Does it help or not? Science has long disagreed as to whether vitamin D is effective against infections such as corona. A new study may have found one of the reasons why previous results have been so conflicting.
Not only since Corona has research been concerned with whether and how Vitamin D protects against infections or severe courses. So explained the one studiesthat vitamin D brings next to nothing while other studies do the opposite reported. Which are right? The answer: everyone! Because recent research has identified significant differences between vitamin D2 and vitamin D3.
Only vitamin D3 apparently strengthens the immune system
In a joint study by the British Universities of Surrey and Brighton, researchers examined the effects of vitamin D. They chose vitamin D2 and vitamin D3 for this. The aim of the research was to find out to what extent both types of vitamin D supplements have functional differences on human health – despite sharing structural similarities. And indeed: The researchers found evidence that only vitamin D3 has a modifying effect on the immune system, which arms the body against viral and bacterial diseases.1
Also interesting: Self-test by the editors shows: Our vitamin D supply is so bad in winter!
Both types of vitamin D taken for 12 weeks
For their study, the scientists administered vitamin D to 355 women daily over a period of 12 weeks. The first group received vitamin D2, the second vitamin D3 and the third a placebo. It was then examined how the respective supplementation affected the activity of genes in the blood. They found that vitamin D2 had almost no effect, but vitamin D3 did. “We have shown that vitamin D3 appears to stimulate the body’s type I interferon signaling system – a key element of the immune system that is a first line of defense against bacteria and viruses. Therefore, a healthy vitamin D3 status can help prevent viruses and bacteria from gaining a foothold in the body,” explains study leader Prof. Colin Smith in a university statement.2
Also interesting: How do you know if you have a weak immune system?
Vitamin D-3 preparation may effectively protect against infections in winter
For the researcher, this means that when consumers buy a Vitamin D preparation should pay more attention to the information on the packaging. He also reminds you not to forget to take it, especially during the winter months. “Many people have inadequate levels of vitamin D3 because they live in places where sunlight is limited in winter,” it said. “So vitamin D3 should be the preferred form for fortified foods and dietary supplements.”
Also interesting: Vitamin D – how to meet the daily requirement through sun
Vitamin D2 and Vitamin D3 – what is the difference?
Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is what the body can produce itself as soon as the sun’s rays hit the skin. It has a higher bioavailability than vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol), which is found in small amounts mainly in plant foods and mushrooms. However, their effect on health should not be underestimated. A recent study found that vitamin D from food, even if it is impossible to cover the daily requirement through diet alone, reduces the risk of colorectal cancer (FITBOOK reported). The authors conclude that a larger follow-up study is needed to better understand the differences in the effects of vitamin D2 and vitamin D3 on gene activity.