Got a Cold? Vitamin D May be the New Vitamin C

When you get sick, your body fights off infection by kicking your immune system into high gear.  It sends out T-cells that the immune system “activates” in order to seek and destroy pathogens in the body.  Research at the Department of International Health, Immunology and Microbiology has found evidence that T-cells require Vitamin D in order to activate. Science Daily explains how this process works:

T cells that are successfully activated transform into one of two types of immune cell. They either become killer cells that will attack and destroy all cells carrying traces of a foreign pathogen or they become helper cells that assist the immune system in acquiring “memory.” The helper cells send messages to the immune system, passing on knowledge about the pathogen so that the immune system can recognize and remember it at their next encounter. T cells form part of the adaptive immune system, which means that they function by teaching the immune system to recognize and adapt to constantly changing threats. – Science Daily

So next time you feel a cold coming on, perhaps a little 10 minute bask in the sun (with sunscreen applied) or a Vitamin D supplement might replace that overdose of Vitamin C.  Have an orange and you’ll get more Vitamin C than your body needs in a day.  Studies have suggested that Vitamin D deficiency is a concern especially in Nursing mothers and Children.