No H1N1 vaccine available? Try Vitamin D

No H1N1 vaccine available? Try Vitamin D

The Sunshine Vitamin?

With vaccine production months away how can you avoid the flu? In February 2009 research suggested that sunshine is more than just a home remedy. The study found that people with low levels of vitamin D — also known as the “sunshine vitamin” — were more likely to catch cold and flu than folks with adequate amounts.

The effect of the vitamin was strongest in people with asthma and other lung diseases who are predisposed to respiratory infections. We wrote about this on June 25 in this blog but it is worth repeating…it seems that in an effort to discover new ways to fight H1N1, the Public Health Agency of Canada yesterday announced it intends to test the blood of people contracting the ailment to check their vitamin D levels.