19 Feb Study Finds Vitamin D Supplements Could Prevent Millions of Colds
A new study has found that a daily vitamin D supplement would prevent millions of us from suffering with colds.
The analysis published in the British Medical Journal found that supplementing vitamin D helped protect against respiratory tract infections (infections affecting the sinuses, throat and / or lungs).
OPTIMISING VITAMIN D STATUS MAY HELP PREVENT COLDS
We know that vitamin D is vital for a healthy immune system. Low levels can lead to an increased risk of infections as well as certain diseases. A surprising number of us are deficient or have suboptimal levels. Statistics, research and public health recommendations aside, we see this day in, day out in our clinic.
For a more in depth look at vitamin D, take a look at this article we wrote on vitamin D.
VITAMIN D TESTING
Whenever we send a client for blood tests, we include vitamin D. Rarely do we see clients who have optimal levels unless they are supplementing.
It’s hard to overemphasise the importance of having optimal vitamin D levels. We strongly recommend knowing your vitamin D status. ff you don’t already know, there are a number of ways you can test to find out. Here are three ways you can get tested.
AT A WALK IN CLINIC
We can organise a vitamin D test for you through our clinic team. We work closely with The Doctor’s Laboratory (TDL) which is based a short walk from our Harley Street clinic. TDL offer an efficient, walk in service where they take your blood then and there and send the results to us, usually within a day.
WITH YOUR DOCTOR
If you’re due to have a blood test with your NHS GP then you can ask him or her to include vitamin D as part of this. It can be pot luck as to whether you’ll manage to get it tested or not. If you have a private GP then they should be happy to organise this for you.
WITH AN AT HOME TEST KIT
Another option is to use an at home test kit. We can arrange to send you a simple finger prick test that you can carry out easily at home.
If you would like to get tested with us please feel free to get in touch and we will be happy to provide you with further details.