Vitamin D - Protective Effects on both Seasonal and H1N1 Influenza

The reason why public health officials are worried about the current H1N1 flu pandemic, is the fear that there will be a recurrence of the great flu outbreak of 1918, which killed millions of people. It is this fear that has prompted them to come out with a swine flu/H1N1 vaccine. This novel flu vaccine has not been properly tested for safety or efficacy, contains dangerous preservative such as thimerosal, as well as may contain dangerous adjuvants such as MF59, which contains Squalene.

In March of 2001, the FDA issued a statement warning pregnant women and young children not to eat fish containing high levels of mercury because it causes neurological problems in children. But now, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommend that these same women and children should get the seasonal and H1N1 vaccines. Many seasonal influenza vaccines, as well as the H1N1 vaccine, contain mercury, from the preservative thimerosal, in amounts exceeding the EPA recommended safe levels.

The Benefits of Vitamin D

There is data from studies(1) showing that Vitamin D is protective against seasonal flu. Additional recent data(2) corroborates this very compelling evidence that Vitamin D will also be highly protective for this year’s H1N1 Swine flu.

1. Study by John Jacob Cannell, MD – practicing physician and Executive Director of the Vitamin D Council.org.
2. Data from Norris Glick, MD and Ellie Campbell, DO

In September 2009, Dr. Glick reported the following:

“Central Wisconsin Center is a long-term care facility for people with developmental disabilities, home for approximately 275 people and approx. 800 staff. Serum 25 OHD has been monitored in virtually all residents for several years and patients are supplemented with Vitamin D.

In June of 2009, at the time of the well publicized Wisconsin spike in H1N1 cases, two residents developed influenza-like illness (ILI) and had positive tests for H1N1. One was a long-term resident, the other, a child, who was transferred to the center and later proven to have had the H1N1.

During this time period 60 staff members developed the ILI or were documented to have H1N1. An additional 43 staff members called in sick with ILI (flu). Approx. 12 staff members developed the flu after working on the unit where the child was provided care, several tested positive for H1N1.

But what is astonishing is that only 2 residents of the 275 developed the flu – one of which did not contract it at the facility – while 103 of the 800 staff member did. It appears that the staff was susceptible to H1N1, and the residents protected.”

Vitamin D Deficiency

About 70 percent of U.S. children have low levels of Vitamin D, and 75% of U.S. teens and adults are deficient in vitamin D. A number of factors have contributed to this; the overuse of sunscreens, the contamination of our fish, inadequate amounts of Vitamin D in milk and the inadequate recommendation for Vitamin D supplementation. No vitamin has had more scientific studies recently published than the rediscovered “Sunshine Vitamin” – Vitamin D.

Raising your Vitamin D level above 40-60ng/ml could contribute to less chronic pain, longer life, less susceptible to cancer, less chronic illness, less colds and even less seasonal swine flu. There is scientific evidence that links low levels of Vitamin D and low level of Probiotics to an increased risk of many medical conditions.

Supplement with Vitamin D

There are almost no natural food sources of Vit D. Most researchers feel that the best source of Vit D is UV exposure. The skin produces Vit D3 in response to UV exposure and this is the best way to get it. Some estimates say that 30 minutes of sun exposure on a significant area of exposed skin can produce upwards of 10,000 iu of D3. The lack of sun exposure in the fall and winter months very well explains the increased susceptibility to the flu. If sun exposure is not a possibility, consider short 5 minute tanning sessions once or twice a week. Another natural source of D3 is Cod Liver Oil. Mammals store D3 in the liver, and Cod is rich in this nutrient. Why did grandma always want to give us that nasty tasting oil when we were sick? She new that it worked. From a wellness perspective, supplementing with Cod Liver Oil daily makes sense. I have pre=ordered a new Cod Liver Oil from Innate Choice that is tripled distilled and infused with Vit E and lemon oil to preserve it from oxidation. Most bad tasting fish oil is actually oxidized and rancid. Fish oil is very unstable and susceptible to light and oxygen. This oil comes in a dark glass bottle and actually doesn't taste bad.

I hope to start carrying this at my office in the next 2 weeks. If you want to pre-order with me send a message to my via email or Facebook and let me know how many bottles you want.

Greg C. Haitz, DC, CSCS
Doctor of Chiropractic
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist

Rimrock Chiropractic, LLC: A Creating Wellness Center
1133 Patterson Road, Suite 3
Grand Junction, CO 81506
970-243-1388
drgreghaitz@msn.com
www.rimrockchiropractic.com