A recent study reported in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition investigated the effect of vitamin D supplementation in preventing influenza A in schoolchildren compared to a placebo. A total of 430 schoolchildren with an average age of 10.2 were randomly assigned to be part of the treatment group or the control group. The treatment group was given three 200 IU vitamin D supplements twice a day, for a total of 1,200 IU of vitamin D per day from December 2008 to March 2009. The placebo group was given identical-looking tablets and also instructed to take 3 tablets twice daily.

After the four month trial, 18.6 % of the children receiving the placebo experienced cases of influenza A, compared to 10.8 % of children taking vitamin D supplements. Another exciting finding in the study was the reduction of asthma attacks in the vitamin D group. For those children who had a previous history of asthma attacks, 12 attacks occurred in children in the placebo group compared to 2 children in the vitamin D supplementation group. It is believed that vitamin D supplementation in children is safe for doses ranging from 200 IU to 2000 IU, and no adverse events were experienced throughout the course of this study.

Carlson Laboratories offers a full line of nutritional supplements and fish oil products, including Ddrops. Baby Ddrops and Carlson for Kids Ddrops are available in 400 IU strengths. Carlson Ddrops are also available in 1,000 IU and 2,000 IU strengths for adults. Ddrops are taste-free, odorless drops that are easily taken with any food or beverage.

About Carlson Laboratories

Carlson Laboratories has been supplying high quality vitamins and other nutritional supplements for 45 years. Our award-winning fish oil products are renowned for their purity and great taste. Call us today for more information @ 1-888-234-5656, or visit your local natural foods store. J.R. Carlson Laboratories, Inc., 15 College Drive, Arlington Heights, IL 60004. http://www.carlsonlabs.com.