Vitamin D, Vitamin C & Immune Function

Vitamin D 🌞 is a steroid hormone, primarily sourced via endogenous synthesis. The process starts in the skin following UV light exposure, the active hormone form is made in the liver and kidneys. Since UV light is a requirement for Vitamin D synthesis, reduced sun exposure and/or having darker skin, has been shown to impair Vitamin D production.

Unfortunately, Approximately 27% of Kiwis are below recommended blood levels, a further 5% to be deficient, with these numbers rising further in the south island. Robust evidence shows Vitamin D to be protective against respiratory tract infections. Daily or weekly supplementation has been shown to reduce the risk of acute respiratory tract infections by 50% in those with sub-optimal levels. People with higher levels have also been shown to benefit from further supplementation.

Vitamin C 🍊 is an essential nutrient is widely known for its antioxidant properties. In the past, Vitamin C has been shown to be an effective antiviral agent. Vitamin C helps protect the lungs by boosting immune cell function and reduce oxidative stress caused by infection. People with the highest levels of blood vitamin C are less likely to develop respiratory conditions.

In association with Vitamin D, a powerful co-factor in numerous body functions is Zinc. Relevant to viral disease is the movement of Zinc, an essential nutrient that inhibits particular viral actions. Essentially blocking the replication of a virus.

The easiest way to increases this vitamins in your life is to look at your nutrition. A variety of fruits and vegetables contain multiple vital nutrients; and sunlight access is pretty easy to come by most of the year in New Zealand. However, for ease and convenience, Vitamin D, C & Zinc D supplements are available at the practice.