The Benefits of Vitamin D: Hint: COVID-19 is One of Them
Scientific studies have found that vitamin D can help promote a healthy immune system and may protect against respiratory conditions. Given this, it comes as no surprise that research has found a relationship between vitamin D and severity of symptoms and mortality rates related to the coronavirus.
“We believe, that we can advise Vitamin D supplementation to protect against SARS-CoV2 infection.”
Recent research examining the role of Vitamin D in the prevention of Coronavirus Disease 2019 infection and mortality have highlighted the importance of this nutrient. They cite strong associations between deficiency of this vital nutrient and mortality in the face of the coronavirus disease. In their review of over 11,000 people from 14 different countries, they found that vitamin D supplementation reduced the risk of acute respiratory infection by at least 12%. Additionally, countries with sufficient sunlight for adequate vitamin D levels are seeing lower mortality rates than countries with more widespread vitamin D deficiency due to lack of sunlight and supplementation.
Need more reasons to make sure you are getting adequate levels of this essential vitamin?
In addition to immune system and respiratory health, Vitamin D plays a number of other critical roles in the human body, including:
Building and maintaining healthy bones and teeth
Supporting brain and nervous system health
Regulating insulin levels and supporting the management of diabetes
influencing the expression of genes involved in the development of cancer
Supporting lung function and cardiovascular healthy
Promoting calcium absorption
May decrease risk of seasonal flu
May reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression
May suppress appetite and boost weight loss
Can help support restful sleep
May naturally boost testosterone
May improve athletic performance and energy
May help prevent the development of asthma, eczema, and other allergic diseases in children
May promote healthy pregnancy and delivery
As we age, it is more difficult for our bodies to synthesize vitamin D as efficiently. Insufficient exposure to sunlight, poor diet, obesity, IBS, ad other factors may also lead to deficiency. Given the many vital roles that this nutrient plays in our health, it is especially important to make sure you and your family are getting adequate levels.
Top Natural Sources of Vitamin D:
Sun Exposure
Cod Liver Oil
Trout
Salmon
Herring
Sardines
Mushrooms (Wild or Treated with UV Light)
Egg Yolks
Beef Liver
Canned Tuna
Cow’s Milk
High quality supplementation is also an option. Cod liver oil is a favorite for many, as it also has vitamin A and Omega 3 fatty-acids in addition to a solid vitamin D content. Be sure to follow recommended dosing as too much of certain nutrients can actually prove harmful. If you are unsure, consult with a physician or nutritionist.
*Visit the NIH website for their chart outlining the recommended daily intake of vitamin D based on age, gender, and other factors: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-HealthProfessional/
References:
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vitamin-d-coronavirus#does-it-protect-against-covid-19
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/apt.15777
https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-21211/v1
