Since I began taking D3 at 2000 iu per day, respiratory problems and sinus drainage have disappeared. I have not had a cold in three years.
Aside, The medical group where my Dr practices began selling D3 and other common supplements labeled in it’s own name. They are in effect competing with Walgreen and Walmart. They have determined that D3 and fish oil have benefits that should be made available easily and cheaply to their patients.
As far as fish oil goes, there are some interesting twists and turns.
Omega-3 is the desired active ingredient, in that it has anti-inflammatory properties and raises the good cholesterol. Omega-6, which is much more common, mostly in other meats, actually has a slight inflammatory effect, but some supplements are adding it to fish oil, which is counterproductive, since we already get enough. Ideally in the body, there should be an overall balance between the two factors. (There is also an Omega-9, but it is of small consequence either way.)
However, it doesn’t stop there. Omega-3 has been analyzed further, and discovered to have two components, EPA and DHA. The EPA seems to do little, and it is the DHA that is the main, active ingredient for Omega-3’s positive effects.
And now, *just* DHA is being sold over the counter. (Walmart probably has it for the best price). Importantly, do not confuse DHA with a different supplement called DHEA, as they are two entirely different things.
But it is too new to evaluate how effective DHA is in the absence of EPA, yet the assumption is that a little DHA could be worth as much as a lot of fish oil.
Another aside. For those who are taking statin drugs, such as Lipitor and Crestor, it is critical that they also take a supplement of Coenzyme Q-10, as statin drugs also strongly reduce the natural production of Co-Q10. And while Co-Q10 is ubiquitous in the body, hardly noticeable if you have enough, if you *do not* have enough, it can be extremely bad for your health. Often starting with the heart.