A new study suggests people who have a vitamin D deficiency may increase their risk of developing the common cold or getting the flu.

Researchers from two institutions and two Boston hospitals have conducted a large-scale study examining the association between the vitamin and respiratory infections and determined people with a vitamin D deficiency were more susceptible to getting sick.

The report appears in the February 23rd issue of Archives of Internal Medicine.

"Individuals with common lung diseases, such as asthma or emphysema, may be particularly susceptible to respiratory infections from vitamin D deficiency," said Dr. Adit Ginde, lead author of the study.

For the study, researchers analyzed data from the Third National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey and interviewed participants in their homes about their health and nutrition. The team also examined the vitamin D status of approximately 19,000 adults and adolescents who participated in the survey.

People with the lowest vitamin D blood levels were 40 percent more likely to report having a recent respiratory infection when compared to those with higher levels.

More clinical trials need to confirm the results of the study before vitamin D can be recommended to prevent the flu, according to researchers.