Sunshine in a Bottle
2020 is over, but immune health is still top of mind for a majority of consumers. In addition to improved diets and exercise routines, people are looking to supplementation as a means to bolstering their immune system. At the top of demand are vitamins and minerals, ingredients that are commonly recognized and supported by countless research. Among these, vitamin D is a valuable source of immune support, most often attained by spending time out in the sun. But 35% of U.S. adults are deficient and facing a weaker immune system. Break down the stats further and we find that 61% of the elderly population is vitamin D deficient. With the effects of aging already impacting their immune defenses, they need the boost that vitamin D provides.
Vitamin D is capable of supporting the cells that help the immune system to function at its best, and a deficiency can result in the immune system becoming compromised. Interestingly, studies on vitamin D deficiency have shown the upper respiratory system suffers from a loss of immune cell function compared to someone with sufficient levels of the vitamin. When vitamin D is metabolized, it helps create a balanced inflammatory response by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. It also helps to stimulate immune cell production, including T cells and macrophages, preparing the body to fight off pathogens and other aggressors. In fact, research has found that T cells will often utilize vitamin D first in order to activate. If they can’t find the Vitamin D they need, they stay dormant, and if the body’s defense system is sleeping, that doesn’t bode well for both short- and long-term health.
And then there’s the elephant in the room. Vitamin D hasn’t been proven as a natural solution against COVID-19, but sufficient vitamin D intake has been scientifically identified as a potential source of protection against cytokine storms by helping to modulate the immune response. This means that there is chance to reduce the severity of some symptoms typically experienced by taking appropriate measures to increase vitamin D levels. Educating the consumer is essential, and even when the pandemic is past and gone, a bit of sunshine in a bottle will go a long way towards improved health outcomes as a result of a fully functioning immune system.
If you would like to learn more about the latest research and innovation into vitamin D, its influence on the immune system and where to get high quality vitamin D, reach out to me and I’d be happy to chat.