See the Pattern

More Evidence Vitamin D Boosts Immune Response

Laboratory-grown gingival cells treated with vitamin D boosted their production of an endogenous antibiotic, and killed more bacteria than untreated cells, according to a paper in the June 2011 issue of the journal Infection and Immunity. The research suggests that vitamin D can help protect the gums from bacterial infections that lead to gingivitis and periodontitis.

Vitamin D Linked to Lower Rates of Tooth Decay

The review, published in the December issue of Nutrition Reviews, encompassed 24 controlled clinical trials, spanning the 1920s to the 1980s, on approximately 3,000 children in several countries. These trials showed that vitamin D was associated with an approximately 50 percent reduction in the incidence of tooth decay.

 Vitamin D May Reduce Respiratory Infection Symptoms

In patients with increased frequency of respiratory tract infections, supplementation with 4000 IU vitamin D3 for 1 year reduced symptoms and antibiotic use.

Vitamin D and Influenza

Recently (2006 and 2008), John Cannell and colleagues have suggested that vitamin D deficiency is a major risk factor for influenza and that vitamin D may be effective in reducing influenza incidence and severity.  In both publications, the authors concluded that physiological doses of vitamin D (5,000 International Units (IU)/day for adults and 1,000 IU/day for every 25 pounds of body weight in children) might reduce the incidence of influenza.

Streptococcal tonsillitis recurrence linked to vitamin D deficiency

These results indicate a link between vitamin D deficiency and the recurrence of Group A Strep infection.  The researchers conclude that "recurrent GAS tonsillopharyngitis in adults could be related to vitamin D levels."

Overweight Kids More Likely to Be Deficient in Vitamin D

Vitamin D deficiency is common in overweight and obese children, especially in severely obese and minority children.

Low vitamin D levels linked to Depression

Low levels of vitamin D have been linked to depression, according to UT Southwestern Medical Center ... It is believed to be the largest such investigation ever undertaken.

Treating Vitamin D Deficiency May Improve Depression 

Women with moderate to severe depression had substantial improvement in their symptoms of depression after they received treatment for their vitamin D deficiency, a (very small) study finds.

follow-up post