Role of Fat-Soluble Vitamins A and D in the Pathogenesis of Influenza: A New Perspective

Hi Dr. Fitzgerald,

Thank you so very much for this article on vitamin A and D in regards to flighting influenza. This discussion of the need for the ratio of vitamin D to be greater than vitamin A for effective influenza tx/prophylaxis (and SARS in this hypothesis) causes me to recall your interview with Dr. Hillary Andrews discussing nutritional protocols, specifically vitamin A for pre and post vaccination (WHO dosing 200,000IUs of vitamin A to prevent secondary infections of pneumonia and side effect of diarrhea from MMR) but also using vitamin A (100,000IUs with various dosing amounts either in a one time bolus or smaller daily amounts depending upon the patient) for prevention, acute treatment, and post-infection, of colds/flus. And re-dosing the vitamin A because of the significant drop in Vitamin A levels post viral/bacterial infection. At the moment, I’m not sure how to integrate that clinical evidence of using high doses of vitamin A effectively in those scenarios with the need for vitamin D3 to be greater in ratio. A seeming conundrum. Any thoughts on this? Especially if dosing vitamin A short term with drops could significantly impact the prevention as well as the acute treatment and post treatment of corona virus infection. I recall Dr. Andrews punctuating the use of Vitamin A drops because of its immediate impact on the mucosa membranes to create a barrier to pathogens. I truly appreciate and value all that you and your staff do and your generosity of educating other clinicians like myself and the public. It is a powerful service to the global community. Kindest regards, Larry. PS: I have some extra time, sort of, on my hands, because my face to face clinic is closed for now till the virus is tamed.