Published on November 14, 2019
In earlier posts we showed that fewer GrassrootsHealth participants who reported that they usually took supplemental vitamin C experienced a cold and the flu compared to those who did not. Vitamin D is also an important nutrient for the immune system. Today, we’ll explore whether vitamin D also has an impact on colds and the flu.
Using the data you provided for the GrassrootsHealth study, we assessed the effect of vitamin D status on the occurrence of colds and the flu. We found that the percent of participants who experienced the flu in the prior 6 months was 42% lower for those with a vitamin D level at or above 50 ng/ml (125 nmol/L) compared to those with a level below 20 ng/ml (50 nmol/L). For colds, it was 21% lower.
This preliminary analysis suggests that improving vitamin D status alone could reduce the risk of experiencing a cold or the flu, but further analysis is needed to assess this association by adjusting for other biometric and lifestyle risk factors. In future blog posts we will explore the effect of Omega-3 status on colds and the flu as well as the combined effects of vitamin C, vitamin D, and Omega-3 status on colds and the flu. These analyses of individual and combined nutrient effects from GrassrootsHealth are possible because YOU provide us with data on multiple nutrients and health outcomes.
How are your nutrient levels for cold and flu season?
Make sure you know your vitamin D level, and take steps to keep it within a target of 40-60 ng/ml or 100-150 nmol/L! Through GrassrootsHealth Nutrient Research Institute, you can also test your essential elements magnesium, copper, zinc and selenium, toxins such as lead, mercury and cadmium, as well as your omega-3 levels, inflammation levels and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level. Find out your levels today! Log on to the shop (click the link below) to get your tests and see for yourself if your level can be improved.
Make sure you track your results before and after, about every 6 months!
How can I track my nutrient intake and levels over time?
To help you track your supplement use and nutrient levels, GrassrootsHealth has created an online tracking system called myData-myAnswers. For each specific supplement, you can track what days you take it, how much, and many other details. This will help you know your true supplemental intake and what patterns of use work for you to reach and maintain optimum nutrient levels. Check it out today!
How Can You Use this Information for YOUR Health?
Having and maintaining healthy vitamin D and other nutrient levels can help improve your health now and for your future. Measuring is the only way to make sure you are getting enough!
STEP 1 Order your at-home blood spot test kit to measure vitamin D and other nutrients of concern to you, such as omega-3s, magnesium, essential and toxic elements (zinc, copper, selenium, lead, cadmium, mercury); include hsCRP as a marker of inflammation or HbA1c for blood sugar health
STEP 2 Answer the online questionnaire as part of the GrassrootsHealth study
STEP 3 Using our educational materials and tools (such as our dose calculators), assess your results to determine if you are in your desired target range or if actions should be taken to get there
STEP 4 After 3-6 months of implementing your changes, re-test to see if you have achieved your target level(s)
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