We explored the connection between vitamin D levels and upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) among military recruits during their training. This observation spanned across different seasons and included over 1,600 recruits. Our aim was to understand how achieving sufficient vitamin D levels could potentially impact the frequency and severity of colds among physically active individuals.
In an additional phase of the research, we conducted a randomized controlled trial with 250 male recruits. They received either a placebo, simulated sunlight exposure, or oral vitamin D3 supplements during winter. This comparison allowed us to see if these methods effectively increased vitamin D levels to a sufficient status of 25(OH)D at 50 nmol/L or higher.
Notably, our findings showed that only 21% of recruits had adequate vitamin D during winter, yet those who did were 40% less likely to suffer from URTIs. Furthermore, both vitamin D supplementation strategies similarly helped nearly all participants achieve sufficient levels. Vitamin D supplementation notably reduced the severity of URTI symptoms by 15% and the number of days with URTIs by 36% compared to placebo.
While the supplementation strategies did not significantly alter other immune factors, such as salivary secretory immunoglobulin A, the overall reduction in respiratory infections indicates a beneficial effect of maintaining vitamin D sufficiency during military training.
Read More
7
Vitamin D's limited cold impact
High-dose oral vitamin D supplementation for prevention of infections in children aged 0 to 59 months: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
We evaluated the impact of high-dose vitamin D supplementation, specifically doses exceeding the standard 400 IU, on preventing colds and other infections in children under five years of age. Our analysis included seven studies, involving a total of 5,748 children, which looked into how effective vitamin D might be in reducing the incidence of upper respiratory tract infections.
Interestingly, while our findings showed no significant benefit of high-dose vitamin D on the prevention of upper respiratory tract infections as a whole, we did observe a noteworthy reduction in specific illness occurrences. We noted a 57% reduction in colds, a 56% reduction in coughs, and a 59% decrease in fever rates with daily doses exceeding 1,000 IU.
However, we must approach these findings with caution, as the evidence supporting the reduction in cough and fever was of lower certainty. No significant effects were observed regarding other conditions such as bronchitis or otitis media. Overall, while high-dose vitamin D may help with colds specifically, further research is needed to solidify these conclusions.
Read More
7
Vitamin D reduces cold symptoms
Intake of 25-Hydroxyvitamin D May Reduce the Severity of Upper Respiratory Tract Infection: Post hoc Analysis of a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel Group Comparison Study.
We explored the effects of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) on individuals experiencing upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs), commonly known as colds. In a well-structured study, participants with low vitamin D levels received either a daily dose of 10 micrograms of 25OHD or a placebo for a span of 16 weeks. The participants' symptoms were assessed using the Wisconsin Upper Respiratory Symptom Survey-21, focusing on how the vitamin impacted their cold symptoms.
Our findings showed that those taking 25OHD reported significant reductions in physical symptoms such as runny noses, sneezing, and head congestion compared to those on the placebo. Additionally, the quality of life scores improved for most symptoms, except for ease of breathing. However, it’s important to note that there was no significant difference in the total number of cold events or how often participants used medications like antibiotics or pain relievers.
Collectively, these results suggest that adequate intake of vitamin D can help ease cold symptoms, particularly those affecting the nose, and might enhance overall well-being when a cold strikes. This indicates that vitamin D may play a positive role in managing the discomfort associated with upper respiratory infections.
Read More
Most Useful Reviews
9
Condition resolved
1 people found this helpful
Regular consumption of D3 is prone to colds and allergies. The condition is completely gone.
Read More
9
Very effective
My favourite sunshine vitamin! The family drinks it regularly to support immunity and for my parents' bone pain. It works well at the initial signs of a cold as recommended by our doctor.
Read More
9
Pleasant results
My favourite sunshine vitamin! We take it continuously as a family. It supports our immunity and is excellent for the early signs of a cold, per our doctor's recommendation.
We explored the connection between vitamin D levels and upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) among military recruits during their training. This observation spanned across different seasons and included over 1,600 recruits. Our aim was to understand how achieving sufficient vitamin D levels could potentially impact the frequency and severity of colds among physically active individuals.
In an additional phase of the research, we conducted a randomized controlled trial with 250 male recruits. They received either a placebo, simulated sunlight exposure, or oral vitamin D3 supplements during winter. This comparison allowed us to see if these methods effectively increased vitamin D levels to a sufficient status of 25(OH)D at 50 nmol/L or higher.
Notably, our findings showed that only 21% of recruits had adequate vitamin D during winter, yet those who did were 40% less likely to suffer from URTIs. Furthermore, both vitamin D supplementation strategies similarly helped nearly all participants achieve sufficient levels. Vitamin D supplementation notably reduced the severity of URTI symptoms by 15% and the number of days with URTIs by 36% compared to placebo.
While the supplementation strategies did not significantly alter other immune factors, such as salivary secretory immunoglobulin A, the overall reduction in respiratory infections indicates a beneficial effect of maintaining vitamin D sufficiency during military training.
Read More
7
Vitamin D's limited cold impact
High-dose oral vitamin D supplementation for prevention of infections in children aged 0 to 59 months: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
We evaluated the impact of high-dose vitamin D supplementation, specifically doses exceeding the standard 400 IU, on preventing colds and other infections in children under five years of age. Our analysis included seven studies, involving a total of 5,748 children, which looked into how effective vitamin D might be in reducing the incidence of upper respiratory tract infections.
Interestingly, while our findings showed no significant benefit of high-dose vitamin D on the prevention of upper respiratory tract infections as a whole, we did observe a noteworthy reduction in specific illness occurrences. We noted a 57% reduction in colds, a 56% reduction in coughs, and a 59% decrease in fever rates with daily doses exceeding 1,000 IU.
However, we must approach these findings with caution, as the evidence supporting the reduction in cough and fever was of lower certainty. No significant effects were observed regarding other conditions such as bronchitis or otitis media. Overall, while high-dose vitamin D may help with colds specifically, further research is needed to solidify these conclusions.
Read More
7
Vitamin D's role in Raynaud management
Serum vitamin B12 and D levels in children with Primary Raynaud Phenomenon: a retrospective cohort study.
We explored the impact of vitamin D and B12 deficiencies in children experiencing primary Raynaud phenomenon (RP), which causes temporary blood flow changes often triggered by cold or stress. Our study aimed to identify how common these vitamin deficiencies are in pediatric patients and whether they influenced the severity of Raynaud symptoms.
Out of 40 young participants, a significant portion—41.5% for vitamin B12 and 39% for vitamin D—showed low serum levels of these vitamins. After providing supplementation, we observed improved symptoms in many cases, particularly through warming techniques. However, it's important to note that while vasodilator treatment needs were generally unchanged regardless of vitamin B12 levels, those who had vitamin D deficiencies and subsequently received vitamin D treatment required significantly less vasodilator therapy.
Overall, while some positive effects of vitamin D were noted, further research is necessary to conclusively determine its role in managing primary RP symptoms and its effectiveness in combating cold-induced episodes.
Read More
7
Vitamin D reduces cold symptoms
Intake of 25-Hydroxyvitamin D May Reduce the Severity of Upper Respiratory Tract Infection: Post hoc Analysis of a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel Group Comparison Study.
We explored the effects of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) on individuals experiencing upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs), commonly known as colds. In a well-structured study, participants with low vitamin D levels received either a daily dose of 10 micrograms of 25OHD or a placebo for a span of 16 weeks. The participants' symptoms were assessed using the Wisconsin Upper Respiratory Symptom Survey-21, focusing on how the vitamin impacted their cold symptoms.
Our findings showed that those taking 25OHD reported significant reductions in physical symptoms such as runny noses, sneezing, and head congestion compared to those on the placebo. Additionally, the quality of life scores improved for most symptoms, except for ease of breathing. However, it’s important to note that there was no significant difference in the total number of cold events or how often participants used medications like antibiotics or pain relievers.
Collectively, these results suggest that adequate intake of vitamin D can help ease cold symptoms, particularly those affecting the nose, and might enhance overall well-being when a cold strikes. This indicates that vitamin D may play a positive role in managing the discomfort associated with upper respiratory infections.
Read More
5
Vitamin D and cold symptoms
The Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation on Respiratory Infections in Children under 6 Years Old: A Systematic Review.
We explored the effects of vitamin D supplementation on respiratory infections, particularly colds, in children under six years old. By examining various studies published until February 2023, we observed diverse findings, with some studies reporting benefits while others found no significant advantage. Overall, eight studies were included, with a total of 2,189 children assessed.
While a few studies indicated that low vitamin D levels might be linked to an increased risk of respiratory infections, only one study specifically noted that children who took 800 IU of vitamin D daily for three months experienced fewer mild respiratory symptoms and recovered more quickly. However, a significant number of studies showed no notable differences in the rates or severity of colds when vitamin D supplementation was used.
In essence, the evidence regarding vitamin D's role in preventing or effectively treating colds in young children is still unclear. We did find some indications that certain doses, like 80 IU/kg/day, may help reduce acute respiratory infection risks, but most research highlighted only minor benefits, such as quicker recovery rather than preventing infections. Variability in study design and supplementation protocols contributed to these inconclusive results, highlighting the need for further research.
Read More
User Reviews
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 14 Reviews
8
All Reviews
Positive Reviews
Negative Reviews
9
Condition resolved
1 people found this helpful
Regular consumption of D3 is prone to colds and allergies. The condition is completely gone.
Read More
9
Very effective
My favourite sunshine vitamin! The family drinks it regularly to support immunity and for my parents' bone pain. It works well at the initial signs of a cold as recommended by our doctor.
Read More
9
Pleasant results
My favourite sunshine vitamin! We take it continuously as a family. It supports our immunity and is excellent for the early signs of a cold, per our doctor's recommendation.
Read More
9
Noticeable effects
I really like this brand; the small capsules have a noticeable effect, especially now with the onset of cold weather and the season of viruses and colds. I definitely recommend it!
Read More
7.5
Fewer colds
Good vitamin D. The capsule size is small. I take it regularly. The results are good; I have fewer colds.
Cold is a term that refers to a state of low temperature, often associated with a perceptibly chilly environment or the sensation of being cool to the touch. Scientifically, cold is relative to the presence and movement of heat, which is a measure of energy within matter. In everyday terms, we experience cold through weather changes, such as during winter months, and it can also be described in the context of specific temperature ranges – for example, temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius) generally signify freezing conditions, which can impact outdoor activities, personal comfort, and various ecological systems.
Moreover, the sensation of cold is not solely dependent on temperature; factors like humidity and wind chill can enhance the feeling of coldness. When discussing cold in terms of human health, prolonged exposure to cold conditions can lead to hypothermia or frostbite if body heat is not effectively maintained. Hence, it's crucial to dress appropriately and take necessary precautions during colder months to prevent adverse effects. Understanding the concept of cold can help individuals better prepare for seasonal changes and ensure their comfort and safety.
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that's essential for maintaining healthy bones and teeth, supporting immune system function, and facilitating normal cell growth and development. It plays a crucial role in calcium absorption in the gut, which is vital for bone health. Unlike most vitamins, our bodies can produce Vitamin D when exposed to sunlight, specifically UVB rays, which is why it’s often referred to as the "sunshine vitamin." However, depending on your geographical location, lifestyle, and skin type, getting sufficient Vitamin D from the sun alone can be challenging, particularly during the winter months.
In addition to sunlight, Vitamin D can be obtained from certain foods such as fatty fish (like salmon and mackerel), fish liver oils, and fortified foods like milk and cereals. Some individuals may also consider supplements, especially if they're at risk for deficiency. Insufficient vitamin D levels are linked to various health issues, including rickets in children, osteomalacia in adults, and even an increased risk of chronic diseases. Regularly checking your vitamin D levels and consulting with a healthcare professional can help ensure you're meeting your needs for optimal health.
Vitamin D is often discussed in relation to immune health, and some studies suggest that it may play a role in reducing the risk of upper respiratory infections, including the common cold. Adequate levels of vitamin D might help enhance your immune response, potentially making your body more effective at fighting off infections. However, the evidence is not entirely conclusive, and while some individuals with low vitamin D levels may experience more frequent colds, it's important to consider that other factors also contribute to overall immunity, such as lifestyle and diet.
If you’re considering using vitamin D supplements to prevent or mitigate the effects of a cold, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional. They can provide tailored advice based on your specific health needs and possible deficiencies. While maintaining sufficient vitamin D levels can be beneficial for your immune system, it should not be seen as a guaranteed solution to avoid catching colds, especially during peak cold and flu seasons.
Based on user reviews, many individuals report experiencing positive effects from vitamin D3 in terms of cold prevention and immunity enhancement. Some users indicate that they notice results particularly during the early signs of a cold, suggesting a prompt response after starting the supplement. For instance, one user mentions it works well at the initial signs of a cold as advised by their doctor, implying immediate benefits (Read Review).
Overall, while specific timeframes may vary among individuals, it seems that regular usage can lead to noticeable improvements, especially during cold seasons. Users highlight that vitamin D3 not only bolsters immunity, reducing the frequency of colds, but also enhances overall well-being and health maintenance in the long run (Read Review).
Vitamin D supplementation has garnered attention for its potential role in managing cold symptoms, but scientific research presents a mixed picture. A study focusing on children under six years old found that while some evidence suggested a link between low vitamin D levels and an increased risk of respiratory infections, the overall benefits of supplementation were not consistent. Only one out of eight studies indicated a reduction in mild respiratory symptoms with a dosage of 800 IU daily, while many studies showed no significant impact on the rates or severity of colds [1].
Conversely, research examining high-dose vitamin D among children revealed promising findings, reporting notable reductions in incidences of colds (57% decrease) and coughs (56% decrease) for those receiving daily doses exceeding 1,000 IU. However, the certainty of these results was lower, meaning further investigation is needed for conclusive evidence [2]. Additionally, a study involving military recruits indicated that adequate vitamin D levels might reduce the frequency and severity of upper respiratory infections, with supplementation leading to a 15% improvement in symptoms and a significant reduction in incidence [4]. Overall, while vitamin D may provide some symptomatic relief for colds, the effectiveness is still under debate, and more comprehensive studies are required to clarify its role.
According to user reviews, many individuals report significant improvements in their symptoms after consistently taking vitamin D3. For example, one user mentions that their condition of being prone to colds and allergies has completely resolved since starting on vitamin D3 (Read Review). Others note that the supplement is particularly effective in bolstering the immune system during cold seasons, with several users stating it helps at the early signs of a cold, consistent with advice from their doctors (Read Review; Read Review).
Additionally, users highlight improvements in their overall well-being, such as enhanced mood, energy levels, and even better sleep quality after incorporating vitamin D3 into their routine (Read Review). One reviewer pointed out that friends who started taking it noted a marked reduction in colds, indicating the supplement's potential effectiveness in strengthening immunity (Read Review). It’s clear that while individual results can vary, the consensus among many users is that regular vitamin D3 supplementation may lead to fewer colds and general health benefits.
Based on user reviews, many individuals report combining vitamin D3 with other supplements or taking it as a standalone product for enhanced support during cold season. A common theme among reviewers is the effectiveness of vitamin D3 specifically at the early signs of a cold. One user notes that their family drinks it regularly for immunity support, explicitly stating it works well at the onset of a cold, as recommended by their doctor (Read Review). Another user echoed this sentiment, indicating it is beneficial for the family in bolstering immunity and dealing with the early symptoms of illness (Read Review).
Additionally, multiple users highlight improvements in their overall health and a decrease in cold frequency after consistent vitamin D3 supplementation. For instance, one user mentioned feeling more resilient against seasonal colds after starting this supplement (Read Review) and another indicated a significant reduction in cold occurrences among friends who began taking it after introduction (Read Review). This suggests that while the specific combination with other supplements isn't universally detailed in reviews, user experiences indicate that vitamin D3 may be effectively used along with other immune-support strategies to manage colds.
Research indicates that vitamin D may play a beneficial role in alleviating cold symptoms, particularly for those with low initial levels. A study showed that administering 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) at a daily dose of 10 micrograms (equivalent to 400 IU) over 16 weeks resulted in significant reductions in symptoms like runny noses and head congestion compared to a placebo group [5]. As for a higher dosing strategy, another study found that daily doses exceeding 1,000 IU may lead to a notable reduction in cold occurrences, with specific illness occurrences seeing up to a 57% decrease [2].
However, it's worth noting that the evidence regarding the optimal dose for preventing colds is still mixed, with some studies showing minimal benefits at lower doses and questioning the overall effectiveness of higher doses [1]. Consequently, if you're considering vitamin D supplementation for cold management, starting with 400 IU daily and potentially increasing based on individual needs or under a healthcare provider's guidance might be prudent. Overall, a clearer consensus on the optimal dosing is needed, so further research will help clarify these findings.
9
Very effective
My favourite sunshine vitamin! The family drinks it regularly to support immunity and for my parents' bone pain. It works well at the initial signs of a cold as recommended by our doctor.
7.5
Resistant to colds
Vitamin D3 is key to my daily health maintenance. It energises me and enhances my mood. After starting D3, my sleep quality improved, and I felt more resilient against seasonal colds.
9
Condition resolved
1 people found this helpful
Regular consumption of D3 is prone to colds and allergies. The condition is completely gone.
9
Pleasant results
My favourite sunshine vitamin! We take it continuously as a family. It supports our immunity and is excellent for the early signs of a cold, per our doctor's recommendation.
7.5
Reduced chance
I introduced it to my friends, and they have noted a significant reduction in the chance of catching a cold.
5
Vitamin D and cold symptoms
The Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation on Respiratory Infections in Children under 6 Years Old: A Systematic Review.
We explored the effects of vitamin D supplementation on respiratory infections, particularly colds, in children under six years old. By examining various studies published until February 2023, we observed diverse findings, with some studies reporting benefits while others found no significant advantage. Overall, eight studies were included, with a total of 2,189 children assessed.
While a few studies indicated that low vitamin D levels might be linked to an increased risk of respiratory infections, only one study specifically noted that children who took 800 IU of vitamin D daily for three months experienced fewer mild respiratory symptoms and recovered more quickly. However, a significant number of studies showed no notable differences in the rates or severity of colds when vitamin D supplementation was used.
In essence, the evidence regarding vitamin D's role in preventing or effectively treating colds in young children is still unclear. We did find some indications that certain doses, like 80 IU/kg/day, may help reduce acute respiratory infection risks, but most research highlighted only minor benefits, such as quicker recovery rather than preventing infections. Variability in study design and supplementation protocols contributed to these inconclusive results, highlighting the need for further research.
7
Vitamin D's limited cold impact
High-dose oral vitamin D supplementation for prevention of infections in children aged 0 to 59 months: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
We evaluated the impact of high-dose vitamin D supplementation, specifically doses exceeding the standard 400 IU, on preventing colds and other infections in children under five years of age. Our analysis included seven studies, involving a total of 5,748 children, which looked into how effective vitamin D might be in reducing the incidence of upper respiratory tract infections.
Interestingly, while our findings showed no significant benefit of high-dose vitamin D on the prevention of upper respiratory tract infections as a whole, we did observe a noteworthy reduction in specific illness occurrences. We noted a 57% reduction in colds, a 56% reduction in coughs, and a 59% decrease in fever rates with daily doses exceeding 1,000 IU.
However, we must approach these findings with caution, as the evidence supporting the reduction in cough and fever was of lower certainty. No significant effects were observed regarding other conditions such as bronchitis or otitis media. Overall, while high-dose vitamin D may help with colds specifically, further research is needed to solidify these conclusions.
8
Vitamin D reduces cold severity
Influence of Vitamin D Supplementation by Simulated Sunlight or Oral D3 on Respiratory Infection during Military Training.
We explored the connection between vitamin D levels and upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) among military recruits during their training. This observation spanned across different seasons and included over 1,600 recruits. Our aim was to understand how achieving sufficient vitamin D levels could potentially impact the frequency and severity of colds among physically active individuals.
In an additional phase of the research, we conducted a randomized controlled trial with 250 male recruits. They received either a placebo, simulated sunlight exposure, or oral vitamin D3 supplements during winter. This comparison allowed us to see if these methods effectively increased vitamin D levels to a sufficient status of 25(OH)D at 50 nmol/L or higher.
Notably, our findings showed that only 21% of recruits had adequate vitamin D during winter, yet those who did were 40% less likely to suffer from URTIs. Furthermore, both vitamin D supplementation strategies similarly helped nearly all participants achieve sufficient levels. Vitamin D supplementation notably reduced the severity of URTI symptoms by 15% and the number of days with URTIs by 36% compared to placebo.
While the supplementation strategies did not significantly alter other immune factors, such as salivary secretory immunoglobulin A, the overall reduction in respiratory infections indicates a beneficial effect of maintaining vitamin D sufficiency during military training.
7
Vitamin D reduces cold symptoms
Intake of 25-Hydroxyvitamin D May Reduce the Severity of Upper Respiratory Tract Infection: Post hoc Analysis of a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel Group Comparison Study.
We explored the effects of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) on individuals experiencing upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs), commonly known as colds. In a well-structured study, participants with low vitamin D levels received either a daily dose of 10 micrograms of 25OHD or a placebo for a span of 16 weeks. The participants' symptoms were assessed using the Wisconsin Upper Respiratory Symptom Survey-21, focusing on how the vitamin impacted their cold symptoms.
Our findings showed that those taking 25OHD reported significant reductions in physical symptoms such as runny noses, sneezing, and head congestion compared to those on the placebo. Additionally, the quality of life scores improved for most symptoms, except for ease of breathing. However, it’s important to note that there was no significant difference in the total number of cold events or how often participants used medications like antibiotics or pain relievers.
Collectively, these results suggest that adequate intake of vitamin D can help ease cold symptoms, particularly those affecting the nose, and might enhance overall well-being when a cold strikes. This indicates that vitamin D may play a positive role in managing the discomfort associated with upper respiratory infections.
References
Marusca LM, Reddy G, Blaj M, Prathipati R, Rosca O, et al. The Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation on Respiratory Infections in Children under 6 Years Old: A Systematic Review. Diseases. 2023;11. doi:10.3390/diseases11030104
Carboo JA, Dolman-Macleod RC, Malan L, Lombard MJ. High-dose oral vitamin D supplementation for prevention of infections in children aged 0 to 59 months: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutr Rev. 2024;82:579. doi:10.1093/nutrit/nuad082
Kisla Ekinci RM, Taskin Karacay IE, Celik U. Serum vitamin B12 and D levels in children with Primary Raynaud Phenomenon: a retrospective cohort study. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2022;76:1615. doi:10.1038/s41430-022-01151-0
Harrison SE, Oliver SJ, Kashi DS, Carswell AT, Edwards JP, et al. Influence of Vitamin D Supplementation by Simulated Sunlight or Oral D3 on Respiratory Infection during Military Training. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2021;53:1505. doi:10.1249/MSS.0000000000002604
Shimizu Y, Ito Y, Uotsu N, Yui K. Intake of 25-Hydroxyvitamin D May Reduce the Severity of Upper Respiratory Tract Infection: Post hoc Analysis of a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel Group Comparison Study. Nutrients. 2020;12. doi:10.3390/nu12123769