Vitamin D and Immunity

Vitamin Toxicity and Vitamin Benefits

Vitamin d and immunity is perhaps an overlooked vitamin supplements advantage. Perhaps D vitamin gives protection against respiratory infections such as kennel cough in dogs.

In humans the sun light are very important in the vitamin d production. A scientist called Smiley, found a strong connection between sun exposure and the risk of respiratory infections in children.

He found that children deprived sufficient sun had three times the risk developing cough or a runny nose compared to the ones having plenty of light stimulation.

Many newer studies links calcidiol to the likelihood of developing respiratory infections.

Swine Flu

Now - in november of 2009 - many people are afraid of swine flu. One of the tips to get increased protection against influenza swine flu, is to increase intake of vitamin d. Such vitamin d intakes has been regarded as vitamin toxicity levels before.

But not to day.

Please remember this is in humans only. No studies performed on dogs yet.

But, vitamin d is important in dogs and do have the same functions as in humans so why not.

Vitamin D and Immunity - How it Works

Vitamin d is working mainly in two ways. First, vitamin d increases levels of proteins acting anti microbiological directly on the virus or bacteria.

These proteins named AMP (anti-microbiological proteins) is made by the immune cells and vitamin d increases this production. Other cells such as epithelial cells in the respiratory system can also make AMP.

This is important in the protection of the respiratory system. The anti microbiological proteins are placed directly beneath the layer of mucous on the mucosa membranes. Therefore AMP acts directly on the invader.

If a bacteria or virus tries to infect the body by passing the respiratory mucosa, the first hurdle is to pass the layer of mucous.

Next it has to pass the layer of anti microbiological proteins. Like a mine field.

Some of the immune cells have also AMP's inside them. Acting on the microbes "eaten" by these immune cells.

So, AMP is really used in different ways and probably in large amount under an "attack". The more of them the better and easy to see the importance of vitamin d.

Second, vitamin d can help to regulate the immune system. Regulate to minimize the risk of the immune system to damage to the body. Sometimes the protective reactions can become so intense that they almost are uncontrollable.

They do hurt the body. Some of these damaging molecules are called cytokines. A violent reaction of this kind is called "cytokine storm".

Example pneumonia which getting worse and worse despite proper treatment. Or perhaps a dog having kennel cough, but getting worse and develops pneumonia.

Vitamin D And Immunity in Dogs

The immune system in dogs are the same as in humans. The components of the systems are the same.

It would be very easy to suspect the same importance of sufficient vitamin d in the boost of immune system. I have not seen any proof of this yet.

That's why I haven't recommended any dosages of vitamin d. You absolutely have to discuss this with your regular veterinarian, before trying to boost the immune system giving large dosages of vitamin d.

Vitamin d level in dogs are mainly depended on the vitamin from dog food. So, properly it is mandatory to make sure you are using, or making dog food, having enough levels of vitamin d.

Perhaps this can give some protection from typical kennel cough which is a common respiratory infection in dogs or other infections.