Vitamin D is undoubtedly important for immune function. Low levels of the vitamin can cause a variety of health problems, especially during winter months when sunshine is less plentiful and outdoor time is limited. The body synthesizes vitamin D from sunshine. However, there is not enough evidence to suggest taking vitamin D will kill a cold virus.
Vitamin D and Susceptibility to Colds
Low levels of vitamin D are linked to increased susceptibility to colds, according to the University of Colorado, Denver. One of the reasons the vitamin is needed to keep viruses as bay may be because it boosts the action of specialized infection-fighting T cells. A March 2010 study published in "Nature Immunology" showed vitamin D triggers a series of reactions that activates T cells.
Normal Vitamin D Levels
Maintaining adequate levels of vitamin D and other vitamins and minerals in the body could shorten the duration of cold symptoms. According to the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin levels are considered adequate in otherwise healthy individuals at levels greater than 20 nanomoles per liter, but there is much debate about optimal levels.
The Immune System
When bacteria or a virus enters the body, it reproduces. An intact immune system can prevent a cold virus from entering in the first place, by setting up a barrier. If you do catch a cold, white blood cells, bone marrow, lymph glands, hormones, the spleen and the thymus gland work in concordance to eradicate the virus. Other factors that keep immunity intact include overall health and well-being that comes from adequate sleep, exercise, and eating a healthy and balanced diet with a variety of nutrients, rather than one vitamin, mineral or food supplement.
Expert Advice for Treating a Cold
Once you catch a cold, experts advise just treating the symptoms. According to the Mayo Clinic, it's important to stay hydrated; use saline nose drops or sprays; eat chicken soup to thin mucous; and for adults, use over-the-counter antihistamines, pain relievers and cough syrups. Low levels of vitamin D could increase susceptibility to colds, but taking extra doses of a vitamin D supplement as a cure might lead to more harm than good. Side effects of vitamin D toxicity include anorexia, constipation, dehydration, vomiting and muscle weakness.
References
- University of Colorado, Denver; Vitamin D Deficiency May Increase Risk of Colds, Flu; February 2009
- "Nature Immunology"; Vitamin D Controls T Cell Antigen Receptor Signaling and Activation of Human T Cells; Marina Rode von Essen, et al; March 2010
- National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin D
- Mayo Clinic: Common Cold
- "Endocrine Practice"; Vitamin D for Treatment and Prevention of Infectious Diseases: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials; A.V. Yamshchikov, et al.; July-August 2009
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