In the study, British scientists analyzed data from more than 36,000 adults from the UK Biobank and found that people with severe vitamin D deficiency were 33% more likely to be hospitalized with these infections compared to those with adequate levels of the vitamin.
The study explained that every 10 nanomoles/liter increase in blood vitamin D levels reduces the hospital admission rate by 4%.
“Vitamin D is essential for our physical health,” said Abby Purno, an expert in nutritional immunology and lead author of the study. “It supports bone and muscle health, and its antibacterial and antiviral properties help reduce the risk of serious respiratory infections that may require hospitalization.”
The study shows that older people are more susceptible to respiratory infections, with pneumonia and bronchitis ranking among the top 20 causes of death for people between 50 and 74 years old, and rising to the top 10 for those over 75 years old.
Natural sources of vitamin D include sun exposure, fatty fish, red meat, and egg yolks. Experts confirm that supplements effectively raise vitamin D levels, especially during winter when sun exposure is limited.
The study was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
