Overview

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Questionable
Based on 20 Researches
6.7
USERS' SCORE
Moderately Good
Based on 24 Reviews
7.9
Supplement Facts
Serving Size:   1 Softgel
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Vitamin D3 (as Cholecalciferol) (from Lanolin)
125 mcg (5,000 IU)
625%

Top Medical Research Studies

9
Vitamin D3 may reduce influenza severity
We aimed to understand how oral supplementation of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, a key metabolite of vitamin D3, influences influenza A virus infection in mice. In our study, mice were given a diet enriched with a high dose of 25(OH)D before they were exposed to the influenza virus.

The results were promising. Mice that received the vitamin D3 supplement showed significantly lower viral levels in their lungs compared to mice that were fed a standard diet. Furthermore, we noticed a decrease in certain pro-inflammatory cytokines, namely IL-5 and IFN-γ, which are involved in the body's inflammatory response to infection. Importantly, we found that the anti-inflammatory cytokines did not see a significant increase.

These findings suggest that 25(OH)D can help to suppress excessive inflammatory responses and may reduce both the replication of the virus and the overall severity of influenza in this mouse model. It opens the door to further exploration on vitamin D3's role in combating influenza in humans.
Read More
8
Vitamin D reduces influenza risk
We explored the link between vitamin D supplementation and its effectiveness in preventing influenza. In our analysis, we reviewed ten randomized controlled trials, which included a total of 4,859 participants. This rigorous investigation was thorough, pulling data from trusted sources such as PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase.

Our findings showed that vitamin D supplementation was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of influenza infections. Specifically, we noted a 22% decrease in risk, with our calculations presenting a risk ratio of 0.78. Notably, there was little variability in outcomes among the included studies, suggesting that the results were quite consistent.

Additionally, our research indicated no signs of publication bias, adding credibility to our findings. This suggests that incorporating vitamin D supplementation into preventive strategies for influenza could be beneficial. Overall, vitamin D stands out as a promising option for reducing the risk of influenza infections, reinforcing the idea that it plays a crucial role in bolstering our immune defenses.
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4
Vitamin D3 shows limited flu benefit
A recent study sought to understand how vitamin D3 supplements can affect the incidence of influenza, particularly during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic. We engaged 247 high school students in Japan, randomly assigning them to receive either vitamin D3 supplements or a placebo for two months. This double-blind trial aimed to objectively measure how effective vitamin D3 would be against influenza A.

The results were revealing. Initially, we found that the occurrence of influenza A was significantly lower among students taking vitamin D3 compared to those on the placebo during the first month. Specifically, just 1.4% of the vitamin D3 group got sick, compared to 8.1% in the placebo group—a clear early benefit.

However, as the study continued into the second month, the trend shifted. We observed that the vitamin D3 group began to experience more influenza A cases, catching up with the placebo group. Ultimately, there was no significant overall effect of vitamin D3 in reducing influenza A incidence throughout the entire study duration.

While it's exciting to see potential benefits early on, the findings indicate that vitamin D3 supplementation did not consistently lower the overall risk of influenza A during this pandemic.
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Most Useful Reviews

7.5
Decreases infection rate
281 people found this helpful
Adequate vitamin D intake is key to reducing the incidence of influenza and other viral infections. Insufficient levels increase infection rates. This product is cost-effective for a 120-day supply.
Read More
10
Reduces disease severity
Vitamin D is essential, especially during a pandemic. Adequate levels can lessen the severity of viral illnesses, including influenza. It bolsters heart health and helps prevent severe health conditions. A prophylactic dosage of 5000 IU is advisable.
Read More
9
Fights respiratory infections
Vitamin D aids in producing antibacterial peptides, essential for bolstering the immune system against viral and bacterial infections such as colds and influenza. The capsules are easy to take and have great ingredients.
Read More

Medical Researches

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Questionable
Based on 20 Researches
6.7
  • All Researches
9
Vitamin D's limited impact on influenza
We aimed to explore how vitamin D supplementation affects the risk of influenza, particularly in healthy children aged 0 to 18 years. By analyzing eight randomized controlled trials that included a total of nearly 9,000 participants, we sought to understand if vitamin D can help reduce the incidence of acute respiratory tract infections, especially influenza.

Our findings indicate that vitamin D supplementation does not significantly reduce the overall rates of acute respiratory tract infections among healthy children. We observed no notable differences in infection rates between those receiving vitamin D and those given a placebo. This suggests that for general respiratory infections, the benefits of vitamin D supplementation might not be as impactful as once thought.

However, there was a noteworthy reduction in Influenza A cases among the children who received higher doses of vitamin D compared to those receiving lower doses. This finding could signal potential benefits for preventing this specific virus, though we must also note that only a couple of studies reported side effects, which were generally minimal.

Overall, while vitamin D shows some promise in reducing Influenza A cases, it does not appear to enhance protection against acute respiratory tract infections as a whole in the healthy pediatric population.
Read More
9
Vitamin D3 may reduce influenza severity
We aimed to understand how oral supplementation of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, a key metabolite of vitamin D3, influences influenza A virus infection in mice. In our study, mice were given a diet enriched with a high dose of 25(OH)D before they were exposed to the influenza virus.

The results were promising. Mice that received the vitamin D3 supplement showed significantly lower viral levels in their lungs compared to mice that were fed a standard diet. Furthermore, we noticed a decrease in certain pro-inflammatory cytokines, namely IL-5 and IFN-γ, which are involved in the body's inflammatory response to infection. Importantly, we found that the anti-inflammatory cytokines did not see a significant increase.

These findings suggest that 25(OH)D can help to suppress excessive inflammatory responses and may reduce both the replication of the virus and the overall severity of influenza in this mouse model. It opens the door to further exploration on vitamin D3's role in combating influenza in humans.
Read More
9
Vitamin D3 aids in influenza defense
We aimed to understand how Vitamin D3 might influence the effects of influenza A virus (IAV), particularly in terms of cell death and tissue damage. Utilizing human alveolar cells, we investigated how IAV infection prompts apoptosis, or programmed cell death.

Our findings revealed that IAV reduces the effectiveness of autophagy, a crucial process that helps cells dispose of damaged components. This disruption in autophagy increases cell death, leading to more severe inflammation and tissue damage during infection.

Importantly, we found that Vitamin D3 can counteract this negative effect by restoring autophagic activity. By boosting the expression of specific proteins involved in autophagy, Vitamin D3 helps reduce apoptosis, allowing the cells to survive better during IAV infection. This suggests that Vitamin D3 may play a valuable role in protecting our cells from influenza-related injury.
Read More
We explored how the psoriasis medication Oxarol, when used as an ointment, can enhance the effectiveness of influenza vaccines. In our investigation involving a mouse model, we applied the ointment to the skin and noticed a significant boost in the immune response. This treatment not only ramped up humoral responses but also strengthened germinal center reactions—critical processes where the immune system prepares to fight infections.

Importantly, we found that the activation of the vitamin D3 receptor in skin cells played a crucial role in this enhanced response. The application of Oxarol led to the higher expression of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), a molecule essential for the immune process. By using experiments with recombinant TSLP and specific cell-type deletions, we clarified that certain immune cells were pivotal in these positive reactions triggered by Oxarol.

Overall, our results indicate that vitamin D3 can significantly improve the body's response to influenza vaccines, serving as a promising new adjuvant. This could pave the way for safer and more effective vaccination strategies in the future.
Read More
9
Vitamin D3 boosts flu vaccine response
We explored how vitamin D3 levels might influence the immune response to the influenza vaccine in patients with prostate cancer. Our study involved 35 participants who received the trivalent influenza vaccine during the 2006-2007 flu season. We measured their vitamin D3 levels before vaccination and assessed their serum response three months later.

The findings were promising, showing that a higher vitamin D3 status was associated with a better serological response to the vaccine. Specifically, 80% of the participants responded positively against at least one flu strain. It was noteworthy that all patients in the upper quartile of vitamin D3 levels had a strong immune response, suggesting a clear connection between adequate vitamin D3 levels and vaccine effectiveness.

However, we also noted that other factors like age, race, and chemotherapy status did not significantly impact how well participants responded to the vaccine. This indicates that vitamin D3 levels might play a crucial role in bolstering the immune response to influenza vaccination, particularly in this specific patient group.
Read More

User Reviews

USERS' SCORE
Moderately Good
Based on 24 Reviews
7.9
  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
7.5
Decreases infection rate
281 people found this helpful
Adequate vitamin D intake is key to reducing the incidence of influenza and other viral infections. Insufficient levels increase infection rates. This product is cost-effective for a 120-day supply.
Read More
10
Reduces disease severity
Vitamin D is essential, especially during a pandemic. Adequate levels can lessen the severity of viral illnesses, including influenza. It bolsters heart health and helps prevent severe health conditions. A prophylactic dosage of 5000 IU is advisable.
Read More
9
Fights respiratory infections
Vitamin D aids in producing antibacterial peptides, essential for bolstering the immune system against viral and bacterial infections such as colds and influenza. The capsules are easy to take and have great ingredients.
Read More
9
Strong immunity
8 people found this helpful
These Vitamin D3 tablets are excellent for bone health and bolstering the immune system, aiding in influenza prevention. After completing my course, I feel fantastic.
Read More
9
Wellness improvement
7 people found this helpful
I discovered Vitamin D's importance through research. It supports various health issues, including immune enhancement and influenza prevention. Since taking these high-potency 5000 IU tablets, my mood and immune response have dramatically improved. I rarely fall ill, unlike my colleagues. This product is remarkable!
Read More

Frequently Asked Questions

9
Prevents severe illness
I've been taking vitamin D regularly to help prevent severe respiratory infections, including colds and influenza. It’s crucial during the current pandemic to support my immune system and mitigate the impact of the virus.
9
Protects against infections
After learning my vitamin D levels were low, I started taking 5000 IU and found it effective. During influenza season, I've remained healthy, and I make sure to take it with a fatty meal for better absorption.
9
Family immunity
2 people found this helpful
This winter, while my family fell ill with coronavirus and influenza, I was the only one who remained healthy by taking Vitamin D and liposomal vitamin C. After witnessing this effect, my family has begun taking it too!
9
Wellness improvement
7 people found this helpful
I discovered Vitamin D's importance through research. It supports various health issues, including immune enhancement and influenza prevention. Since taking these high-potency 5000 IU tablets, my mood and immune response have dramatically improved. I rarely fall ill, unlike my colleagues. This product is remarkable!
9
Strong immunity
8 people found this helpful
These Vitamin D3 tablets are excellent for bone health and bolstering the immune system, aiding in influenza prevention. After completing my course, I feel fantastic.
7.5
Immune support
197 people found this helpful
Vitamin D is vital for my immune, nervous and endocrine systems. I usually take Solaray with K2, but this Now brand is affordable and effective. My spouse and I take 5000 IU annually. After testing, we adjusted our dosage to one tablet, and I've observed significant health benefits, especially in preventing influenza. Remember to supplement with Vitamin A after long-term use for optimal results. Highly recommend it!
7.5
Key for immunity
1 people found this helpful
About 85% of people have low levels of vitamin D. I take 10,000-15,000 units at the start of a cold, which helps prevent illness. A good level of vitamin D is crucial for strong immunity and proper functioning of all organs. It also plays a role in calcium absorption. Always take it with fatty foods for better absorption.
7
High-dose Vitamin D reduces infections
We observed that care home residents are particularly vulnerable to respiratory infections, including influenza, which can lead to severe illnesses. Our exploration delved into the effectiveness of certain interventions, focusing on high-dose Vitamin D supplementation as a potential aid in preventing influenza.

In our systematic review, we found that high-dose Vitamin D supplementation significantly reduced the incidence of acute respiratory infections, including influenza. In one trial, the incidence rate was reduced by about 40% when participants received this high-dose vitamin. This suggests that Vitamin D might play a beneficial role in enhancing the immune response against influenza viruses, thus potentially lowering the risk of infection.

While additional research is necessary to further validate these findings, the initial evidence shows promise for high-dose Vitamin D as an intervention in care homes. We also highlighted that other studies examining various supplements and interventions did not yield significant effects, emphasizing that high-dose Vitamin D could be worth considering.

In conclusion, our findings call for continued exploration of high-dose Vitamin D treatment, especially in settings that are highly susceptible to respiratory infections like influenza. The potential for such a simple intervention to positively impact care home residents is quite encouraging.
We explored the role of vitamin D and its receptor, VDR, in immune cell development and how these factors influence the body's response to influenza. By using a special type of mouse with a fluorescent marker to indicate VDR expression, we tracked when and where VDR is present in immune cells during both fetal and adult stages.

Our findings revealed that when mothers were deficient in vitamin D during pregnancy, their offspring had fewer immune cells capable of expressing VDR. This deficiency was linked to reduced immune responses; when we challenged these mice with the H1N1 influenza virus, the vitamin D-deficient mice exhibited greater susceptibility compared to those with adequate vitamin D.

Importantly, we discovered that treating the vitamin D-deficient mice with vitamin D can bring back some VDR expression in their immune cells and improve their resistance to the virus. This suggests that developmental vitamin D deficiency can have lasting effects on the immune system, demonstrating the importance of vitamin D for both fetal development and adult immune function.
7
Vitamin D potentially aids influenza prevention
We explored the effectiveness of high-dose vitamin D supplements in preventing influenza among children under five years old. The study included data from seven trials enrolling a total of 5,748 children. Participants received vitamin D doses greater than 400 IU and were compared to those getting a placebo or the standard dose.

Our findings revealed that high-dose vitamin D did not have a significant impact on the overall incidence of upper respiratory infections. However, we discovered promising results specifically regarding influenza and related symptoms. Vitamin D supplementation above 1,000 IU daily led to a notable reduction in the odds of experiencing influenza or cold symptoms by approximately 57%. Additionally, reductions in cough and fever incidence were observed, although the confidence in these results was lower.

While the evidence indicates some potential benefits of vitamin D for specific illnesses, it's crucial to interpret these findings cautiously. No meaningful improvements were found in other areas, such as bronchitis or hospitalizations. Further research is necessary to fully understand the benefits of vitamin D in combating influenza in children.
9
Vitamin D's limited impact on influenza
We aimed to explore how vitamin D supplementation affects the risk of influenza, particularly in healthy children aged 0 to 18 years. By analyzing eight randomized controlled trials that included a total of nearly 9,000 participants, we sought to understand if vitamin D can help reduce the incidence of acute respiratory tract infections, especially influenza.

Our findings indicate that vitamin D supplementation does not significantly reduce the overall rates of acute respiratory tract infections among healthy children. We observed no notable differences in infection rates between those receiving vitamin D and those given a placebo. This suggests that for general respiratory infections, the benefits of vitamin D supplementation might not be as impactful as once thought.

However, there was a noteworthy reduction in Influenza A cases among the children who received higher doses of vitamin D compared to those receiving lower doses. This finding could signal potential benefits for preventing this specific virus, though we must also note that only a couple of studies reported side effects, which were generally minimal.

Overall, while vitamin D shows some promise in reducing Influenza A cases, it does not appear to enhance protection against acute respiratory tract infections as a whole in the healthy pediatric population.
7
Vitamin D3 reduces respiratory infections
Our research aimed to explore whether daily supplementation of 5000 IU of vitamin D3 could help reduce the incidence of influenza-like illness (ILI) among healthcare workers. We conducted a well-structured trial at a university hospital, where a random selection of healthcare workers received vitamin D3 while others were assigned to a control group.

Over the course of nine months, we monitored symptoms and COVID-19 testing results among the participants. The key finding was that those taking vitamin D3 experienced a lower overall risk of ILI, particularly for non-COVID-19 cases. However, when it came to preventing COVID-19 ILI, there was no significant difference noted between the two groups.

So, while vitamin D3 supplementation appears to have a positive effect on reducing general influenza-like illnesses, it does not seem to provide any notable advantage in preventing COVID-19 specifically. Overall, this study indicates that vitamin D could be beneficial for healthcare workers in terms of respiratory health, but caution should be taken regarding its effectiveness against COVID-19.

References

  1. Arora J, Froelich NE, Tang M, Weaver V, Paulson RF, et al. Developmental Vitamin D Deficiency and the Vitamin D Receptor Control Hematopoiesis. J Immunol. 2024;213:1479. doi:10.4049/jimmunol.2400292
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. Fang Q, Wu Y, Lu J, Zheng H. A meta-analysis of the association between vitamin D supplementation and the risk of acute respiratory tract infection in the healthy pediatric group. Front Nutr. 2023;10:1188958. doi:10.3389/fnut.2023.1188958
  5. 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
  6. Park JH, Lee Y, Choi M, Park E. The Role of Some Vitamins in Respiratory-related Viral Infections: A Narrative Review. Clin Nutr Res. 2023;12:77. doi:10.7762/cnr.2023.12.1.77
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. 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.
  12. Hayashi H, Okamatsu M, Ogasawara H, Tsugawa N, Isoda N, et al. Oral Supplementation of the Vitamin D Metabolite 25(OH)D Against Influenza Virus Infection in Mice. Nutrients. 2020;12. doi:10.3390/nu12072000
  13. Grant WB, Lahore H, McDonnell SL, Baggerly CA, French CB, et al. Evidence that Vitamin D Supplementation Could Reduce Risk of Influenza and COVID-19 Infections and Deaths. Nutrients. 2020;12. doi:10.3390/nu12040988
  14. 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. doi:10.1016/j.virusres.2020.197936
  15. 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. doi:10.1093/intimm/dxaa012
  16. Goncalves-Mendes N, Talvas J, Dualé C, Guttmann A, Corbin V, et al. Impact of Vitamin D Supplementation on Influenza Vaccine Response and Immune Functions in Deficient Elderly Persons: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial. Front Immunol. 2019;10:65. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2019.00065
  17. Gui B, Chen Q, Hu C, Zhu C, He G. Effects of calcitriol (1, 25-dihydroxy-vitamin D3) on the inflammatory response induced by H9N2 influenza virus infection in human lung A549 epithelial cells and in mice. Virol J. 2017;14:10. doi:10.1186/s12985-017-0683-y
  18. 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. doi:10.1039/c4fo00371c
  19. 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. doi:10.1007/s00394-012-0449-7
  20. Chadha MK, Fakih M, Muindi J, Tian L, Mashtare T, et al. Effect of 25-hydroxyvitamin D status on serological response to influenza vaccine in prostate cancer patients. Prostate. 2011;71:368. doi:10.1002/pros.21250
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