Is Vitamin D Your Secret Weapon in The Fight Against Covid-19?

Whenever an occurrence as huge as the recent pandemic grapples the world, there’s a lot said and done. Research is carried out, papers are published, and many unfounded claims float around fueled by generic fear. 

We do hope, though, that what we’re going to talk about now isn’t an unfounded claim.

Polina Tankilevitch/Pexels | There have been multiple claims about the efficacy of Vitamin D in fighting off the pandemic-virus, but how true are these claims?

You must have heard or read on the internet that getting enough vitamin D could protect you from the deadly infection that’s rattling the world. But is it really true? According to studies that have closely looked at the impact of vitamin D on the virus, people with Vitamin D deficiency are more likely to test positive than people who have adequate levels of the nutrient.

Researchers have also found that people with vitamin D deficiency experience acute respiratory failure once they contract the infection, and they have a very high risk of mortality. 

Digging deeper

Vitamin D scarcity is quite common in the US, especially among Hispanic and Black people. Though unfortunate, this is actually true since, according to records, these two groups have been the worst affected by the virus. Additionally, older people, individuals suffering from chronic diseases (hypertension, high blood pressure, diabetes, etc.) and who have a BMI of 30 or more are prone to Vitamin D scarcity. 

But if you have a vitamin D deficiency, what we’ve said so far shouldn’t send alarm bells ringing for you. Vitamin D supplements can be a great option for you. Though there are no solid results of how useful these supplements can be, you certainly can get benefits from adding these supplements to your diet. 

Martin Lopez/Pexels | There’s quite a lot of scientific evidence that suggests that people with a Vitamin D deficiency are more prone to catching the infection

Let’s hear what scientists have to say

It’s no surprise that scientists are keen on studying vitamin D as a treatment tool for this virus. There’s much evidence available to show that the vitamin helps in improving and aiding various body functions.

Adrian Martineau, Professor of Respiratory Infection & Immunity at QMU London states that vitamin D is important for bone health. In addition, he states that the nutrient improves our immune system and helps fight inflammation by contributing to cell growth. 

Other experts second those claims saying that vitamin D supports the ability of the immune system to produce a range of antiviral responses and the production of antimicrobial peptides constructed by white blood cells. 

Supplementation and prevention from the flu

As already mentioned, there are no strong shreds of evidence regarding the role of vitamin D in preventing the flu, which is a major symptom of the novel virus. But a meta-analysis of various studies proves that vitamin D supplements are highly effective in preventing flu and infections. 

Karolina Grabowska/Pexels | While a direct cause-effect relationship hasn’t been established, it has been confirmed that vitamin D supplements can help boost immunity in deficient people

Some groups of people can benefit from vitamin D supplementation, like individuals with chronic health conditions, patients with lung diseases, and people older than age 60. With proper consultation regarding dosage, such people can definitely include vitamin D supplements in their diet. 

Bottom line

Vitamin D supplements are absolutely safe when taken in prescribed and considerable amounts. However, make sure you consult a physician before taking any supplements since everybody is different and has different nutrient needs.