
However, when it came to COVID-related flu-like illnesses, the difference wasn’t statistically significant. This suggests that while vitamin D3 is beneficial for reducing general flu-like symptoms, it may not specifically target COVID-19 symptoms as effectively. Overall, our findings indicate that vitamin D3 supplementation can be a valuable tool for healthcare workers in minimizing illness, thereby enhancing their overall well-being and ability to care for patients.
Read More
Most Useful Reviews
9
Boosts immune system
110 people found this helpful
I took vitamins D and K for Life Extension to boost my immune system. Since starting this product, I haven't experienced a cold, sore throat, flu, or anything similar for over 18 months, even while my family has been ill.
Read More
9
No cold symptoms
102 people found this helpful
Before using these vitamins, I frequently suffered from colds and sore throats. After taking Vitamins D and K from Life Extension to enhance my immune system, I've not had a hint of a cold, sore throat, or flu for 18 months, despite colds affecting my family.
Read More
9
Flu-free duration
5 people found this helpful
Previously, I regularly caught colds and sore throats. After taking Life Extension Vitamins D and K due to concerns over Covid-19, I have not experienced any colds, sore throats, or flu for over 18 months, despite my family contracting colds.
Read More
Medical Researches
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Questionable
Based on 8 Researches
6.5
- All Researches
9
We explored the potential of Oxarol, a medication usually prescribed for psoriasis, as a new adjuvant for influenza vaccines. In our research, we found that applying Oxarol ointment on the skin significantly enhanced the immune response of mice when they were vaccinated against the flu. This treatment helped boost humoral responses—essentially the production of antibodies—and improved germinal center reactions, which are critical for effective immunity.
Our findings highlighted that the vitamin D3 receptor in skin cells played a vital role in this process. By stimulating the production of a molecule called thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), Oxarol effectively facilitated better immune responses against the virus. Experiments showed that giving mice TSLP directly or blocking it produced noticeable changes in their immune responses, indicating its importance.
Importantly, we identified specific immune cells responsible for the effective response, confirming that targeted treatments like Oxarol could pave the way for safer and more efficient vaccine strategies in the future. This study suggests that vitamin D3’s role in skin treatments can be harnessed to improve flu vaccines.
Our findings highlighted that the vitamin D3 receptor in skin cells played a vital role in this process. By stimulating the production of a molecule called thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), Oxarol effectively facilitated better immune responses against the virus. Experiments showed that giving mice TSLP directly or blocking it produced noticeable changes in their immune responses, indicating its importance.
Importantly, we identified specific immune cells responsible for the effective response, confirming that targeted treatments like Oxarol could pave the way for safer and more efficient vaccine strategies in the future. This study suggests that vitamin D3’s role in skin treatments can be harnessed to improve flu vaccines.
Read More
8
We investigated how Vitamin D3 might influence the effects of influenza A virus (IAV) on human cells, particularly focusing on its ability to reduce apoptosis, which is the programmed cell death that contributes to tissue damage during flu infections.
In our exploration, we used a specific type of human lung cell called A549 to observe the effects of a pandemic strain of IAV. We found that IAV infection led to cell death by disrupting normal autophagy, which is the process cells use to clean up damaged parts and support their survival.
Thankfully, Vitamin D3 appeared to counteract this effect. It helped restore autophagic activity by boosting the expression of certain proteins that are essential for this process. This action led to decreased cell death, suggesting that Vitamin D3 can help protect lung cells during flu infections.
Overall, our findings indicate that Vitamin D3 is a promising candidate for limiting cellular damage during IAV infection through its unique pro-autophagic properties.
In our exploration, we used a specific type of human lung cell called A549 to observe the effects of a pandemic strain of IAV. We found that IAV infection led to cell death by disrupting normal autophagy, which is the process cells use to clean up damaged parts and support their survival.
Thankfully, Vitamin D3 appeared to counteract this effect. It helped restore autophagic activity by boosting the expression of certain proteins that are essential for this process. This action led to decreased cell death, suggesting that Vitamin D3 can help protect lung cells during flu infections.
Overall, our findings indicate that Vitamin D3 is a promising candidate for limiting cellular damage during IAV infection through its unique pro-autophagic properties.
Read More
8
We carried out a study to investigate whether vitamin D3 supplements could help prevent seasonal influenza A in schoolchildren. Our approach involved a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial conducted from December 2008 to March 2009.
This ensured that neither the participants nor the researchers knew who was receiving the vitamin D3 or the placebo, making our findings more reliable. During the trial, we provided 1200 IU of vitamin D3 daily to one group while the other received a placebo.
The results were promising; we found that only 10.8% of the children taking vitamin D3 contracted influenza A, compared to 18.6% in the placebo group. This reduced incidence led us to a relative risk of 0.58, suggesting that vitamin D3 supplementation may lower the chances of getting the flu.
Interestingly, we noticed the most significant benefits among children who hadn’t been taking any other vitamin D supplements and those who began nursery school after age three. Additionally, in children with a past asthma diagnosis, vitamin D3 seemed to dramatically reduce asthma attacks.
Overall, our findings indicate that taking vitamin D3 in the winter could be beneficial for schoolchildren, especially for certain groups. We believe this study adds valuable insights into preventive health measures against influenza A.
This ensured that neither the participants nor the researchers knew who was receiving the vitamin D3 or the placebo, making our findings more reliable. During the trial, we provided 1200 IU of vitamin D3 daily to one group while the other received a placebo.
The results were promising; we found that only 10.8% of the children taking vitamin D3 contracted influenza A, compared to 18.6% in the placebo group. This reduced incidence led us to a relative risk of 0.58, suggesting that vitamin D3 supplementation may lower the chances of getting the flu.
Interestingly, we noticed the most significant benefits among children who hadn’t been taking any other vitamin D supplements and those who began nursery school after age three. Additionally, in children with a past asthma diagnosis, vitamin D3 seemed to dramatically reduce asthma attacks.
Overall, our findings indicate that taking vitamin D3 in the winter could be beneficial for schoolchildren, especially for certain groups. We believe this study adds valuable insights into preventive health measures against influenza A.
Read More
7
We explored how vitamin D3 supplementation can influence the transmission of flu in care home residents. Our review involved a systematic analysis of randomized controlled trials, focusing on interventions aimed at preventing acute respiratory infections, excluding vaccines.
Among the various interventions reviewed, we observed that high-dose vitamin D3 supplementation led to a notable reduction in the incidence of respiratory infections. Specifically, one trial showed that participants taking vitamin D3 experienced a 40% lower rate of infections, suggesting that this simple supplement could potentially bolster defenses against the flu.
Importantly, while we found that vitamin D3 can be beneficial, other trials involving different vitamins, minerals, or supplements did not demonstrate significant effects. Thus, while vitamin D3 appears promising, further research is essential to confirm its effectiveness and fully understand its role in protecting against respiratory illnesses like the flu.
Among the various interventions reviewed, we observed that high-dose vitamin D3 supplementation led to a notable reduction in the incidence of respiratory infections. Specifically, one trial showed that participants taking vitamin D3 experienced a 40% lower rate of infections, suggesting that this simple supplement could potentially bolster defenses against the flu.
Importantly, while we found that vitamin D3 can be beneficial, other trials involving different vitamins, minerals, or supplements did not demonstrate significant effects. Thus, while vitamin D3 appears promising, further research is essential to confirm its effectiveness and fully understand its role in protecting against respiratory illnesses like the flu.
Read More
7
We conducted a thorough investigation to determine whether daily vitamin D3 supplementation, specifically at a dosage of 5000 IU, could lessen the occurrence of flu-like illnesses among healthcare workers. Our study involved a well-structured trial at a tertiary university hospital, where a group of healthcare workers received vitamin D3 supplements over nine months, while another group acted as controls without supplementation.
The results were quite promising. Among the 255 healthcare workers who completed at least two months of the vitamin D3 regimen, we discovered that their risk of experiencing flu-like illnesses was significantly lower compared to the control group. In fact, there was a noteworthy reduction in the rate of non-COVID-19 influenza-like illnesses, which reflects the positive impact of vitamin D3 on respiratory health.
However, when it came to COVID-related flu-like illnesses, the difference wasn’t statistically significant. This suggests that while vitamin D3 is beneficial for reducing general flu-like symptoms, it may not specifically target COVID-19 symptoms as effectively. Overall, our findings indicate that vitamin D3 supplementation can be a valuable tool for healthcare workers in minimizing illness, thereby enhancing their overall well-being and ability to care for patients.
The results were quite promising. Among the 255 healthcare workers who completed at least two months of the vitamin D3 regimen, we discovered that their risk of experiencing flu-like illnesses was significantly lower compared to the control group. In fact, there was a noteworthy reduction in the rate of non-COVID-19 influenza-like illnesses, which reflects the positive impact of vitamin D3 on respiratory health.
However, when it came to COVID-related flu-like illnesses, the difference wasn’t statistically significant. This suggests that while vitamin D3 is beneficial for reducing general flu-like symptoms, it may not specifically target COVID-19 symptoms as effectively. Overall, our findings indicate that vitamin D3 supplementation can be a valuable tool for healthcare workers in minimizing illness, thereby enhancing their overall well-being and ability to care for patients.
Read More
User Reviews
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 16 Reviews
8.7
- All Reviews
- Positive Reviews
- Negative Reviews
9
Boosts immune system
110 people found this helpful
I took vitamins D and K for Life Extension to boost my immune system. Since starting this product, I haven't experienced a cold, sore throat, flu, or anything similar for over 18 months, even while my family has been ill.
Read More
9
No cold symptoms
102 people found this helpful
Before using these vitamins, I frequently suffered from colds and sore throats. After taking Vitamins D and K from Life Extension to enhance my immune system, I've not had a hint of a cold, sore throat, or flu for 18 months, despite colds affecting my family.
Read More
9
Flu-free duration
5 people found this helpful
Previously, I regularly caught colds and sore throats. After taking Life Extension Vitamins D and K due to concerns over Covid-19, I have not experienced any colds, sore throats, or flu for over 18 months, despite my family contracting colds.
Read More
9
Avoids illness
Amazing! This supplement offers an excellent dose of vitamin D along with both types of vitamin K. It includes beneficial iodine. I use it in winter, when sunlight is less accessible, and since then, I’ve felt more energetic and have avoided any colds or flu.
Read More
9
Indispensable remedy
I reordered this indispensable remedy for my family during autumn-winter colds. The combination of vitamin D with astragalus, magnesium, zinc, and omega seemed effective; I didn't get sick all winter, while my daughter recovered rapidly from her ARVI symptoms.
Read More
Frequently Asked Questions
9
Quick flu relief
This D3 is fantastic; the dosage is just right. I double up if I start feeling unwell, usually limiting flu symptoms to a day.
7.5
Improved immunity
This is the best Vitamin D product I've tried! It has perfect ingredients and the capsules are small. After two months of use, I've noticed a significant improvement in my immunity; I haven't caught a cold or flu this winter.
7.5
Quick flu recovery
It worked very quickly during the flu, raising my vitamin D levels significantly. My health improved, and I recovered from deficiency swiftly.
9
Boosts immune system
110 people found this helpful
I took vitamins D and K for Life Extension to boost my immune system. Since starting this product, I haven't experienced a cold, sore throat, flu, or anything similar for over 18 months, even while my family has been ill.
9
No cold symptoms
102 people found this helpful
Before using these vitamins, I frequently suffered from colds and sore throats. After taking Vitamins D and K from Life Extension to enhance my immune system, I've not had a hint of a cold, sore throat, or flu for 18 months, despite colds affecting my family.
9
Flu-free duration
5 people found this helpful
Previously, I regularly caught colds and sore throats. After taking Life Extension Vitamins D and K due to concerns over Covid-19, I have not experienced any colds, sore throats, or flu for over 18 months, despite my family contracting colds.
9
Avoids illness
Amazing! This supplement offers an excellent dose of vitamin D along with both types of vitamin K. It includes beneficial iodine. I use it in winter, when sunlight is less accessible, and since then, I’ve felt more energetic and have avoided any colds or flu.
9
Indispensable remedy
I reordered this indispensable remedy for my family during autumn-winter colds. The combination of vitamin D with astragalus, magnesium, zinc, and omega seemed effective; I didn't get sick all winter, while my daughter recovered rapidly from her ARVI symptoms.
9
Great for flu
This product is effective; Vitamin D works awfully well when you're about to catch the flu. Combined with vitamin K, it becomes more potent. This brand is commendable.
9
Fast recovery from flu
Great immune protection and speedy recovery from flu, sore throat, and fever.
7.5
Less illness
This product is excellent for boosting my immune system, as I'm experiencing fewer colds and flu now. It's so effective that I’ve bought some for my dad too.
7
We explored how vitamin D3 supplementation can influence the transmission of flu in care home residents. Our review involved a systematic analysis of randomized controlled trials, focusing on interventions aimed at preventing acute respiratory infections, excluding vaccines.
Among the various interventions reviewed, we observed that high-dose vitamin D3 supplementation led to a notable reduction in the incidence of respiratory infections. Specifically, one trial showed that participants taking vitamin D3 experienced a 40% lower rate of infections, suggesting that this simple supplement could potentially bolster defenses against the flu.
Importantly, while we found that vitamin D3 can be beneficial, other trials involving different vitamins, minerals, or supplements did not demonstrate significant effects. Thus, while vitamin D3 appears promising, further research is essential to confirm its effectiveness and fully understand its role in protecting against respiratory illnesses like the flu.
Among the various interventions reviewed, we observed that high-dose vitamin D3 supplementation led to a notable reduction in the incidence of respiratory infections. Specifically, one trial showed that participants taking vitamin D3 experienced a 40% lower rate of infections, suggesting that this simple supplement could potentially bolster defenses against the flu.
Importantly, while we found that vitamin D3 can be beneficial, other trials involving different vitamins, minerals, or supplements did not demonstrate significant effects. Thus, while vitamin D3 appears promising, further research is essential to confirm its effectiveness and fully understand its role in protecting against respiratory illnesses like the flu.
7
We conducted a thorough investigation to determine whether daily vitamin D3 supplementation, specifically at a dosage of 5000 IU, could lessen the occurrence of flu-like illnesses among healthcare workers. Our study involved a well-structured trial at a tertiary university hospital, where a group of healthcare workers received vitamin D3 supplements over nine months, while another group acted as controls without supplementation.
The results were quite promising. Among the 255 healthcare workers who completed at least two months of the vitamin D3 regimen, we discovered that their risk of experiencing flu-like illnesses was significantly lower compared to the control group. In fact, there was a noteworthy reduction in the rate of non-COVID-19 influenza-like illnesses, which reflects the positive impact of vitamin D3 on respiratory health.
However, when it came to COVID-related flu-like illnesses, the difference wasn’t statistically significant. This suggests that while vitamin D3 is beneficial for reducing general flu-like symptoms, it may not specifically target COVID-19 symptoms as effectively. Overall, our findings indicate that vitamin D3 supplementation can be a valuable tool for healthcare workers in minimizing illness, thereby enhancing their overall well-being and ability to care for patients.
The results were quite promising. Among the 255 healthcare workers who completed at least two months of the vitamin D3 regimen, we discovered that their risk of experiencing flu-like illnesses was significantly lower compared to the control group. In fact, there was a noteworthy reduction in the rate of non-COVID-19 influenza-like illnesses, which reflects the positive impact of vitamin D3 on respiratory health.
However, when it came to COVID-related flu-like illnesses, the difference wasn’t statistically significant. This suggests that while vitamin D3 is beneficial for reducing general flu-like symptoms, it may not specifically target COVID-19 symptoms as effectively. Overall, our findings indicate that vitamin D3 supplementation can be a valuable tool for healthcare workers in minimizing illness, thereby enhancing their overall well-being and ability to care for patients.
4
We conducted a double-blind study during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic to explore the role of vitamin D3 in preventing influenza A. In this trial, 247 high school students in Japan were randomly assigned to receive either vitamin D3 supplements at 2000 IU per day or a placebo over a two-month period.
Our main goal was to see if vitamin D3 could reduce the incidence of influenza A, as diagnosed by medical professionals. Initially, we observed that the rate of influenza A was lower in the vitamin D3 group. In the first month, only 1.4% of participants who took vitamin D3 came down with the virus, compared to 8.1% in the placebo group—a striking difference.
However, this promising effect faded during the second month, where both groups reported similar rates of infection. Ultimately, while we found some initial benefits, vitamin D3 did not significantly lower the overall incidence of influenza A during the pandemic. It's clear that the impact we hoped for didn’t hold over time, reinforcing the notion that vitamin D3 alone may have limited effectiveness against the flu.
Our main goal was to see if vitamin D3 could reduce the incidence of influenza A, as diagnosed by medical professionals. Initially, we observed that the rate of influenza A was lower in the vitamin D3 group. In the first month, only 1.4% of participants who took vitamin D3 came down with the virus, compared to 8.1% in the placebo group—a striking difference.
However, this promising effect faded during the second month, where both groups reported similar rates of infection. Ultimately, while we found some initial benefits, vitamin D3 did not significantly lower the overall incidence of influenza A during the pandemic. It's clear that the impact we hoped for didn’t hold over time, reinforcing the notion that vitamin D3 alone may have limited effectiveness against the flu.
2
We conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial to investigate how calcitriol, a form of vitamin D3, influences the effectiveness of the influenza vaccine in humans. Our study involved 175 volunteers who received either calcitriol or a placebo alongside their flu shots.
Interestingly, while we found that the group receiving calcitriol reported more pain at the injection site compared to those who received the placebo, the expected enhancement in immune response did not materialize. In fact, we observed no significant differences in hemagglutination inhibition titers against the key flu strains—H1N1, H3N2, and influenza B—at one or three months after vaccination.
Ultimately, our findings suggest that coadministering 1.0 microgram of calcitriol does not improve humoral immunity in humans when given with the flu vaccine. This contrasts with earlier studies in mice, suggesting that the effects of vitamin D3 might not translate as effectively to humans when it comes to boosting flu vaccine responses.
Interestingly, while we found that the group receiving calcitriol reported more pain at the injection site compared to those who received the placebo, the expected enhancement in immune response did not materialize. In fact, we observed no significant differences in hemagglutination inhibition titers against the key flu strains—H1N1, H3N2, and influenza B—at one or three months after vaccination.
Ultimately, our findings suggest that coadministering 1.0 microgram of calcitriol does not improve humoral immunity in humans when given with the flu vaccine. This contrasts with earlier studies in mice, suggesting that the effects of vitamin D3 might not translate as effectively to humans when it comes to boosting flu vaccine responses.
8
We carried out a study to investigate whether vitamin D3 supplements could help prevent seasonal influenza A in schoolchildren. Our approach involved a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial conducted from December 2008 to March 2009.
This ensured that neither the participants nor the researchers knew who was receiving the vitamin D3 or the placebo, making our findings more reliable. During the trial, we provided 1200 IU of vitamin D3 daily to one group while the other received a placebo.
The results were promising; we found that only 10.8% of the children taking vitamin D3 contracted influenza A, compared to 18.6% in the placebo group. This reduced incidence led us to a relative risk of 0.58, suggesting that vitamin D3 supplementation may lower the chances of getting the flu.
Interestingly, we noticed the most significant benefits among children who hadn’t been taking any other vitamin D supplements and those who began nursery school after age three. Additionally, in children with a past asthma diagnosis, vitamin D3 seemed to dramatically reduce asthma attacks.
Overall, our findings indicate that taking vitamin D3 in the winter could be beneficial for schoolchildren, especially for certain groups. We believe this study adds valuable insights into preventive health measures against influenza A.
This ensured that neither the participants nor the researchers knew who was receiving the vitamin D3 or the placebo, making our findings more reliable. During the trial, we provided 1200 IU of vitamin D3 daily to one group while the other received a placebo.
The results were promising; we found that only 10.8% of the children taking vitamin D3 contracted influenza A, compared to 18.6% in the placebo group. This reduced incidence led us to a relative risk of 0.58, suggesting that vitamin D3 supplementation may lower the chances of getting the flu.
Interestingly, we noticed the most significant benefits among children who hadn’t been taking any other vitamin D supplements and those who began nursery school after age three. Additionally, in children with a past asthma diagnosis, vitamin D3 seemed to dramatically reduce asthma attacks.
Overall, our findings indicate that taking vitamin D3 in the winter could be beneficial for schoolchildren, especially for certain groups. We believe this study adds valuable insights into preventive health measures against influenza A.
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. 10.1093/pubmed/fdae178
- 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. 10.3390/nu15010180
- Godbole NM, Sinha RA, Tiwari S, Pawar SD, Dhole TN. Analysis of influenza virus-induced perturbation in autophagic flux and its modulation during Vitamin D3 mediated anti-apoptotic signaling. Virus Res. 2020;282:197936. 10.1016/j.virusres.2020.197936
- Sato R, Makino-Okamura C, Lin Q, Wang M, Shoemaker JE, et al. Repurposing the psoriasis drug Oxarol to an ointment adjuvant for the influenza vaccine. Int Immunol. 2020;32:499. 10.1093/intimm/dxaa012
- Urashima M, Mezawa H, Noya M, Camargo CA. Effects of vitamin D supplements on influenza A illness during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic: a randomized controlled trial. Food Funct. 2014;5:2365. 10.1039/c4fo00371c
- Khare D, Godbole NM, Pawar SD, Mohan V, Pandey G, et al. Calcitriol [1, 25[OH]2 D3] pre- and post-treatment suppresses inflammatory response to influenza A (H1N1) infection in human lung A549 epithelial cells. Eur J Nutr. 2013;52:1405. 10.1007/s00394-012-0449-7
- Urashima M, Segawa T, Okazaki M, Kurihara M, Wada Y, et al. Randomized trial of vitamin D supplementation to prevent seasonal influenza A in schoolchildren. Am J Clin Nutr. 2010;91:1255. 10.3945/ajcn.2009.29094
- Kriesel JD, Spruance J. Calcitriol (1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D3) coadministered with influenza vaccine does not enhance humoral immunity in human volunteers. Vaccine. 1999;17:1883.
