How D Can Boost the Immune System

In the spring of 2010, researchers reported they had figured out how vitamin D boosts the immune
system. Vitamin D triggers immune response to infection by activating human T-cells. These cells
are an important part of the immune system and fight off infection. Danish scientists discovered
when T-cells can't find vitamin D in the blood, they won't take action to destroy invading germs. This
allows infections to flourish in people with low serum levels of D.
The research has several implications: First, the role of vitamin D in immune response will be
important for future vaccine development and even transplant patients. Second, since experts
estimate that half the world's population is deficient, vitamin D supplementation is vital for a healthy
immune system. It is the latter finding that is important for consumers looking to improve their
health.
Vitamin D Boosts the Immune System
A study to be published in May 2010 in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition provides more
evidence supporting vitamin D. A clinical trial was conducted to see if there was a relationship
between D levels and seasonal flu infections in children.
Starting in December of 2008 through March 2009, a double-blind, placebo-controlled study
compared infection rates among children who took a vitamin D3 supplement against those taking a
placebo. The results were quite encouraging.

Of the 167 children taking D vitamins, just 10% became ill with the flu compared to 18% in the
placebo group. In addition, of the children with asthma who also took vitamin D, only two had
asthma symptoms after contracting the flu, compared to 12 asthma flare ups among children taking
placebo. This shows that vitamin D can help prevent secondary complications related to the flu.
Sources of Vitamin D
Vitamin D is hard to come by in food. Some foods, such as fish, contain D naturally but not in high
enough amounts to be therapeutic. Others foods, like milk, are fortified with vitamin D, but don't
contain high
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enough amounts of the vitamin either. Normally, the sun is the best source of D, however, during
cold and flu season, its angle is too weak to trigger D production in the human body. To ensure
therapeutic levels, consumers should opt for vitamin D supplements.
Look for vitamin D3 as opposed to other forms of the vitamin. Sometimes called cholecalciferol, D3
has been used in almost all clinical studies and it is also the most easily absorbed compared to other
D vitamins. D2 works as well, but it's not as effective and can cause problems in high doses, which is
why experts recommend avoiding this form of vitamin D.
Vitamin D Dose
While researchers are still zeroing in on the optimum vitamin D dose, medical experts suggest
aiming for between 90 to 100 nmol/L, or 35 to 40 ng/ml. It's important to have D levels formally
tested via blood work ordered by a physician. Many doctors are now testing for serum D levels and
prescribing vitamin D supplements, so it should not be difficult to get an order for lab work.
Once the lab work comes back, calculate the vitamin D dose based on how much the serum level
needs to rise. For every 1000 IUs of D supplement, there should be a corresponding increase in
blood serum levels of 10 ng/ml or 25 nmol/L. For example, if the goal is to raise the D level by 30
ng/ml, then 3000 IUs would be needed daily.
Excess Vitamin D Concerns
The human body is built to withstand large doses of vitamin D. Just 15 minutes in the sun results in
production of 10,000 IUs and most people enjoy warm weather on a daily basis with no ill effects.

Clinically, researchers have given doses as high as 100,000 IUs every few months without
complications. However, this does not mean that consumers should follow suit as excess vitamin D
can cause serious side effects if high serum levels are maintained.
The dangers of excess vitamin D rest in the vitamin's impact on calcium absorption. High levels of
vitamin D can result in high levels of calcium, which can cause hypercalcemia, a serious medical
problem. Experts believe that serum levels above 70 ng/ml could be dangerous, especially if the level
is sustained.
This is another reason why it is so important to find out the actual D level prior to supplementation.
Periodic monitoring of the D level will ensure long term safety and avoid side effects that could be
detrimental to health.
Overall, the use of vitamin D is a safe and effective way to ward of illness. Consumers should have
their D serum levels assessed before supplementing, and target vitamin D supplementation to keep
levels below 70 ng/ml.

References:
National Institutes of Health, "Randomized Trial of Viatmin D Supplementation to Prevent Seasonal
Influenza A in Schoolchildren." (Retrieved April 20,2010.)
Medscape.com, "Vitamin D: A Rapid Review." (Retrieved April 20, 2010.)
Scientific American, "Another Reason Vitamin D Is Important: It Gets T-Cells Going." (Retrieved
April 20, 2010.)