How Effective Was The Flu Vaccine And Can Vitamin D Help?

For most people, the flu is a minor inconvenience, causing a few unpleasant days of a raised temperature, tiredness, and a dribbling nose. However, it is a major health hazard for some people and can even be fatal. It is more likely to develop into a serious illness in pregnant people, have a long-term medical condition, or are over 65 years old. People in these high-risk groups should consider having the flu vaccine.

What can I do to reduce the risk of getting the flu this winter?

It has been well documented that the incidence of winter flu increases as people’s levels of vitamin D fall below 75 nmol/L. Therefore, by maintaining healthy vitamin D levels, we will be naturally boosting our immune system and protecting ourselves against the flu virus. In my experience, it can take clients over six months. There is no evidence suggesting that having the flu vaccine and taking a daily vitamin D₃ supplement is harmful.

How much vitamin D should I take?

Endocrine Society (2011) guideline recommend that people at risk of vitamin D deficiency should have up to 2000 IU (i.e. 50 mcg) of vitamin D₃ a day to keep healthy circulating levels. There is no benefit in taking more than 4000 IU (i.e. 100 mcg) of vitamin D₃ a day unless you have been diagnosed with severe vitamin D deficiency by your doctor. Smaller doses, such as 400 IU (i.e. 10 mcg) of vitamin D₃ a day, has been shown not to produce healthy circulating levels in older children and adults. A healthy level of vitamin D is between 75 and 250 nmol/L. However, many people working in this field believe that the protective health benefits are only fully realised by keeping our vitamin D level between 100 to 200 nmol/L.

What should I do next?

Contact your Doctor or Registered Dietitian to discuss whether taking 2000 to 4000 IU (i.e. 50 to 100 mcg) of vitamin D₃ a day supplement is right for you.  You should consider having this discussion before the winter flu season starts if any one of the following applies to you:-

• • You are older than 65 years old

  • You are pregnant

  • You get the flu more than once a year

  • When you get the flu you to need more than a couple of days bed rest

  • You have a long-term medical condition such as asthma, diabetes, hypertension, heart conditions, arthritis or any other long-term medical condition

    Useful Links

    • Women’s Health Services 
    • Endocrine Society:  http://ow.ly/s9wX30eSzgI
    • Vitamin D Council: http://ow.ly/qQmc30eSzCS