Study links supplementing with vitamins A and D to fewer respiratory complaints

Published: 28-Oct-2020

New study in BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health based on nationwide UK data

With the debate about vitamin D and coronavirus ramping up, a new study has confirmed that supplementing with the fat-soluble vitamins A and D – on top of dietary sources – is linked with a significant reduction in the risk of respiratory infections.

The study, conducted by a team from the NNEdPro Global Centre for Nutrition & Health in Cambridge and Imperial College London, analysed data from 6115 adults in the Government’s National Diet and Nutrition Survey. Participants with higher intakes of vitamin A and E from dietary sources were significantly less likely to report respiratory complaints compared with adults with lower intakes.

Notably, participants taking supplements containing vitamin A and D were also significantly likely to report fewer respiratory problems.

This led the authors to conclude: “Our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that supplementation is critical to ensuring adequate vitamin D status is maintained and potentially indicate that intake of vitamin D from diet alone cannot help maintain adequate vitamin D status.”

Dr Carrie Ruxton, from the Health and Food Supplements Information Service, says: “With winter approaching, we need to ensure that our immunity nutrients – vitamin A, C and D – are at optimal levels."

"We also know off the back of a report HSIS has just published, Plant Based Diets – Nutritional Challenges and Future Health Worries – An A-Z Analysis,which reviewed data from 17,262 people, we are all woefully short of vital nutrients in our diets with the nutrient picture being even worse for those on a plant-based diet."

"In fact, no one quizzed by HSIS on a plant-based diet name checked vitamin D despite the fact that nearly all major dietary sources of the "sunshine vitamin" are animal or fish based. Only a fifth of people currently take a multivitamin or vitamin D – despite today’s stronger messages about topping up on vitamin D."

“So, as well as eating more fruit, vegetables and oily fish, a daily multivitamin containing vitamins A, C, D is a simple way to top up the diet."

“This new study – based on UK adults – reports that people who supplement with immunity nutrients have a lower chance of experiencing respiratory complaints. This shows that supplements are an important tool in our armoury to stay healthy all year round.”

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