People with a mild to moderate deficiency in vitamin D may experience insomnia, fatigue, muscle aches, and low mood. One area that has drawn considerable research attention is the relationship between vitamin D status and seasonal influenza. Vitamin D has been studied for its role in immune system functioning, including during flu season. Vitamin D deficiency is diagnosed with a blood test and managed by a physician, and no supplement or injection prevents the flu.
Vitamin D supports the absorption of calcium and phosphorus by your bones, muscles, and organs. Vitamin D isn't just one vitamin but a combination of D3 (cholecalciferol) and D2 (ergocalciferol), two fat-soluble compounds involved in hormone production. Although the skin contains a precursor form, humans need sunlight to activate vitamin D in the skin. Many people also obtain additional vitamin D from diet, oral supplementation, or — where a provider recommends it — injections. [1]
Your liver is responsible for metabolizing and releasing D3 into the bloodstream. In addition to being necessary for normal bone growth, vitamin D3 is involved in maintaining skeletal muscle health and in regulating release of a parathyroid hormone associated with brittle, thin bones. Research into vitamin D is also examining possible associations with prostate and breast cancer, heart disease, and diabetes; these are areas of ongoing study, not established outcomes of supplementation. [2]
Vitamin D appears to have multiple (pleiotropic) actions relevant to chronic conditions such as cancer and autoimmune disease, which has led to further research on its effects on the immune system. Investigation into a vitamin D receptor associated with immune function, and into vitamin D enzymes released by immune cells, suggests vitamin D plays a role in maintaining immune system function. [3]
Seasonal outbreaks of influenza appear to correlate with reduced time spent outdoors in sunlight, and clinical research has noted that flu is more prevalent during winter months when sun exposure is limited. In laboratory and clinical research, vitamin D has been associated with reduced release of proinflammatory molecules called cytokines and with the release of antimicrobial peptides that have anti-viral properties. Vitamin D has also been studied for its effect on lower and upper airway cells, where it appears to encourage epithelial cells to secrete anti-inflammatory peptides. [4]
A review of numerous clinical trials investigating vitamin D supplementation reported an association between vitamin D and immune response to the viruses and bacteria involved in respiratory tract infections (RTIs). Researchers also found that dosing schedules mattered: people receiving daily doses of cholecalciferol (D3) had fewer incidences of upper respiratory tract infections than those receiving larger doses every one to three months. [5]
Research has looked at adequate vitamin D status in relation to:
These are research associations. Maintaining the vitamin D level your doctor recommends is a reasonable health goal, but supplementation is not a treatment or preventive for any of these conditions.
If you are concerned that you may have an undiagnosed vitamin D deficiency, the first step is testing rather than supplementing. Our micronutrient testing begins with lab work and a physician review, so any recommendation is based on your actual levels. From there, our team can discuss options across our wellness treatments and IV treatment menu, including blends such as our REV immune booster that patients ask about heading into the winter season here in Jupiter and across Palm Beach County.
RevitalIV is located at 1317 W Indiantown Rd, Suite 100, Jupiter, FL 33458, serving patients from Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, Tequesta, Juno Beach, North Palm Beach, and across Palm Beach County. Call (561) 406-2202 or book a consultation.
This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual results vary. Consult a licensed healthcare provider about your individual health situation.
