77 % of American adults are deficient in vitamin D, making them 24 to 36 % more likely to catch colds than those with higher concentrations of the vitamin, according to a recent study from the University of Colorado School of Medicine in Aurora. “Without adequate levels of vitamin D, immune cells produce fewer antibacterial proteins and are less efficient at killing viruses and bacteria,” says study author Adit Ginde, MD. Yikes!
So where is all the vitamin D hiding? Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, and sardines) is one the best sources of D; a 3.5 ounce serving of salmon provides nearly 90% of your recommended daily value! You can also get a good amount from fortified milk, yogurt and cereals, or by taking a daily supplement. Research has also shown that people who consume probiotics regularly – like those found in yogurt – are less likely to suffer from upper respiratory tract infections. So if you want to stay sniffle-free this winter season, make sure you’re getting plenty of D whether it’s from fish, a fortified food, or daily supplement, and try to eat at least one serving of probiotic-rich yogurt daily!