Sunlight to fight colds, flu

2007-04-16 08:42

Fanie van Rooyen

London - It seems the best way to protect yourself against colds and flu this winter is to lie in the sun.

New research shows that vitamin D, not vitamin C, provides the most efficient protection against cold and flu viruses.

Vitamin D is created by the action of sunlight on the skin.

The US-based research is reported on the website of the British newspaper The Independent (www.independent.co.uk).

Researchers at a New York university, who published their findings in the journal Epidemiology and Infection, say vitamin D stimulates "innate immunity" by activating peptides in the body that attack bacteria, fungi and viruses.

Vitamin D has been described as "the wonder vitamin" after a 40-year review of research found a daily dose could halve the risk of breast and colon cancer. It also plays a vital role in preventing heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and schizophrenia as well as being essential for bone health.

In the study, doses of Vitamin D were given to 208 women over a period of three years, in a controlled trial. Half the women were given placebos.

Those who were given the vitamins reported a 70% reduction in colds and flu.

Apparently it only takes 20 minutes in the sun, with the hands, arms and face exposed, to get a healthy dose of Vitamin D.

- Beeld