Last Updated on February 13, 2022 by Team THIP
Quick Take
A social media post claims that taking vitamin D can reduce your chances of getting a respiratory infection by 42%. We fact checked and found this claim to be Half True.
The Claim
A social media post claims ‘Taking vitamin D can reduce your chances of getting a respiratory infection by 42%.’
Fact Check
Is Vitamin D beneficial for humans?
Vitamin D is both a hormone produced by humans and a nutrient found in some foods. It is known for helping the body absorb phosphorus and calcium, both needed for healthy bones. Vitamin D can also help reduce inflammation and control infection.
Can Vitamin D lower the chances of respiratory infection?
Yes. Vitamin D has shown positive result in protecting respiratory infection. However, there is no research that shows that support the ‘42%’ claim.
According to a study done in 2017, Vitamin D supplements can significantly lower the risk of respiratory infections in people who have vitamin D deficiencies.
In another 2021 study, authored by Adrian Martineau, a professor of respiratory infection and immunity at Queen Mary University who also led the 2017 study, scientists found a smaller reduction of 8% associated with taking a vitamin D supplement.
The 2017 study indicated that Vitamin D supplements had a “strong protective effect” for those with vitamin D levels of less than 25 nanomoles per litre, which is the upper bound for vitamin D deficiency according to the U.K. Department of Health.
Even though Vitamin D can lower the risk, the 42% number can’t be applied to the general population. That finding applied only to those with vitamin D deficiency.
Therefore, even though vitamin D supplements can reduce the risk of respiratory infection, there is not enough data to state that it reduces the respiratory infection exactly by 42%. Hence, the claim is mostly false.
Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.
