Vitamin D Protect Against COVID-19
![COVID-19 or coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It manifests as mild to moderate respiratory illness in most people who may not require any special treatment.](https://images.medicinenet.com/images/article/main_image/vitamin-d-test.jpg?output-quality=75)
COVID-19 or coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It manifests as mild to moderate respiratory illness in most people who may not require any special treatment. Certain high-risk groups, such as older people and people with underlying health conditions (chronic respiratory diseases, diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular diseases), are more likely to get seriously ill.
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected people in huge numbers in the world. Researchers are working tirelessly to find preventive and curative options for the disease. Several medications, supplements and lifestyle changes are being proposed to prevent or treat COVID-19. One such preventive agent is vitamin D.
Vitamin D or “calciferol” is a type of fat-soluble vitamin. It is naturally present in certain foods, such as fatty fish, beef, cheese, egg yolk and mushroom. It is added to certain foods (vitamin D fortified foods) and is available as a dietary supplement. Vitamin D can also be formed in the body when the skin is exposed to the ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight.
Studies suggest that vitamin D may help protect against COVID-19. The protective effects of vitamin D could be
- Reduced risk of COVID-19 infection.
- Reduced risk of developing serious symptoms of COVID-19.
- Faster recovery from COVID-19.
A study showed that vitamin D supplements when given in higher doses may help prevent COVID-19 infection, especially in African Americans. Research suggests that a serum vitamin D level of 30 ng/mL may lower the risk of COVID-19 infections. Most of the findings suggest that the protective effect was observed when the serum vitamin D levels were more than what is generally considered sufficient.
To explain the reason for the possible protective effects of vitamin D against COVID-19 infection, one must know the role of vitamin D in the body. Apart from maintaining bone, teeth and muscle health, vitamin D plays a big role in boosting immunity. Low levels of vitamin D may put people at risk of several infections, particularly respiratory infections, such as COVID-19. A study reports that people who took vitamin D supplements had a lower risk of getting acute respiratory infections.
There are two major ways through which vitamin D is believed to protect against COVID-19 infection:
- It enhances or boosts immunity against various pathogens (virus and bacteria). Thus, the body gets prepared to fight the invading pathogen.
- It calms down the pulmonary inflammatory responses. This means it reduces the likelihood of exaggerated inflammation in the lungs. This protects against serious symptoms.
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, which means that excess of this vitamin can build up to toxic levels in the body. Thus, do not take the supplements without consulting a doctor. A person can naturally get vitamin D by sitting in the sun for 5 to 10 minutes on some or most days of the week. Keep your arms, legs or back exposed without applying sunscreen when sitting in the sun. If there is a skin condition, ask the doctor before exposing the skin to the sun. Have enough vitamin D-rich foods, such as fatty fish (tuna and salmon), egg yolk, cheese or vitamin D fortified foods, such as certain dairy products, soy milk and cereals. Adults who are aged 70 years of age or younger need 600 international units (UI) of vitamin D each day through their diet. People over 70 have a recommended dietary dose of vitamin D is 800 IU each day. Supplements containing 1000-2000 IU of vitamin D can be safely taken each day by most people. There are weekly vitamin D supplements available as well that can be taken after consulting the physician. Intake of vitamin D above 4000 IU per day is generally considered harmful.
Although research goes in favor of vitamin D as a protective substance against COVID-19, the role of social distancing, wearing masks properly and practicing respiratory hygiene can never be undermined. Get vaccinated if eligible. If tested positive for COVID-19, contact a health care provider rather than self-medicating.
Hughes DA, Norton R. Vitamin D and Respiratory Health. Clin Exp Immunol. 2009;158(1):20-25. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2759054/
Top Does Vitamin D Protect Against COVID-19? Related Articles
Can COVID-19 Vaccine Affect Fertility?
The COVID-19 vaccine does not affect fertility.Common Medical Abbreviations & Terms
Doctors, pharmacists, and other health-care professionals use abbreviations, acronyms, and other terminology for instructions and information in regard to a patient's health condition, prescription drugs they are to take, or medical procedures that have been ordered. There is no approved this list of common medical abbreviations, acronyms, and terminology used by doctors and other health- care professionals. You can use this list of medical abbreviations and acronyms written by our doctors the next time you can't understand what is on your prescription package, blood test results, or medical procedure orders. Examples include:
- ANED: Alive no evidence of disease. The patient arrived in the ER alive with no evidence of disease.
- ARF: Acute renal (kidney) failure
- cap: Capsule.
- CPAP: Continuous positive airway pressure. A treatment for sleep apnea.
- DJD: Degenerative joint disease. Another term for osteoarthritis.
- DM: Diabetes mellitus. Type 1 and type 2 diabetes
- HA: Headache
- IBD: Inflammatory bowel disease. A name for two disorders of the gastrointestinal (BI) tract, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
- JT: Joint
- N/V: Nausea or vomiting.
- p.o.: By mouth. From the Latin terminology per os.
- q.i.d.: Four times daily. As in taking a medicine four times daily.
- RA: Rheumatoid arthritis
- SOB: Shortness of breath.
- T: Temperature. Temperature is recorded as part of the physical examination. It is one of the "vital signs."
Coronavirus: How COVID-19 Affects Your Body
By now, everyone knows about COVID-19. But do you know how it can affect your body?COVID-19 (Coronavirus): Mask Mistakes You're Making Now
You're wearing your mask every time you leave home. But could you be making simple mistakes that make your mask less effective? Find out the most common errors that can leave you unprotected and simple ways to fix them.What is Herd Immunity, and How Does It Help to Protect the Population from COVID-19?
Herd immunity means that the entire population is better protected against a particular disease. Herd immunity is possible with COVID-19, but the virus is likely to linger for several more years with breakthrough infections.How Do I Know If I Am Getting Enough Vitamin D?
Vitamin D is an important nutrient that helps your body function properly. The best way to find out if you are getting enough vitamin D through your lifestyle and diet is to take the 25-hydroxy vitamin D blood test.How Do You Know if You're Getting Enough Vitamin D?
Vitamin D is an important hormone in your body that helps you regulate your calcium and phosphorus balance and bone density. The best way to know if you’re getting enough vitamin D is if you get the recommended amount in your diet.ivermectin
Ivermectin is an antiworm (anthelmintic) medication used to treat intestinal strongyloidiasis and river blindness (onchocerciasis), types of diseases caused by parasitic roundworm (nematode) infestations. The FDA has not authorized or approved ivermectin for the treatment or prevention of COVID-19. Common side effects of ivermectin include itching, rash, hives (urticaria), skin (swelling) edema, fever, joint pain (arthralgia), inflammation of the synovial membrane on joints (synovitis), enlargement and tenderness of lymph nodes, and eye inflammation. Avoid use or use with caution if pregnant or breastfeeding.Paxlovid
Paxlovid is a prescription antiviral medicine used to treat the symptoms of COVID-19 with emergency use authorization (EUA). The most common side effects of Paxlovid include diarrhea, myalgia, altered sense of taste, and high blood pressure. Serious side effects of Paxlovid include hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat; severe dizziness, and abnormal lab test results. Consult your doctor if pregnant or breastfeeding.How Should I Prepare My Kids That Are Going Back to School During COVID-19?
As you start preparing your kids for back to school during COVID-19, there are some ways like wearing a mask and handwashing that can help keep them safe and healthy.Should You Take the COVID-19 Vaccine if You Are Trying to Get Pregnant?
The COVID-19 vaccine is still being offered to women who are pregnant or are trying to get pregnant. Current information says that there is no reason not to get vaccinated if you are pregnant or are trying to get pregnant.vitamin A
Vitamin A is a supplement used to prevent and treat vitamin A deficiency. Vitamin A supports growth and bone development, vision, reproduction, and the development and maintenance of skin tissue. It may also improve the function of the immune system and prevent some cancers. Common side effects of vitamin A supplements include sticky skin, inflammation of the lips, acne, and facial dermatitis. Vitamin A is generally considered safe to consume during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.Is It Better to Take Vitamins in the Morning or Night?
Doctors recommend multivitamins for certain vitamin deficiencies. If you're taking a vitamin supplement for any type of vitamin deficiency, you should try to take it at a time when your body can best absorb it.What Is a Good Family Multivitamin?
When looking for a good multivitamin for your family, consider one that has the following nutrients: vitamin D, Folate, Vitamin B-12Calcium, Iron, Zinc, and Magnesium.What Is the Best Vitamin Supplement to Take?
Dietary supplements are a general term that includes vitamins, minerals, botanicals, probiotics and other products to supplement the diet. The best vitamin supplement differs from person to person depending on their gender, age and any health conditions they have.What Should a Pregnant Woman Do If She Has COVID-19?
COVID-19 is a disease caused by a coronavirus. If you are pregnant and you think you have COVID-19, get professional medical help as soon as possible to reduce the risk of medical complications.COVID-19 (Coronavirus, 2019-nCoV)
Infection with COVID-19 (2019 novel coronavirus, 2019-nCoV) causes respiratory problems in humans. Transmission of COVID-19 occurs mainly through contact with respiratory sections from an infected person, however, fecal contamination may also spread the virus. Symptoms start off flu-like and progress to coughing, fever, shortness of breath, shaking chills, headache, loss of sense of taste and/or smell, muscle pain, and sore throat. Treatment focuses on supportive care and symptom relief. COVID-19 vaccines are available.