Vitamin D’s powerful immune boosting characteristics may make it more important than vitamin C in helping counter colds and flu.

Research shows that supplementing with vitamin D may cut flu risk by up to 42 percent. Studies also show that vitamin D is as important as vitamin C, if not more, for strengthening the immune system to fight flu and pneumonia. Vitamin D’s popularity has soared and it now outsells all other supplements in the US, including multivitamins.

In an article headlined “Will D Be the New C”, renowned US author, doctor and coach, Dr Phil Maffetone reports that a review of 72 studies found no significant effect of vitamin C supplementation on the incidents of colds. But, he noted that vitamin C found in vegetables and fruits is vital for improving immunity.

Maffetone notes that while vitamin D is important for bones, “this does not come close to its powerful impact on health and fitness…. vitamin D deficiency is implicated in cancer…, heart disease, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, autism and…infections like common cold and flu.”

In SA, where Dis-Chem Pharmacies is set to launch the first vitamin D awareness month in August, studies show one in five SA children is vitamin D deficient despite exposure to sunlight. Another study shows that vitamin D deficiency affects two in three South Africans. Deficiency is common because at least 20 minutes of full body sun exposure is required a day and limited vitamin D can be sourced from food, making supplementation a popular alternative.

Vitamin D oral sprays have proven to have up to a 228% higher blood reading compared to tablets. A study by Cardiff University found that BetterYou DLux oral sprays guaranteed a dramatically better nutritional dosage than tablets, capsules or drops due to quick absorption via the rich system of arteries in the inner cheek and under the tongue.

Pharmacist, complementary medicines expert and life coach Giulia Criscuolo says science shows that supplementing with vitamin D may help avoid infections including colds and flu. She suggests the following to boost the immune system and help treat colds and flu naturally:

• Wash hands regularly to help prevent spread of germs.
• When sick, drink lots of fluids, keep warm and keep the atmosphere moist – use a humidifier
• Avoid cigarettes or alcohol as they undermine and impair the immune system.
• Try BetterYou DLux Vitamin D Oral Spray to help boost immunity.
• Follow a nutritious diet with lots of fruit and vegetables and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
• Cut down on sugar and processed foods.
• If you have flu, stay home and rest to avoid spreading the virus.
• Get enough sleep and manage stress
• If symptoms persist, speak to a pharmacist or doctor.

BetterYou DLux Vitamin D Oral Spray is available nationally at leading health stores, pharmacies and Dis-Chem. It is suitable for vegetarians, vegans and is safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. DLux has teamed up with Dis-Chem to host SA’s first vitamin D awareness month to highlight this global pandemic. Visit Dis-Chem Pharmacies Facebook page for more, including a chance to win a trip for two to sunny Mauritius.