Embrace the Sunshine

By MiNDFOOD

Embrace the Sunshine
Recent research from the UK shows how a little sunshine each day – or a dose of vitamin D – can keep the doctor (and colds and influenza) away

These fresh mornings make it tempting to stay snuggled up inside, but there are increasing benefits of getting out and making the most of the Spring sunshine.

According to a study led by Queen Mary University of London, vitamin D supplements can protect against acute respiratory infections, including colds and flu. The results, published in The BMJ, are based on a new analysis of raw data from around 11,000 participants in 25 clinical trials conducted in 14 countries.

Vitamin D is thought to protect against respiratory infections by boosting levels of antimicrobial peptides in the lungs. The researchers found that the reduction in risk of acute respirator infection with vitamin D supplementation was similar to the protective effect of injectable flu vaccine against flu-like illnesses.

The sun is the best natural source of vitamin D and daily exercise also assists with the body’s production of the vitamin. There are small amounts of vitamin D in some foods such as fish and eggs, but it is difficult to obtain enough of this nutrient from diet alone.

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