Amid the frantic world-wide search by scientists for a magic bullet – or at least a treatment – for the COVID-19 virus, a group of researchers in the UK has discovered that a ubiquitous vitamin supplement may be able to stem the spread of the coronavirus and reduce mortality rates…
Common high-Vitamin D foods: Eating more of these, and/or
taking daily Vitamin D supplements may help bolster
your system against the ravages of COVID-19.
Researchers at Anglia Ruskin University in East Anglia reasoned that, since previous studies reported an association between low levels of Vitamin D and increased susceptibility to acute respiratory tract infections, Vitamin D levels may play a role in the spread of COVID-19.
What they did
The team looked at Vitamin D levels in COVID-19 patients across 20 European countries. The COVID-19 virus is known to cause an excess of pro-inflammatory compounds by white blood cells, and Vitamin D is known to moderate the release of those compounds.
What they found
The main finding from the survey was the discovery of a definite relationship between the nutrient and the level of both coronavirus-related cases and deaths.
For example, in Italy and Spain have suffered high COVID-19 case counts and mortality rates and both countries have lower Vitamin D levels than most Northern European countries.
Meanwhile, the highest levels of Vitamin D in Europe were found in the Scandinavian countries, where they consume Cod Liver Oil and an array of Fatty Fish dishes, all good sources of Vitamin D. Those countries also had the lowest COVID-19 case numbers and mortality rates.
The takeaway
“Vitamin D has been shown to protect against acute respiratory infections, and older adults, the group most deficient in vitamin D, are also the ones most seriously affected by COVID-19,” said team member Dr. Lee Smith. But he also cautioned that even a strong correlation such as the Anglia Ruskin team found does not necessarily equate to causation.
“A previous study found that 75 percent of people in institutions, such as hospitals and care homes, were severely deficient in vitamin D. We suggest it would be advisable to perform dedicated studies looking at vitamin D levels in COVID-19 patients with different degrees of disease severity.”
My take
For years, I’ve been taking 2,000 mg of supplementary Vitamin D a day under orders from my family doctor. And I can report that I’ve been pretty much free from respiratory illnesses. Dr. Jacquie also points out that, the older I get, the more important that becomes.
It’s my hope that further research will be made into the effects of Vitamin D on COVID-19. That such a simple treatment with a widely-available vitamin supplement could help reduce coronavirus case counts and mortality – and bring this horrific pandemic to an earlier conclusion.
~ Maggie J.