She says: “Many do not know about the relationship between this vitamin and immunity, even though its importance is very great. It is important for the formation of immunity, and thus plays an important role in protecting the body from respiratory diseases, tuberculosis, and even reducing the risk of autoimmune diseases. The vitamin is involved in the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines, which are important for developing the body’s response to local inflammation. “In addition, it stimulates the production and activity of natural killer cells, which are necessary to recognize and destroy infected cells in the body.”
Another important property of vitamin D is to support mental health. It is involved in maintaining the functioning of the nervous system, and a deficiency of the vitamin can lead to the development of depression and increased anxiety. Scientific studies have proven that people who have a normal level of it are 67 percent less likely to suffer from panic attacks and fear compared to those who suffer from its deficiency. Therefore, its level must be maintained, especially in the fall, which is considered the season of disease infections.
According to her, the body produces this vitamin under the influence of sunlight, and it can also be obtained from foods, but it turns out that exposure to sunlight does not always help compensate for the lack of the vitamin in the body because clothing and air pollution, especially in cities, prevent access to infrared rays.
The expert points out that half of the world’s population suffers from vitamin D deficiency. That is, this is a general problem. Therefore, one should not rely on the body’s production, but rather it should be obtained from foods, such as wild salmon, herring, canned fish, fish oil, cod liver, and in smaller quantities in cheese, egg yolks, and beef liver, as well as in nutritional supplements for this vitamin. Plant foods that are sources of vitamin D include mushrooms, seeds, nuts, and vegetables.
Source: Gazeta.Ru
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**Interview with Dr. Emma Reynolds: Unlocking the Secrets of Vitamins and Immunity**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Reynolds. You recently mentioned the critical role of certain vitamins in bolstering our immune system. Can you enlighten us about which vitamins are key players?
**Dr. Reynolds:** Absolutely! Vitamins such as Vitamin C, B6, and E are essential for maintaining a healthy immune system. They not only support the production of immune cells but also help in the formation of antibodies that protect our bodies from infections.
**Editor:** That’s fascinating! Can you explain how these vitamins specifically contribute to immune health?
**Dr. Reynolds:** Sure! For instance, Vitamin C is well-known for its role in fighting off colds. It promotes the production of white blood cells and has antioxidant properties that protect against cellular damage. Vitamin B6 is crucial for biochemical reactions in the immune system, while Vitamin E acts as a powerful antioxidant, helping to combat oxidative stress.
**Editor:** You also mentioned the importance of minerals like zinc and selenium. How do these contribute to our immunity?
**Dr. Reynolds:** Both zinc and selenium play a pivotal role in immunity. Zinc is vital for the normal development and function of immune cells, and a deficiency can lead to increased susceptibility to infections. Selenium, on the other hand, helps in the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines, which are crucial for managing our immune response.
**Editor:** It’s clear that these nutrients are essential for a robust immune system. Are there any dietary sources you would recommend for people looking to improve their intake?
**Dr. Reynolds:** Of course! For Vitamin C, citrus fruits, berries, and bell peppers are excellent choices. Good sources of Vitamin B6 include poultry, fish, and potatoes. For Vitamin E, nuts and seeds are fantastic. As for zinc, you can find it in meats, shellfish, legumes, and seeds, while Brazil nuts are a great source of selenium.
**Editor:** Thank you for these valuable insights, Dr. Reynolds. It’s important to remember that a balanced diet can significantly impact our immune health!
**Dr. Reynolds:** Exactly! By incorporating these vitamins and minerals into our diets, we can help our bodies defend against various infections and diseases.
**Editor:** Great advice! We appreciate your time and expertise today.
**Dr. Reynolds:** Thank you for having me!
