How Vitamin D May Help Protect Against the Coronavirus (COVID-19)

“We believe, that we can advise Vitamin D supplementation to protect against SARS-CoV2 infection.”

Vitamin D plays many critical roles in our health, including:

• Supports immune system health

• May reduce risk of the seasonal flu

• Supports respiratory health

• Regulates insulin levels and supports the management of diabetes

• Supports lung function and cardiovascular health

• May help prevent the development of eczema, asthma, and other allergic diseases in children

• Promotes absorption of calcium

• Builds and maintains healthy teeth and bones

• Influences the expression of genes involved in the development of cancer

• May reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety

• May promote healthy pregnancy and delivery

• Supports brain and nervous system health

• May naturally boost testosterone

• May help improve energy and athletic performance

• May help support restful sleep

• May suppress appetite and boost weight loss

If that wasn’t reason enough to make sure you are getting adequate levels, emerging research has found a relationship between the severity of symptoms and mortality rates of coronavirus and vitamin D.

Countries lacking sufficient sunlight for adequate vitamin D levels and countries with widespread vitamin D deficiency in general are seeing higher mortality rates due to the coronavirus (COVID-19). Furthermore, in a scientific review of more than 11,000 people from 14 countries, researchers found that adequate vitamin D levels was associated with at least a 12% decrease in risk of acute respiratory infection related to COVID-19. This comes as no surprise given the impact vitamin D has on immune and respiratory functioning, as well as overall health.

It is important to note that it becomes more difficult for the human body to synthesize vitamin D as we age. This can be made even more difficult when coupled with obesity, poor diet, irritable bowel syndrome, and/or insufficient sun exposure. If you think you might be deficient, you can get your vitamin D levels checked by your doctor.

Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency include:

• Getting sick often

• Low bone density

• Hair loss

• Depression

• Feeling tired or fatigue

• Back, bone, and/or muscle pain

• Impaired wound healing

Thankfully, there are many ways you can boost vitamin D naturally, including:

• Exposure to Sunlight

• Cod Liver Oil (also contains Vitamin A & Omega 3 fatty-acids)

• Salmon

• Trout

• Sardines

• Herring

• Beef Liver

• Egg Yolks

• Cow’s Milk

• Canned Tuna

• Mushrooms (Wild or Treated with UV Light)

• High Quality Supplementation

Always follow recommended dosing, and consult with a physician or nutritionist.

*Visit the NIH website for recommended daily intake of vitamin D based on age, gender, and other factors: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-HealthProfessional/

References:

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/apt.15777

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vitamin-d-coronavirus#does-it-protect-against-covid-19

https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-21211/v1

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