There’s no denying the ‘D’ in Covid-19. New studies have shown there's a link between vitamin
D and rapid recovery from the disease. It may seem like stocking up on the sunshine vitamin
warrants a free pass from catching and fighting against SARS-CoV-2. But before you rush to
hoard vitamin D supplements like toilet paper, experts warn Covid is stealthy in its attack, and
isn’t your everyday respiratory virus that can be easily triumphed.
From regulating immune responses to controlling inflammation, experts have hailed the benefits
of vitamin D, long before the Covid-19 connection.
Currently, an increasing body of evidence supports the benefits with respect to the virus. It has
been found that having sufficient levels of vitamin D improves how the immune system handles
the disease.
Vitamin D toughens our immune system to fight infections. Its inflammatory powers include
regulating immune responses to ward off acute inflammation from our bodies. Critical for
maintaining bone and muscle health, as well as preventing cancers, type 2 diabetes, the vitamin
provides ample benefits for sustaining life.
Several reports suggest that a lack of the fat soluble vitamin causes increased vulnerability to
catching the virus, weakening an individual's ability to recover from Covid-19.
A study published in the Irish Medical Journal reveals countries with high mortality rates from
Covid-19, such as the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, had patients with low vitamin D levels. The
report claims countries such as Finland, Norway, Denmark, Sweden and Finland had higher
vitamin D levels in patients, correlating with reduced Covid-19 outcomes.
Acute inflammation has been a common theme in severe COVID-19 cases. At this point,
researchers have observed a correlation between low vitamin D levels and poor outcome in
fighting the virus.
Reports suggest individuals with low levels of Vitamin D experience more severe symptoms
from the respiratory virus. Patients are also more likely to be admitted to ICU and are 12 times
more likely to face death.
However a report from the journal of BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health reveals vitamin D is not
a ‘magic bullet’ for reducing the impact of the disease.
The study states this link requires further examination. It found insufficient evidence of high
vitamin D levels in the treatment and prevention of the virus, as there are many biological and
environmental variables to consider with positive Covid-19 outcomes.
It also noted that disparities within healthcare and government systems within different countries
impact a nation’s ability to halt the spread.
Vitamin D can’t produce the same effect as social distancing, disinfection and vaccine. Rather,
the vitamin defends the immune system, increasing the likelihood of positive Covid-19
outcomes.
The daily recommendation of vitamin D is 800 IU. Sound nutrition and awareness of wellbeing
promote stronger biological and physiological systems, and processes, enabling humans to
better resist infections.
In light of the pandemic, there is sure to be sunlight at the end of this long and dark road to
global recovery. There’s no better time than now to boost our immunity.
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