Vitamin D and Coronavirus Link: Everything You Need to Know

Per a study conducted at the University of Chicago Medicine, people with vitamin D deficiency are more likely to get infected by a coronavirus. This association between the two conditions is scary. 

Experts suggest that vitamin support your immune system lowering the risk of any respiratory infections. In a similar vein, scientists have analyzed data that has revealed that maintaining an ideal level of vitamin D in the body will help with keeping you at bay from COVID-19 infection. 

The result of the analysis has revealed, those with vitamin D levels less than 20ng/ml are more likely to get contracted with coronavirus in comparison to those patients who have sufficient levels of vitamin D in their bodies. 

As much as 50% of the population in the United States is suffering from vitamin D deficiency. 

So, until when no coronavirus vaccine is developed, a lot of people are relying on the optimum level of vitamin D in their body. They are relying on vitamin D supplements to keep their immune system sturdy. 

However, we should not think that vitamin D can treat coronavirus infection or prevent it. Experts have suggested that there is no such evidence as to vitamin D being a cure to coronavirus infection. 

Correlation between Vitamin D deficiency & COVID-19

Theory contradicting Correlation. 

Not all theories have substantiated the correlation between vitamin D deficiency and COVID-19. A few of the researches that were conducted on the theory have found no correlation between the two conditions. 

These groups of researchers think that the potential treatment for coronavirus infection includes vitamin C & zinc - both of these nutrients are known for their cold-fighting benefits. Researchers from the UK & Spain have established that people with low levels of zinc are more likely to die from coronavirus infection. 

Researches Substantiating the Theory.

Health experts are exploring the possibilities of vitamin D and other supplements being helpful in developing strong immunity to ward off the chances of a person falling prey to coronavirus infection. Per the recent studies being conducted by experts a vitamin D deficient person is more likely to get contracted with coronavirus infection and the deficiency might increase in severity of the condition. 

The most viable evidence comes from the fact that - deaths have been in higher numbers in countries which are located away from the equator where people get sunlight in very less amount which makes them vitamin D deficient. Vitamin D is produced in the body when we are exposed to sunlight, which means lesser the exposure to sunlight lesser the amount of sunlight in the body. 

While there could be a number of reasons for people more easily falling prey to COVID-19 towards the northern latitude, vitamin D deficiency, which leads to a weak immune system is one of the key reasons. Vitamin D is extremely helpful for a strong & sturdy immune system. Vitamin D deficiency is caused due to other factors including some medical conditions, age, or obesity. It has also been found that for people who are diagnosed with COVID-19 and are vitamin D deficient have to struggle more dealing with the condition. These patients are more likely to die or show up with extremely severe symptoms when they are diagnosed with COVID-19.

Takeaways:

From all the research that has already been conducted and the once underway establishes that amidst the fear of falling prey to coronavirus, we must take care to maintain optimum levels of vitamin D. While everyone is talking about strengthening your immune system, we forget one of the best ways to take care of our immune system - curing vitamin D deficiency. 

There are various other benefits of maintaining an optimum level of vitamin D in the body other than creating a shield for coronavirus. If you have still not got tested for vitamin D, you must plan it now and take supplements as subscribed by your doctor.