Vitamin D3 the unknown player in our defense against (viral) infections
Regulation of the immune system
In recent years it has become clear that vitamin D3 (1.25-
dihydroxy-cholecalciferol) is not only important for the skeleton and the body
calcium balance in the body, but also plays an important role in it
the regulation of the immune system. The active form of vitamin D3
suppresses inflammatory reactions.
Research shows that vitamin D3 has a specific effect on activated macrophages, which are white blood cells that play an important role in our immune system. When macrophages are stimulated they start to produce 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol on their own, causing negative feedback. In this way the inflammatory process is “controlled”.
Sufficient vitamin D3 in the body thus appears to be an important factor in the regulation of inflammatory reactions. This special mechanism by which vitamin D3 is active in the immune system requires a closer look at infections. It has been known for some time that vitamin D3 increases resistance and protects against infections.
Fat soluble vitamin
Vitamin D3 is a fat-soluble vitamin and, as said, one
powerful enhancer of our immune system. Vitamin D3 can be
used as a prophylaxis or support in the treatment of
influenza-like infections and other infectious lung diseases.
In addition, vitamin D3 offers protection against exacerbations in COPD and
asthma.
An important factor in this is that vitamin D3 in a powerful way
antimicrobial proteins stimulate these throughout the body, but especially in
the epithelial cells of the airways. In which case they have a
play important role in protecting the lungs from infection.
Vitamin D helps to prevent flu infection in school children
In one study, 334 school children aged 6 to 15 years were given 1,200 IU (30 μg) of vitamin D3 or a placebo daily for 4 months. If
Symptoms of respiratory tract infection were checked for influenza infection by examination of nasal mucus. At the end of the study, it was found that the children who received vitamin D had 42% less infection with the influenza A virus. The effect was greatest with
children who had only gone to school or daycare after their third year and children who had not used any other vitamin D preparations in addition to the study medication. In addition, it was found that in children with asthma significantly fewer asthma attacks during the study period
occurred in the children who had taken vitamin D-3.
Sunlight
The main source of vitamin D is sunlight. Vitamin D is produced in the skin under the influence of sunlight. How much vitamin D there is
created depends on age, the amount of pigment in the skin and the length of time the skin has been exposed to the sun. Be of influence
also the intensity and wavelength of the UV radiation and how much uncovered skin.
In addition, vitamin D is found in animal foods (albeit to a limited extent), such as meat and dairy products. A good supplement are fatty ones
fish species (e.g. salmon and mackerel); it contains slightly more vitamin D. In the Netherlands, vitamin D is added to margarine, low-fat margarine
and baking and frying products, but because, according to Natuur Diëtisten Nederland, this does not seem to be the healthiest fat choices after blood tests, supplementation is the best way to get enough vitamin D.
In orthomolecular medicine, a serum value of at least 80 nmol / l for adults is aimed for. You can have this determined via the general practitioner / naturalist or at our practice.
Annette Brenters
Acupuncturist / orthomolecular therapist
Holistic practice Den Hoek
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27714929;
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16959053
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28449868
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29587438
https://www.natuurdietisten.nl/vitamine-d-en-infecties/