In winter, it is not uncommon to have a vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D is synthesized by ultraviolet (UVB) rays from the sun reaching the skin. In anticipation of the winter period, the body stores vitamin D in the liver, muscles and fatty tissue. Vitamin D is an essential ally, because it boosts the immune system, acts on bone, muscle, cellular and cardiovascular health.
Covid-19: vitamin D deficiency identified in patients
Since the start of the health crisis, the role of vitamin D on patients affected by Covid-19 has been questioned. Researchers from the University of Cantabria (Spain) decided to carry out a study on a panel of 216 patients affected by the coronavirus and a control group of 197 people. Vitamin D levels were measured in both groups. Researchers also monitored complications like intensive care unit admissions, need for artificial respiration and mortality.
Results: Scientists observed particularly low vitamin D levels in Covid-19 subjects. Almost 82.2% of them developed vitamin D deficiency while in hospital. Their findings were published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.
What foods are rich in vitamin D?
During the study, the researchers also noticed that vitamin D levels were particularly low in the men. They also identified hypertension, high ferrite levels, cardiovascular complications, and longer hospital stays in patients with vitamin D deficiency.
Scientists believe that more large-scale studies are needed to understand the impact of vitamin D deficiency on the severity of Covid-19. According to them, treatment for the deficiency could prevent the disease or avoid complications in case of infection.
A majority of vitamin D intake comes from sunlight, but it is also found in food. Foods of animal origin and fatty foods help reduce the risk of deficiency. Vitamin D is found in:
- mackerel
- the salmon
- trout
- sardines
- canned tuna
- herring
- Cod liver oil
- the mushrooms
- cottage cheese
- eggs
- milk
- dark chocolate
Covid-19: should we supplement with vitamin D?
Certain foods reduce vitamin D deficiency, but supplementation is sometimes necessary. Last May, the Academy of Medicine issued recommendations to people infected with SARS-CoV-2 on this matter. Vitamin D supplementation "cannot be considered as a preventive or curative treatment for infection due to SARS-CoV-2, but by mitigating the inflammatory storm and its consequences, it could be considered as an adjunct to any form of therapy ", she explained in a statement.
It therefore recommends quickly measuring the vitamin D level in people over 60 years of age with Covid-19 and administering, in the event of a deficiency, a loading dose of 50,000 to 100,000 IU which could help limit the respiratory complications. The Academy of Medicine also advises vitamin D supplementation of 800 to 1,000 IU / day in people under the age of 60 upon confirmation of the diagnosis of Covid-19.
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