Fall and winter usually mean increased risk of getting sick from the cold or flu, but with the additional risk of contracting COVID-19 it is even more important to take steps to stay healthy this year. Besides physical distancing, wearing masks, and proper hygiene, keeping your immune system healthy is critical in helping to protect you from the virus. Our body’s first line of defense against infection and disease is our immune system and vitamin D plays a vital role in it functioning properly. It promotes an immune response and enhances the function of immune cells. Low levels of vitamin D may impair this response and function, therefore, increasing your susceptibility to overall infection and disease with some studies indicating an increased risk of respiratory diseases specifically.
Unfortunately, many people are deficient in vitamin D. Consider having your healthcare provider test your vitamin D levels to determine if supplementation is a good idea. The consensus on optimal vitamin D levels vary, but PRO Medical targets around 50ng/mL for most clients. If you are deficient, likely a supplement will be recommended as it is difficult to get enough through food (salmon, vit D fortified milk, egg yolks are primary sources) and sunlight is limited this time of year. The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for adults 19 years and older is 600IU daily for men and women.
Keeping vitamin D levels adequate is one way to help fight off harmful bacteria and viruses this winter.
PRO Medical offers three types of Vitamin D supplements:
- Vitamin K2 with D3 by Ortho Molecular 60 capsules ($32.20 before tax)
- Vitamin D 5000 IU by Douglas Laboratories 100 tablets ($13.30 before tax)
- Liquid Vitamin D3 by Douglas Laboratories ($24.50 before tax)
Stop by the Age Management desk on PRO Medical’s L2 from 9am – 4pm Monday through Friday or call our desk at 425-861-6290 to purchase over the phone and have the products shipped to you.
Written by: Julie Tredway
