Influence of Vitamin D Supplementation by Simulated Sunlight or Oral D3 on Respiratory Infection during Military Training

Purpose This study aimed to determine the relationship between vitamin D status and upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) of physically active men and women across seasons (study 1) and then to investigate the effects on URTI and mucosal immunity of achieving vitamin D sufficiency (25(OH)D >= 50 nmol center dot L-1) by a unique comparison of safe, simulated sunlight or oral D-3 supplementation in winter (study 2). Methods In study 1, 1644 military recruits were observed across basic military training. In study 2, a randomized controlled trial, 250 men undertaking military training received placebo, simulated sunlight (1.3x standard erythemal dose, three times per week for 4 wk and then once per week for 8 wk), or oral vitamin D-3 (1000 IU center dot d(-1) for 4 wk and then 400 IU center dot d(-1) for 8 wk). URTI was diagnosed by a physician (study 1) and by using the Jackson common cold questionnaire (study 2). Serum 25(OH)D, salivary secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA), and cathelicidin were assessed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry LC-MS/MS and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results In study 1, only 21% of recruits were vitamin D sufficient during winter. Vitamin D-sufficient recruits were 40% less likely to suffer URTI than recruits with 25(OH)D <50 nmol center dot L-1 (OR = 0.6, 95% confidence interval = 0.4-0.9), an association that remained after accounting for sex and smoking. Each URTI caused, on average, three missed training days. In study 2, vitamin D supplementation strategies were similarly effective to achieve vitamin D sufficiency in almost all (>= 95%). Compared with placebo, vitamin D supplementation reduced the severity of peak URTI symptoms by 15% and days with URTI by 36% (P < 0.05). These reductions were similar with both vitamin D strategies (P > 0.05). Supplementation did not affect salivary secretory immunoglobulin A or cathelicidin. Conclusion Vitamin D sufficiency reduced the URTI burden during military training.

Automated summary

The results of two studies suggest that vitamin D sufficiency can reduce the risk of upper respiratory tract infections during military training. Vitamin D supplementation strategies have similar effects in increasing vitamin D levels, significantly reducing the severity of respiratory infection symptoms and days with colds.