Fall is here and many Americans are lining up for flu shots and exploring other options to fight the seasonal bug as well as the potentially dangerous H1N1 virus.
Those looking for a natural way to prevent the flu and stay healthy this winter may have a new tool in their arsenal vitamin D.
New research out of the University of Colorado Denver School of Pharmacy suggests the vitamin boosts immunity against respiratory infections like the flu.
“We dont know, yet, if taking vitamin D will help prevent swine flu, but there really are no risks associated with taking vitamin D,” researcher Sunny Linnebur tells TheDenverChannel.com.
She adds that vitamin D deficiencies are common and most people need a nutritional supplement to ensure adequate intake. A dose of 1,000 units a day should be sufficient without being dangerous, Linnebur says.
Vitamin D is available as a nutritional supplement. It can also be found in dietary sources like milk, fish, eggs and cod liver oil.
Health experts say as little as 10 minutes of daily sun exposure can prevent insufficient levels of the vitamin.