Vitamin D strengthens the immune system

Too low a vitamin D level weakens the defense and increases the susceptibility of infections

25/11/2012

In winter, many people try to strengthen the immune system in order to be prepared for the common cold in the cold season. New research indicates that vitamin D deficiency makes it more susceptible to colds. Most people in Germany have too low a vitamin D level. The vitamin is very important to support the body's defenses.

More susceptible to influenza infections
Those who take too little vitamin D usually also have a weaker immune system. The head of the Department of Lung Diseases at Saarland University Hospital, Prof. Dr. med. Dr. Robert Bals opposite the magazine „Focus“. Patients already suffering from serious illnesses such as decreased lung function or bronchial asthma or having cancer often show too low a vitamin D level.

New studies show that special immune cells, such as dendritic cells, suffer from vitamin deficiency. According to Bals are the „Notes on vitamin D clearly, but for hard scientific evidence, we need long-term knowledge“, said the pulmonologist opposite the magazine. The new issue of the journal is currently focusing on the human immune system and how to strengthen the immune system.

Most Germans have a vitamin D deficiency
According to a study by the German Nutrition Society, vitamin D deficiency is a mass phenomenon. About 90 percent of adults have low vitamin D levels. Even children and adolescents were reportedly often underserved. The human organism produces about 90 percent of the vitamin itself. In the skin, the body converts substances into vitamin D with the help of UV-B rays from the sun. However, because in our latitudes sunbeams are too low in winter and people spend less time in the cold during the cold season, the body can produce less of the vitamin. It comes therefore, especially in winter quickly to a shortage.

Some research has already shown the link between susceptibility to infections and vitamin D deficiency. For example, schoolchildren in Japan showed lower susceptibility to influenza illnesses when they had adequate vitamin levels than those with low vitamin content. The first group was given a vitamin supplement, the second only got an agent without an active substance (placebo).

Skin and intestinal flora support the immune defense
But not only the cells of the immune defense fight off pathogens in the body. Recently, research has shown that a number of microbes exist that live on the skin (skin flora) or in the gut (intestinal flora). Excessive cleanliness, a high-fat diet and lots of sugar attack the beneficial bacteria. Compared to the magazine, the US scientist Martin Blaser pointed out that a rethinking takes place. „In the future, we will specifically address the deficiencies that the modern lifestyle causes in our microbiome to prevent or cure disease.“ A weakened intestinal flora occurs especially after an antibiotic therapy. Therefore, non-medical practitioners and naturopathic-oriented physicians advise to build up intestinal flora.

In addition, take vitamin D in the diet
To compensate for the vitamin D deficiency, the diet can be adjusted accordingly. Especially the vitamin can be found in cod liver oil, salmon, eel, sardines, chicken eggs and mushrooms. Overall, it can be said that especially in winter fatty fish, mushrooms and fortified edible fats can make a supportive contribution to the vitamin D supply. Controversial, however, is the regular visit to the solarium, which certainly fills the vitamin D budget, but on the other hand also increases the risk of skin cancer. Also, the intake of artificial vitamin supplements can help to increase the vitamin intake. However, there is also a risk of toxicity in case of overdose. (Sb)

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Image: Maria Lanznaster