Can vitamin D lower your risk of Covid-19?

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  • 01/03/2021
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Covid -19 is a major pandemic. To date, there is no cure or treatment for the virus. 80-85% of patients experience mild or no symptoms, while the remainder develops the severe disease. The treatment of COVID-19 depends on enhancing the immunity level of patients, treating the symptoms, and easing complications. Emerging data suggest that vitamin-D deficiency may play an essential role in the severity of COVID-19 infection.

Vitamin D

It is a fat-soluble vitamin that has a crucial role in enhancing the function of immune cells and protecting the body against pathogens. Previous research showed the benefit of vitamins supplement in preventing respiratory tract infections by keeping your immune system healthy. (1,2,3)

Vitamin D supplements have also been shown to reduce mortality in older adults, who are most at risk for developing respiratory illnesses like COVID-19. (4)

With all that being said, it is a good idea to have your family doctor test your levels to determine whether you have a deficiency.

A daily supplement with 1,000–4,000 IU of vitamin D is usually adequate for most people. However, those with low blood levels will require higher doses to achieve a level within the optimal range. Most experts approve that optimal vitamin levels lie between 30–60 ng/mL (75–150 nmol/L).

Keep in mind that there’s no scientific evidence that taking supplemental vitamin D will protect you from developing COVID-19. Nevertheless, being deficient in vitamins may increase your susceptibility to infections.

I would still emphasize the importance of social distancing and hand hygiene as preventive measures to protect you from developing the disease.

Hoping you and your loved ones are safe

  1. Bergman P, Lindh ÅU, Björkhem-Bergman L, LindhJD. Vitamin D and respiratory tract infections: a systematic review andmeta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. PLoS one. 2013;8(6):e65835.

2. Charan J, Goyal JP, Saxena D, Yadav P. VitaminD for prevention of respiratory tract infections: a systematic review andmeta-analysis. Journal of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapeutics. 2012;3(4):300-303.

3. Martineau AR, Jolliffe DA, Hooper RL, GreenbergL, Aloia JF, Bergman P, et al. Vitamin D supplementation to prevent acuterespiratory tract infections: systematic review and meta-analysis of individualparticipant data. BMJ. 2017;356:i6583.4. Bjelakovic G, Gluud LL, Nikolova D, et al.Vitamin D supplementation for prevention of mortality in adults. CochraneDatabase Syst Rev. 2014;(1):CD007470. Published 2014 Jan 10.doi:10.1002/14651858.CD007470.pub3

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