You people have to realize that the vitamin D3 is just one part of the puzzle. You have to maintain a nutritous, balanced diet with the Vitamin D3 plus a few other vitamins. I personally take Vit C, D3, Ginsana, plus a garlic with astragulus pill. And no I HAVE NOT gotten the flu in years. I used to be the type of person to get it at least once a year and would be down for at least a week. And to Brock, I have my doubts you wrote any thesis paper, your writing is horrible, with grammar like that you would never have passed. Your studies were probably as biased as any study done by the pharmacuetical companies. I have read, as well, many different studies and have come to the conclusion that making money, for the pharmacuetical companies, is more important than our health.

You must take Vit D3 , not just Vit D . My weight is 165lbs (75kg) so I round it off to 6000 iu of Vit D3 per day . Stay well .

I don't want to be a pessimist, but I think that we are stressing for nothing. All this stress is no good for us...and so on... and so on! If we are meant to die, we will, flu or not. I have meet quite a few healthy people whom have fallen ill with the H1N1, and guess what? They're alive and well! Why is it that we only hear about the few cases of death? We are turning into a society that fears everything... The best thing to do is breath in through the nose and breath out through the mouth, enjoy every second that you exist. Life is today, not tomorrow. We need to live in the now!!! By the way, to the nurse from the first post, all medical staff and people who come in contact with anyone with a weak immune system, it is important to get vaccinated to illiminate the risk of making those people sicker. I have met doctors & nurses who got the vaccine just because it was necissary for their work and not because they really feared the flu!!!

I'm a nurse working in a large hospital, and I don't know one physician who hasn't taken the H1N1 shot and that's very interesting. I also believe that our bodies should be able to fight all illness', but only if our body and immune systems are perfect, but they are not. There is no way a person doesn't have existing damage to their body from the imperfect lives we have all led. And then there is the ongoing damage to our body due to lifestyle/diet, stress, aging, polutants, etc...and don't forget genetics...so not everything is in our control. I will continue to use Herbs/vitamins to additionally to strengthen my body as they are so very important for maintaining health, and decreasing the risk and severity of what comes my way. I got the H1N1 shot last week.

This is to Michael M. You are right about not reporting facts may foster more ignorance. I don't want to get into a debate with the information you provided. You need to read primary resources not Linus Pauling's book nor websites. Websites can have interesting facts but most people do not spend the time reading the actual facts. Mega dosing of vit c has never been shown, (and yes there has been studies) to help the common cold. There may be a weak link toward certain cancer fighting abilities but the link is weak. Again I don't think you will take my word for it and that is fine. I have looked at all the information as well as my colleges and there has been no strong link between vit C and common cold, sorry. As your statements regarding vaccinations I know you are just getting your information for none scientific sources. Only one study has shown this link regarding autism but it was shown to be flaud. Why this keeps coming up as a myth of vaccinations I just don't get it. A metanaylsis of hundred of study's showed NO LINK between vaccinations and autism. Do you like tuna? Did you know a can of tuna contains more mercury then a vaccination. The mercury they do put in the shot is in a form that gets metabolized and exerted in your urine. Does not build up Not like the stuff in can tuna! . Where are you getting that a "flu shot is no better than a placebo"? I have never seen this one before. If that is true this is one of the biggest conspiracies I have ever seen. The governments of ever country are throwing away billions of dollars. From the studies I have seen 93-98% immunity with vaccination especially the seasonal flu shot. Michael, you need to research your information. I know you will come back with a hundred more example of why I am wrong but I have study this in detail during my masters and I always comments when I see people post information that is incorrect. Again you don't need to take my word for it. Please research this information for yourselves using primary resources. Anyone can write a book, anyone can create a website. Just remember that when you read.

I have been on vitamin D for the last two years and stil got the flu...go figure

I am a teacher and one who takes preventative measures daily to prevent the spread of flu. I have taken Vit D for a long period of time. It did not prevent me from getting the H1 N1. Don't think that there is a miracle cure out there. Keep doing the key things such as washing hands, keeping your hands away from the face- this is vital. I have taken the Tamiflu pills and they have helped. If you get the flu, be prepared to be out for a week. Don't go to work!!

Wait one minute how the heck, what country gets more sunshine than Mexico. Is that not where it first began. I'm tired of all the threats and scares. I live in Canada and by the time we to the general public that will be allowed the H1N1 Flu Shot, most of us will mostly likely have had it, die from it, or have it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Way to go... create more confusion for people.

The human body is amazing. If operating properly, the immune system has evolved to stop and eliminate any invader including cold and flu viruses. The problem is,in a toxic world, how many of us have taken the time to keep our body the way evolution intended. I can guarantee that most of us have an immune system operating at less than 50% capacity due to the processed food we eat, synthetic beverages we drink, the polluted air we breath, and the stress we experience everyday. Randomly taking supplements or vaccinations in an attempt to stay healthy during this health crisis is a misguided effort that does nothing to protect you for the next 'Pandemic'. In fact it only weakens your immune system.
There are No Magic Pills out there that are going to save your life. Try using common sense and develop a healthy lifestyle, and see the difference that will make. You'll not only feel better everyday, you won't have to worry about catching something tomorrow.

You naysayers have no clue what you're talking about. "I'll wait for studies proving it that aren't from the Vit. D council" There ARE tons of them that are not from the Vit. D council. Taking 100,000 units of vit. D doesn't mean it's being absorbed. If there are other problems in your physiology, many vitamins will not be absorbed. Vit. C? None of the studies saying it worked no better than a plecebo EVER used the right amount of C. Pauling used a minimum of 15,000 mg. a day - THAT works. The RDA for any supplement is hilariously below what you need for that supplement to do anything. The flu shot has ALSO been proven to be no better than a placebo. In fact, when it HAS been proven to work, the odds are about 1 in 4 that you'll avoid the flu. Wow - what a GREAT shot THAT is! And full of mercury, and basically screws up your immune system. Oh and causes autism and neurological disorders. Oh and opens you up even more to future flu viruses. Articels like this never work because they don't have enough information. By reporting "facts" without all the details, they only foster more ignorance.

I totally agree with the comments about Health Canada and the FDA being corrupt. It is all about making money for the drug companies and doctors. Doctors are trained to push pills not natural health and vitamins. For me personally, quiting smoking 10+ years ago, and adopting a heathy life style through excerising, eating heathy foods, keeping processed food to a minimal and incorporating vitamins everyday I don't get sick. Also I feel that individuals really have to take their health into their own hands and educate yourself about nutrition, and vitamins. I personally don't get any shots because I know how and what they are manufactured with and I don't want that in my body. Finally I take 2000 units of D3 every day all year round. Educate yourself people and find out what works for you. Chow

What is the largest organ that your body pocesses? Give up? Your skin. What vitamin, and the only one, does your skin produce? That's right vitamin D! Coincidence? I think not.

Recent graduate of Holistic Nutrition. There are many studies proving the benefits of vitamins, minerals & herbal supplementation. The majority of the population is deficient in nutritients due to the industrilization of food.The soil used to be much more abundant and so was the food, hence a lowered immunity to disease.Go organic!Invest in your Health.Speak to a Certified Holistic Nutritionist!

Get Vitamin D from wild cod liver oil, not synthetic, made in China, which is where most of our vitamins come from. Enjoy the sun when it's out. It's the best source. Prevents many illnesses but we only hear of the danger of skin cancer. I'm NEVER ill in the summer time.

C'mon folks! Why all the discussion and snips of various "studies" and reports from Quackters? If it is on the internet it must be true! Right? I'll go with the flu shot and advice from a medical professional. Stay well. k

Godd article.Straigh to the point.
I am passsing it on.

your body gets all of the necessary vitimin d from 15 minutes of exposure to sun daily. buying these suppliments is a waste of money. people arents commonly vitimin d defficient. might as well eat some vitimin c and take some amino acids too. get it together guys, eat a balanced diet and you gain all of the nutrients you need.

Many health professionals recommend Vitamin D3 for fighting H1N1. One doctor explained that the vitamin D3 works to create bio- active peptides that kill viruses on contact. Another alternative to vitamin D3 is found in a product made of two bio-active peptides that is like the energizer bunny. It stays active and keeps on working in many wonderful ways. http://www.MannaSachet.ca or http://www.mannasachet.ca/testimonials.html

I'll wait to see research that is NOT funded by the "Vitamin D" society or the company that manufactures it! I've worked for a pharmaceutical company and I know how they can adjust results to say whatever they want to increase their business.
Wiat for a neutral, genuinely researched study.

I agree with taking supplements and daily vitamins. But, I was just wondering how the H1N1 virus seems to have orginally come from Mexico where they get plenty of sunshine and therefore plenty of vitamin D? Or is it that the vitamin D deficient visitors from other countries acquired the virus and brought it home to infect the rest of us?

I can tell you from personal experience that this study is crap. I've been taking good-sized doses of vitamin D for over 5 years now, and I got the flu anyway. It came on very fast, and it feels AWFUL! In the space of 24 hours I went from thinking "Gee, I don't fell quite right" to "OMG, I think I'm going to die!"
DO YOURSELVES A FAVOUR, PEOPLE! GET YOUR FLU SHOT AS SOON AS YOU CAN!

I take 100,000 units of Vit D weekly and I still cane down with the flu.

Want to know your correct Vit D requirement....35 units per pound of weight. As per Mercola.com. Stay Healthy!

Exactly what my naturalpath has recommended! We've been taking vitamin D3 in drop form (1000IU), under the tongue, along with cystine. It boosts the immune response.

I am a big proponet of vitamins when taken for the right reason. Reading many people posts individuals take certain vitamins thinking it will do something that it won't. Take for example Vitamin C. There has been one study years ago by Dr. Pauling that showed the link between cold and Vit C. Since then there has been no scientific study that has been able to reproduce those results. If you read the original study it was flaud due to the very small sample size. Even to this day many people believe that Vit C helps for the common cold. It does not. 20 + studies have shown VitC is no better than a placebo. I believe this is one of the largest myths out there with Vit C. Don't take my word research it for yourself using primary references not the world wide web. Vit C is important for cellular repair and skin regeneration.

It's nice to see an article offering alternatives to this questionable vaccine. My family eats a well balanced diet, lots of organic produce, drinks plenty of water and take Vitamins C and D and eat nuts often as snacks (high in selenium, and linked to also preventing cancer) and we are rarely ill. There are also natural immune support and flu fighters out there like elderberry and muco coccinum. Talk to a naturopath or check in a health store. Glen below makes some great points, no regular MD will tell you about these alternatives.

Finally some truth, rather than the fear mongering about H1N1 (which is a mild flu, and kills far less people than the regular flu). Just make absolutely sure that you take D3! D2 is what your doctor prescribes (because it is artificial, and made by a drug company), and it is almost completely useless.

I will like to know if the body Illuminate the vitamins D Thank you

Health Canada is currupt and the FDA in the US is utterly corrupt Both organizations are in the pocket or under the influence of Big Harma, big Agri, and big Chem. This is proven by their actions and the actions and inaction of both the Liberal govt when in power and now the Harper government. Bills such as C6 and C52 have been passed to stifle the alternative medical industry and practitioners. Read Corrupt to the Core by Shopra and What part of No dont they Understand by Helke Ferrie

Natural supplements which assist the immune system would appear to be wise to consider for those concerned about H1N1, or regular flu attacks. The consumption of herbal & vitamin bio-supplemnts, and colostrum capsules have been recommended to this senior. So far not even a cold this fall.

This is a great article..this is exactly what my doctor has been saying to help fight the flu including HINI...good supplements with healthy nutrition is a good way to build your immune system. It is a great choice for those who do not wish to be vaccinated for every thing that comes along.

After all the postings about vaccinations, and how you should be vaccinated to prevent the "Swine flu." Finally an article that makes more sense than getting a vaccination.
Vitamins work. Vitamin C, Astragulus, Elderberry, Echinacea.

Since taking 1000IU of Vitamin D daily, I have not gotten any colds. Working in health care colds were a common occurence for me. I have been doing this for almost a year and feel great.

Another very good article, regarding my health and vitamins ...
Except the part about 'still confused? Talk to your doctor' ... Doctors are very limited in their knowledge of natural medicines, ie vitamins, minerals and supplements.
It is against the law by Health Canada for a vitamin manufacturer to make a claim for treatment of ANY disease or ailment, without a patent. BIG PHARMA can only do that ! ! ! You can't patent a "natural product" for treatment. No matter how proven it works.Leaving BIG PHARMA to rake in billions$ on synthetic drugs patents ...
Why would BIG PHARMA invest in universities to teach doctors about natural medicines.

I am 58 and live in Canada. I very rarely sit in the sun or drink milk. My doctor has me on 2000 units of vitamin D. Nice to think it may help prevent the flu as due to an egg allergy, I am unable to receive the immunization shot.