Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin D (cholecalciferol)
For the health condition: Colds (prevention)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Vitamin D (cholecalciferol) has been studied for its potential role in preventing acute respiratory tract infections, including the common cold. The interest in vitamin D for cold prevention stems from its immunomodulatory effects: vitamin D receptors are present on various immune cells, and vitamin D is involved in promoting innate immune responses while modulating inflammation. Epidemiological studies have shown that people with lower vitamin D levels may have an increased susceptibility to respiratory infections.
Several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses have evaluated whether vitamin D supplementation reduces the risk of colds and other respiratory infections. A notable individual patient data meta-analysis published in the BMJ (2017) pooled data from 25 RCTs and found that vitamin D supplementation was associated with a modest reduction in the risk of acute respiratory tract infections, particularly among individuals with baseline vitamin D deficiency. However, the benefit appeared less pronounced or absent in those with sufficient baseline levels.
While results across studies are somewhat mixed, and the effect size is generally modest, there is scientific evidence—especially for people who are deficient in vitamin D—that supplementation can help reduce the incidence of respiratory infections, including colds. Current guidelines do not recommend universal vitamin D supplementation solely for cold prevention in the general population, but maintaining adequate vitamin D status is considered beneficial for overall immune health.
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Other ingredients used for Colds (prevention)
allspicealoe vera
green chiretta
anthocyanins
arabinogalactan
astragalus
waterhyssop
bamboo
basil
berry flavor
beta-pinene
Beta-Glucan
black cumin
black currant
black pepper
black tea
blackberry
bасора
camu camu
capsaicinoids
caterpillar mushroom
chamomile
chlorella
cinnamon
citrus bioflavonoids
citrus oil
citrus sinensis (proprietary)
clove
coconut milk
colostrum
turmeric
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
grape
greek mountain tea
onion
green tea
greens blend (proprietary)
Indian tinospora
honeysuckle
lactobacillus brevis
lemon
licorice root
lovage
marshmallow
moringa
mustard seed
nettle
spruce
orange
oregano
oregon grape
pear
phenolic acids
pineapple
plantain
pollen
pomegranate
pumpkin
quercetin
reishi mushroom
rhizome
rose hips
rosemary
sage
schizonepeta
scrophularia root
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
vegetable blend (proprietary)
vitamin C
vitamin D
seaweed
yeast
zinc
sarsaparilla
squawvine
tangerine
xanthium (cockleburs)
papaya
mugwort
nut grass
alpinia galangal
ferula assafoetida
pistacia integerrima gall
blackboard tree
peony
buckthorn
lemongrass
yerba santa
chrysanthemum
siler root
flowering quince
sweet flag
hyacinth bean
eucalyptus
menthol oil
aster root
goji berry
paw paw
algae
indigo leaves
cayenne pepper
Aralia
Avens
Apple Cider Vinegar
Agastache
Ardisia
acacia
Allicin
Abrus
Amomum
Asarum heterotropoides
Ajuga
Andrographolide
American Liverleaf
Asam gelugor
Andrographis
Asteracea
Allyl Sulfide
allyl isothiocyanate
Alliin
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
Arani
Atractylone
Black Seed
Bermuda Grass
Baikal Skullcap
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Blackthorn
Blepharis
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Bayleaf
Black galingale
Bitter Grass
Bael
berry
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Bioflavonoids
black salt
Bee products
Black Nightshade
Bassia scoparia
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Camellia sinensis
Coconut
Chinese Silkvine
Curry leaf
Cinnamomum
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Capillary Artemisia
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Capsaicin
Chinese Raisintree
Chlorophytum
Cowherb
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Cinnamaldehyde
Costus
Celosia
Currant
Dianthus
Dragonhead
Dodeca-2E, 4E, 8Z, 10Z/Etetraenoic Acid Isobutylamide
European Elder
Echinacea
Elder
Essential Oil Blend
European-Five Finger Grass
Fruit
Flavonoids
Flavoglycosides
Goldthread
Garlic
Mustard
Sandalwood
Sumac
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Vitamin D (cholecalciferol)
AnemiaArthritis
Asthma
Autoimmune Disorders
Backache
Calcium Deficiency
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cardiovascular Disease
Colds (prevention)
Convalescence
Dementia
Depression
Diabetes
Grave's Disease
Hair (loss or thinning)
Inflammation
Influenza
Lupus
Memory and Brain Function
Menopause
Migraine
Multiple Sclerosis
Osteoporosis
Parkinson's Disease
Post Partum Depression
Psoriasis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Tuberculosis
Wounds and Sores