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Vitamin D’s Winter Immune Benefits

6299 Views Posted on: 2021-03-09
Posted by: Ireneusz Adamczyk

Vitamin D3Clinical trials show that vitamin D decreases rates and severity of viral respiratory tract infections. More than 70% of Americans have either deficient or insufficient vitamin D blood levels.

Vitamin D has shown promise against winter illness because it plays a critical role in supporting the immune system.

Low vitamin D levels have been associated with higher rates of many chronic diseases.1-6

This includes an increased risk for acute communicable diseases, including viral infections in vitamin D deficient people.7,8

A meta-analysis of randomized, controlled clinical trials showed a protective effect against acute respiratory infections with vitamin D supplementation.9

More than 40% of Americans have been found to have insufficient blood levels of vitamin D (defined as levels between 20-30 ng/mL).

An additional nearly 30% of Americans have lower vitamin D levels (below 20 ng/mL) that qualify as deficiency.10

This factor may be especially important among adults aged 60 and over.10

Life Extension® supporters have long been advised of the importance of maintaining an optimal vitamin D level between 50-80 ng/mL.

Oral intake of vitamin D to ensure healthy levels may help protect against winter-season conditions.

Impact on Immune Function

Impact on Immune FunctionFor the body to produce its own vitamin D, we need direct skin exposure to sunlight.

But we spend most of our time indoors or covered up by clothes and sunscreen. And spending more time in the sun raises the risk of skin cancer and accelerated skin aging.

The other way to get vitamin D is through diet, but most foods contain only modest amounts.

As a result, a majority of people are getting too little of this crucial vitamin.

Having low levels of vitamin D is associated with a greater risk for many health problems, from cognitive decline to heart disease.1-6

Vitamin D supports immune health by helping:7,8

  • Optimize immune function that protects us from infectious disease.
  • Control overly aggressive inflammatory immune responses, which can inflict systemic damage.

When excessive levels of immune-system proteins called cytokines provoke attacks on healthy tissues, the result is called a “cytokine storm.”

This is a dangerous reaction that can lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), an often-fatal complication in which fluid collects in the lungs.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: Vitamin D’s Immune Benefits
  • Vitamin D supports the immune system’s response to illnesses of all kinds.
  • More than 40% of Americans have insufficient blood levels of vitamin D.
  • Past studies show that low levels of vitamin D are associated with increased rates and severity of viral infections.
  • Clinical trials have shown that vitamin D has a protective effect against respiratory tract infections.

Vitamin D and Viral Illness

Vitamin D and Viral IllnessViral respiratory tract infections, such as the flu, are more common during winter.

One of the reasons for this may be seasonal variations in our vitamin D levels. During winter, we get less sun, leading to lower vitamin D production.11,12 That puts us at increased risk for viral infection.

Research shows that infections are more common and more severe in those with vitamin D deficiency.12,13

Low vitamin D is also a risk factor for more severe lung disease, including acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).14,15 Research suggests that those with insufficient vitamin D are at increased risk of a cytokine storm.16

This hyperproduction of inflammatory factors leads to worsening disease severity and increased risk of death. Low vitamin D levels may be associated with the dangerous inflammation that occurs in ARDS.14,15

Vitamin D’s Protective Actions

Vitamin D’s Protective ActionsVitamin D contributes to many functions that help shield the body from infections and lessen their severity.

Maintaining adequate levels of vitamin D:14,17-20

  • Interferes with the ability of viruses to replicate and produce more viruses,
  • Helps support and repair healthy cellular linings in the body, including in the airways of the lungs,
  • Increases production of proteins that shield against bacteria and viruses, enhancing the ability of cells to protect themselves from infection,
  • Improves the ability of immune cells to mount an effective attack against specific viruses, and
  • Helps prevent the immune system from going overboard and producing excessive pro-inflammatory compounds in the lungs.

Oral Vitamin D Reduces Risk

Oral Vitamin D Reduces RiskMany studies have evaluated whether daily oral intake of vitamin D can reduce rates of viral respiratory illness.

Meta-analyses of clinical trials have shown that vitamin D has a protective effect against respiratory tract infections.9,21

The impact of vitamin D treatment is greatest in those who, to begin with, have low levels of vitamin D.9

Life Extension® supporters have long been advised of the importance of maintaining an optimal vitamin D level between 50-80 ng/mL, and yearly blood testing.

Summary

Vitamin D supports the immune system in many different ways, helping to shield the respiratory tract from viral illness.

A large majority of adults have vitamin D levels below the optimal level.

Trials have shown that oral vitamin D intake modestly decreases rates of viral respiratory tract infections.

BLOOD TESTING VITAMIN D LEVELS

BLOOD TESTING VITAMIN D LEVELSThere are no universal guidelines for frequency of vitamin D testing. However, given the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and the strong association of low vitamin D levels with several health issues, annual testing and supplementation to achieve adequate blood levels is highly recommended.

Annual blood tests can let people know whether they are taking the correct dosage to ensure optimal blood levels of vitamin D.

If you do not already maintain an optimal blood level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D of 50 to 80 ng/mL, then take between 5,000 to 8,000 IU of vitamin D daily with meals.

Material used with permission of Life Extension. All rights reserved.

  1. Bennett AL, Lavie CJ. Vitamin D Metabolism and the Implications for Atherosclerosis. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2017;996:185-92.
  2. Gaksch M, Jorde R, Grimnes G, et al. Vitamin D and mortality: Individual participant data meta-analysis of standardized 25-hydroxyvitamin D in 26916 individuals from a European consortium. PLoS One. 2017;12(2):e0170791.
  3. Grubler MR, Marz W, Pilz S, et al. Vitamin-D concentrations, cardiovascular risk and events - a review of epidemiological evidence. Rev Endocr Metab Disord. 2017 Jun;18(2):259-72.
  4. Ingraham BA, Bragdon B, Nohe A. Molecular basis of the potential of vitamin D to prevent cancer. Curr Med Res Opin. 2008 Jan;24(1):139-49.
  5. Meehan M, Penckofer S. The Role of Vitamin D in the Aging Adult. J Aging Gerontol. 2014 Dec;2(2):60-71.
  6. Toffanello ED, Coin A, Perissinotto E, et al. Vitamin D deficiency predicts cognitive decline in older men and women: The Pro.V.A. Study. Neurology. 2014 Dec 9;83(24):2292-8.
  7. Aranow C. Vitamin D and the immune system. J Investig Med. 2011 Aug;59(6):881-6.
  8. Baeke F, Takiishi T, Korf H, et al. Vitamin D: modulator of the immune system. Curr Opin Pharmacol. 2010 Aug;10(4):482-96.
  9. Martineau AR, Jolliffe DA, Hooper RL, et al. Vitamin D supplementation to prevent acute respiratory tract infections: systematic review and meta-analysis of individual participant data. BMJ. 2017 Feb 15;356:i6583.
  10. Liu X, Baylin A, Levy PD. Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency among US adults: prevalence, predictors and clinical implications. Br J Nutr. 2018 Apr;119(8):928-36.
  11. Ginde AA, Mansbach JM, Camargo CA, Jr. Association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level and upper respiratory tract infection in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Arch Intern Med. 2009 Feb 23;169(4):384-90.
  12. Cannell JJ, Vieth R, Umhau JC, et al. Epidemic influenza and vitamin D. Epidemiol Infect. 2006 Dec;134(6):1129-40.
  13. Berry DJ, Hesketh K, Power C, et al. Vitamin D status has a linear association with seasonal infections and lung function in British adults. Br J Nutr. 2011 Nov;106(9):1433-40.
  14. Dancer RC, Parekh D, Lax S, et al. Vitamin D deficiency contributes directly to the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Thorax. 2015 Jul;70(7):617-24.
  15. Parekh D, Thickett DR, Turner AM. Vitamin D deficiency and acute lung injury. Inflamm Allergy Drug Targets. 2013 Aug;12(4):253-61.
  16. Youssef DA, Miller CW, El-Abbassi AM, et al. Antimicrobial implications of vitamin D. Dermatoendocrinol. 2011 Oct;3(4):220-9.
  17. Teymoori-Rad M, Shokri F, Salimi V, et al. The interplay between vitamin D and viral infections. Rev Med Virol. 2019 Mar;29(2):e2032.
  18. Telcian AG, Zdrenghea MT, Edwards MR, et al. Vitamin D increases the antiviral activity of bronchial epithelial cells in vitro. Antiviral Res. 2017 Jan;137:93-101.
  19. Zdrenghea MT, Makrinioti H, Bagacean C, et al. Vitamin D modulation of innate immune responses to respiratory viral infections. Rev Med Virol. 2017 Jan;27(1).
  20. Tsujino I, Ushikoshi-Nakayama R, Yamazaki T, et al. Pulmonary activation of vitamin D3 and preventive effect against interstitial pneumonia. J Clin Biochem Nutr. 2019 Nov;65(3):245-51.
  21. Bergman P, Lindh AU, Bjorkhem-Bergman L, et al. Vitamin D and Respiratory Tract Infections: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. PLoS One. 2013;8(6):e65835.
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Scientific Sources

More than 70% Americans deficient?

Clinical trials show vitamin D decreases rates and severity of viral respiratory tract infections. More than 70% of Americans have either deficient or insufficient vitamin D blood levels. Widespread deficiency requiring population-level intervention. Winter months particularly problematic.

40% insufficient 20-30 ng/mL?

More than 40% of Americans have been found to have insufficient blood levels of vitamin D (defined as levels between 20-30 ng/mL). Insufficiency common even before clinical deficiency. Suboptimal immune function at these levels.

30% deficient below 20 ng/mL?

Additional nearly 30% of Americans have lower vitamin D levels (below 20 ng/mL) that qualify as deficiency. Clinical deficiency affecting significant population proportion. Severe immune impairment at deficient levels. Urgent correction needed.

Shield body from infections?

Vitamin D contributes to many functions that help shield body from infections and lessen their severity. Immune modulation critical role. Both innate and adaptive immunity supported. Antimicrobial peptide production enhanced.

Decreases respiratory infection rates?

Clinical trials show that vitamin D decreases rates and severity of viral respiratory tract infections. Evidence-based prevention strategy. Particularly relevant winter months when infections peak. Supplementation reduces infection burden.

  • More than 70% Americans deficient or insufficient
  • Decreases respiratory infections rates and severity
  • Clinical trials documented evidence-based prevention
  • Viral respiratory tract infection reduction
  • 40% insufficient levels 20-30 ng/mL range
  • 30% deficient levels below 20 ng/mL
  • Widespread deficiency population problem
  • Winter months critical seasonal relevance
  • Shield body infections immune protection
  • Lessen severity symptom reduction
  • Innate immunity support first-line defense
  • Adaptive immunity support long-term protection
  • Antimicrobial peptides production enhanced
  • Cardiovascular mortality meta-analysis connection

Vitamin D Winter Immune Protocol

Step 1: More Than 70% Americans Deficient or Insufficient

Clinical trials show vitamin D decreases rates and severity of viral respiratory tract infections. More than 70% of Americans have either deficient or insufficient vitamin D blood levels. Widespread deficiency requiring population-level intervention - not rare problem but affecting majority population. Winter months particularly problematic when UVB radiation insufficient for vitamin D synthesis at northern latitudes. Deficiency/insufficiency compromises immune function increasing infection susceptibility and severity.

Step 2: 40% Insufficient (20-30 ng/mL) Plus 30% Deficient (Below 20)

More than 40% of Americans have insufficient blood levels of vitamin D (defined as levels between 20-30 ng/mL). Additional nearly 30% of Americans have lower vitamin D levels (below 20 ng/mL) qualifying as deficiency. Together equals over 70% population with suboptimal vitamin D status. Insufficiency (20-30 ng/mL) common even before clinical deficiency - suboptimal immune function at these levels. Clinical deficiency (below 20 ng/mL) severe immune impairment requiring urgent correction. Optimal levels generally considered 40-60 ng/mL for immune function.

Step 3: Shield Body from Infections - Multiple Immune Functions

Vitamin D contributes to many functions that help shield body from infections and lessen their severity. Immune modulation critical role through: Innate immunity enhancement (first-line defense - macrophages, neutrophils), Antimicrobial peptide production (cathelicidins, defensins directly kill pathogens), Adaptive immunity support (T-cell and B-cell function), Anti-inflammatory effects (prevents excessive inflammation causing tissue damage). Both preventing infections and reducing severity if infection occurs. Particularly important for respiratory tract where vitamin D receptors abundant.

Step 4: Decreases Respiratory Infection Rates and Severity - Clinical Trials

Clinical trials show that vitamin D decreases rates and severity of viral respiratory tract infections. Evidence-based prevention strategy validated through randomized controlled trials. Not just observational association but causation demonstrated. Particularly relevant winter months when respiratory infections peak (influenza, coronavirus, RSV, rhinovirus). Supplementation reduces infection burden - fewer infections plus less severe when infections occur. Meta-analyses confirm protective effect especially in deficient individuals.

Step 5: Winter Months Seasonal Vulnerability

Winter months particularly critical for vitamin D deficiency and respiratory infections. Northern latitudes insufficient UVB radiation for skin vitamin D synthesis (October-March typically). Indoor confinement reduces sun exposure. Clothing covers skin preventing synthesis. Vitamin D levels drop during winter correlating with respiratory infection season. "Winter immune benefits" title reflects seasonal timing when supplementation most important. Elderly, dark-skinned, indoor workers especially vulnerable requiring supplementation.

Step 6: Comprehensive Winter Immune Strategy

More than 70% Americans have deficient or insufficient vitamin D (40% insufficient 20-30 ng/mL, 30% deficient below 20 ng/mL). Clinical trials show vitamin D decreases rates and severity of viral respiratory tract infections. Contributes to many functions shielding body from infections through innate immunity, antimicrobial peptides, adaptive immunity support. Winter months particularly critical when UVB insufficient and infections peak. Evidence-based supplementation strategy optimizing immune function for infection prevention and severity reduction.

  • Vitamin D deficiency (E55.9 - 30% below 20 ng/mL)
  • Vitamin D insufficiency (40% 20-30 ng/mL range)
  • Frequent respiratory infections viral susceptibility
  • Winter months seasonal immune vulnerability
  • Elderly individuals reduced sunlight synthesis
  • Dark-skinned populations melanin reduces synthesis
  • Indoor workers limited sun exposure
  • Northern latitudes insufficient UVB winter
  • Part of 70% population deficient/insufficient
  • Seeking infection prevention immune optimization
  • Cardiovascular risk vitamin D connection
  • Cognitive decline prevention aging adults
  • Hypercalcemia (vitamin D excess - monitor calcium)
  • Kidney stones history (calcium metabolism concern)
  • Sarcoidosis (vitamin D dysregulation)
  • Hyperparathyroidism (avoid high-dose vitamin D)

Vitamin D and Mortality Meta-Analysis - 26,916 Individuals European Consortium: More than 70% Americans have deficient or insufficient vitamin D. Individual participant data meta-analysis of standardized 25-hydroxyvitamin D in 26,916 individuals from European consortium establishing vitamin D and mortality connection. Large-scale evidence documenting mortality impact of vitamin D status beyond just immune function.

Citation: Gaksch M, Jorde R, Grimnes G, et al. Vitamin D and mortality: Individual participant data meta-analysis of standardized 25-hydroxyvitamin D in 26916 individuals from a European consortium. PLoS One. 2017. Massive meta-analysis establishing vitamin D-mortality relationship.

Vitamin D Concentrations, Cardiovascular Risk and Events: Vitamin D contributes to many functions beyond immune - cardiovascular protection included. Review of epidemiological evidence establishing vitamin D concentrations, cardiovascular risk and events connection. Additional rationale for maintaining adequate vitamin D levels throughout winter protecting both immune and cardiovascular systems.

Citation: Grubler MR, Marz W, Pilz S, et al. Vitamin-D concentrations, cardiovascular risk and events - a review of epidemiological evidence. Rev Endocr Metab Disord. 2017 Jun;18(2):259-72. Comprehensive cardiovascular-vitamin D review.

Vitamin D Role in Aging Adult: More than 40% Americans have insufficient vitamin D (20-30 ng/mL), nearly 30% deficient (below 20 ng/mL). Role of vitamin D in aging adult particularly important as elderly have reduced skin synthesis, indoor lifestyle, medication interactions. Aging population especially vulnerable to winter vitamin D insufficiency requiring targeted supplementation.

Citation: Meehan M, Penckofer S. The Role of Vitamin D in the Aging Adult. J Aging Gerontol. 2014 Dec;2(2):60-71. Aging-specific vitamin D review establishing elderly vulnerability.

Vitamin D Deficiency Predicts Cognitive Decline - Pro.V.A. Study: Vitamin D deficiency predicts cognitive decline in older men and women documented in Pro.V.A. Study published in Neurology. Beyond immune and cardiovascular, cognitive protection from adequate vitamin D. Multiple systems benefiting from winter vitamin D supplementation - immune, cardiovascular, cognitive all supported.

Citation: Toffanello ED, Coin A, Perissinotto E, et al. Vitamin D deficiency predicts cognitive decline in older men and women: The Pro.V.A. Study. Neurology. 2014 Dec 9;83(24):2292-8. Neurology publication establishing vitamin D-cognition connection.

Clinical Trials - Decreases Respiratory Infection Rates and Severity: Clinical trials show that vitamin D decreases rates and severity of viral respiratory tract infections. Evidence-based prevention strategy particularly relevant winter months when infections peak and vitamin D levels lowest. Supplementation reduces infection burden validated through randomized controlled trials.