Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin that is synthesized through UV radiation from the sun, and ingested through fish and fish oil as well as supplements. Among other functions such as promoting bone health, it also helps to regulate the immune system. There is growing evidence that shows lower levels of vitamin D in people’s blood streams are associated with worse outcomes of Covid-19. For example an individual with lower vitamin D levels has a greater chance of having a symptomatic case, ending up in hospital in intensive care unit (ICU) and dying from Covid-19. In a study in based India of 154 people with Covid-19, 63 patients ended up in ICU, 61 had vitamin-D levels <20 ng/ml and only 2 in ICU had levels >20 ng/ ml. The study also found that of the people with normal vitamin D levels 3.1 % died however 21.8% of people with low vitamin D levels died.
In society individuals with darker skin have a more difficult time synthesizing vitamin D from the sun. People who are overweight or obese have a more difficult time keeping their vitamin D levels high as the vitamin is fat soluble. If people increased their intake of vitamin D supplements as a preventative for Covid-19, especially those who have lower levels it would take pressure off hospitals and would allow them to save money. The government in the UK has also decided to give 2.5 million people – those who are vulnerable to low vitamin D such as seniors in long term care homes who don’t get outside often – this winter starting in January. The amount being given of 400 IU is far under the daily recommendation of most doctors as many doctors now believe it to be between 4000-6000 IU/ day.
References:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ha2mLz-Xdpg
“Covid: Free Vitamin D Pills for 2.5 Million Vulnerable in England.” BBC News, BBC, 28 Nov. 2020, www.bbc.com/news/health-55108613#:~:text=More%20than%202.5%20million%20vulnerable,extremely%20vulnerable%2C%20and%20care%20homes
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