Vitamin D Link in COVID-19 Response?
Researchers from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) at Trinity College Dublin released a crucial report on April 8, 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The report, “Vitamin D deficiency in Ireland—implications for COVID-19. Results from the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA),” finds that Vitamin D plays a critical role in preventing respiratory infections, reducing antibiotic use, and boosting the immune system response to infections.
A Wall Street Journal published an article on April 17, 2020 titled “Vitamin D and COVID Disparities” discussed research supporting the data that black Americans are dying of COVID-19 at higher rates than white Americans. and discussed a Vitamin D Link in COVID-19 Response. Researchers last week released the first data supporting this link. They found the nations with the highest mortality rates-Italy, Spain and France – also had the lowest average vitamin D levels among countries affected by the pandemic.
This is the article I am going to reference here with highlights to consider.
- Many Americans are low in Vitamin D but those with darker skin are at a specific disadvantage because melanin inhibits Vitamin D production.
- A 2018 longitudinal study by Massachusetts General Hospital found Vitamin D supplementation in African-Americans reduced cancer risk by 23%
- Dozens of studies confirm that Vitamin D deficiency is a risk for cardiovascular disease, which disproportionately affects African-Americans. (A major contributor to heart disease in inflammation that targets blood vessels) NOTE – Raising vitamin D levels with supplements has not been shown to reverse this effect)
- A 2009 study examined sun exposure and fatality rates during 1918-1919 Spanish flu pandemic which killed 50 million world -wide. Mortlaity rates fell from 40% to 13% when patients were moved outside in outdoor recovery unit.
THE BOTTOM LINE
With all this data, it is recommended that we keep our vitamin D levels at an optimal range. Here are some blog articles to help you
How Much Vitamin D Do We Need?
Want to measure your Vitamin D?
ARTICLE REFERENCES
Laird E, O’Halloran AM, Carey D, Healy M, O’Connor D, Moore P, Shannon T, Molloy AM, Kenny RA. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and the determinants of 25 (OH)D concentration in older Irish adults: Data from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA). The Journals of Gerontology: Series A. 2018 73(4):519-5
“Vitamin D deficiency in Ireland—implications for COVID-19. Results from the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) HERE
Vitamin D and Coronavirus Disparities Wall Street Journal Article HERE
PLEASE NOTE
With the 2019 coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, it’s especially important to understand that no supplement, diet, or other lifestyle modification other than physical distancing, also known as social distancing, and proper hygiene practices can protect you from COVID-19. Currently, no research supports the use of any supplement to protect against COVID-19 specifically.
This information is intended for educational purposes only. It is not diagnosis or medical recommendations. Please consult your medical professional for all questions related to your specific needs and see HERE for COVID-19 related issues.
