Vitamins D3 and E for Flu Prevention
An abundance of medical research shows that high levels of vitamins D3 and E in the diet may be the safest, most proven preventative measures against the flu.
As we are currently in November, we are entering what in most of the Northern hemisphere is "the flu season."
When we talk about flu prevention, many think about avoiding crowds, over-using hand sanitizer, and covering their face with a hygiene mask. However, few think about why is it that during the summer months, despite not avoiding crowds, not over-sanitizing everything, and not wearing a hygiene mask, almost no one gets the flu.
The one thing that gets very rarely mentioned when talking about flu prevention, despite the endless piles of supporting research, is the importance of fat-soluble vitamins, especially D3 and E, in flu prevention and immune support.
The Importance of Vitamin D3 in Flu Prevention
As first shown by Dr. Hope-Simpson, who devoted most of his working career to understanding the seasonal link behind influenza, flu rates rise significantly in the few months following the winter solstice.1 This is when our vitamin D levels tend to be at their lowest.
Vitamin D3 (which is technically a hormone), is an immune system modulator. In other words, it increases the function of immune cells and reduces inflammation.2
Also – this is important - Vitamin D strengthens your innate immune system (more on what this is and why it’s important later) by stimulating the action of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs).3 Antimicrobial peptides are kind of like antibiotics made by your immune system, and exist in many places throughout your body, including your lungs.4