What health risk is diminished by balanced nutrition including vitamin D?

Balanced nutrition, including adequate intake of vitamin D, plays a significant role in helping to enhance the immune system. Vitamin D is known to modulate the immune response, which can help reduce the risk of infections, including viral respiratory infections such as influenza.

Research shows that vitamin D deficiency is correlated with an increased susceptibility to respiratory infections. Sufficient levels of vitamin D may help the body fend off pathogens more effectively, thereby potentially decreasing the likelihood of contracting influenza.

While strong nutrition does have positive effects on other health risks such as cardiovascular disease, allergies, and anemia, the specific relationship between vitamin D and its impact on immune function makes it particularly relevant to the risk of influenza.