Research has also shown that vitamin D plays a significant role in keeping your immune system at its best.
Studies have shown that being deficient in vitamin D can make you more susceptible to infections.
During cold and flu seasonparticularly during a pandemica strong immune system is one of your best defenses.
AleksandarNakic/Getty
Here’s what you better know about vitamin D, including how to increase your intake.
What Is Vitamin D?
Although it has “vitamin” in its name, vitamin D is technically a hormone.
Almost 20 data analyses have shown that vitamin D deficiency is a major contributor to COVID-19 risk and severity.
What This Means For You
Vitamin D is key for a healthy immune system.
you’re free to also take supplements, if necessary, to prevent deficiency.
If you eat animal products, like fish and milk, you’ll have even more options.
When selecting your fish, choose sustainably raised options that are naturally low in mercury, like Chilean-farmed salmon.
Canned Tuna
Canned tunais a quick and convenient vitamin D boost.
Look for tuna that is packaged in BPA-free containers to minimize your exposure to the potentially harmful chemical.
The recipe tastes great and packs extra nutrition.
Fortified Cereals
Many popular brands ofcerealare fortified with vitamin D, as well as other important nutrients.
Eggs that came from hens that live outside and get plenty of sunlight are especially beneficial.
It’s also a budget-friendly and versatile protein choice.
Aranow C.Vitamin D and the immune system.J Investig Med.
2014 Apr;30(4):481-4. doi:10.1016/j.nut.2013.10.002
