Epidemic influenza and vitamin D. It was published in 2006 in the journal Epidemiology and Infection (2006, 134:6:1129-1140 Cambridge University Press) and its abstract reads as follows:
"In 1981, R. Edgar Hope-Simpson proposed that a 'seasonal stimulus' intimately associated with solar radiation explained the remarkable seasonality of epidemic influenza. Solar radiation triggers robust seasonal vitamin D production in the skin; vitamin D deficiency is common in the winter, and activated vitamin D, 1,25(OH)2D, a steroid hormone, has profound effects on human immunity. 1,25(OH)2D acts as an immune system modulator, preventing excessive expression of inflammatory cytokines and increasing the 'oxidative burst' potential of macrophages.
Perhaps most importantly, it dramatically stimulates the expression of potent anti-microbial peptides, which exist in neutrophils, monocytes, natural killer cells, and in epithelial cells lining the respiratory tract where they play a major role in protecting the lung from infection. Volunteers inoculated with live attenuated influenza virus are more likely to develop fever and serological evidence of an immune response in the winter.
Vitamin D deficiency predisposes children to respiratory infections. Ultraviolet radiation (either from artificial sources or from sunlight) reduces the incidence of viral respiratory infections, as does cod liver oil (which contains vitamin D). An interventional study showed that vitamin D reduces the incidence of respiratory infections in children. We conclude that vitamin D, or lack of it, may be Hope-Simpson's 'seasonal stimulus'."
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My Vitamin D level is registering at 27. My doctor wants to put me on a third round of Vitamin D Therapy (100,000 IU for 4 weeks). Even though I take cod liver oil, eat salmon and sardines and garden, my body doesn't seem to be
able to absorb the vitamin D. What can I do to
change this? My age is 48. P.S: I am also trying to deal with dry mouth and a sore tongue.
Posted by: Juliet Benezra-Winston | November 09, 2009 at 01:01 PM
I've been hoping Susun might write something about vitamin D (in general as well as in relation to seasonal respiratory viruses). Any chance you can ask her to? Currently many medical herbalists are recommending supplementation given it's so hard to get adequate sun in winter. Would love to hear Susun's thoughts on this.
Posted by: kate | October 04, 2009 at 03:13 PM