Historically, Vitamin D has been great for support of immune function and protection against respiratory illnesses, so the big question is, can it prevent the contraction of the Coronavirus?
In simple terms, maybe. Not very helpful I know, but if there was even a 1% chance of it having a positive effect on your immune system, then don’t you think it’s worth a try?
We all know that the body’s first line of defence when contracting an illness is the Immune System. When trying to keep yourself healthy and virus free, Vitamin D is up there with the top minerals and vitamins for support of this very system. This is because Vitamin D enhances the functions of cells, like T-cells and macrophages which protect your body against pathogens.
In fact, it has been known that Vitamin D deficiency has led to higher susceptibility of immune related conditions, diseases, infections and decreased lung function. These include Tuberculosis, COPD, Asthma, viral and bacterial respiratory infections. Although we call it a vitamin, Vitamin D is in fact a hormone we create in our body.
Obviously, the best way to steer clear of COVID-19 is by following the government guidelines by staying home, following social distancing measures and continuing with vigorous hand washing routines, but studies have shown that an increase in your Vitamin D intake can have immune system stabilising qualities. Including recommended vitamins and minerals in your diet, be that food or supplement will ensure your defences are fighting fit should you catch the Coronavirus, and give you a much better chance of getting back to optimal health.
The best way to ensure you’re getting enough Vitamin D is to get out in the sunshine! During the autumn and winter months we may need to take a good quality supplement to absorb the correct levels, but when the opportunity arises, go and be outdoors. It comes from the ultraviolet rays from the sun, so it is important to be safe and wear sunscreen whenever you’re exposed to UV. There are many foods you can incorporate into your diet to keep your levels of Vitamin D high too, such as:
- Oily fish like sardines, salmon, trout, herring, pilchards, eel and kippers
- Cod liver oil supplements, but must not be taken if you are pregnant
- Egg yolk, offal, meat and milk contain small amounts of Vitamin D
- Some yoghurts, breakfast cereals, margarine and infant formula have added Vitamin D
To ensure calcium can be absorbed into your bones and the cells it is needed, Vitamin D must be present. This is why Vitamin D deficiency can be a contributing factor to the development of rickets and osteomalacia.
People with darker skin tones – those of Asian, African, Afro-Caribbean and Middle Eastern descent – can find it more difficult to absorb Vitamin D from the sun, so it is advised they take the recommended daily dose of Vitamin D in supplement form as well as maintaining a mineral rich diet. This will armour your immune system against the Coronavirus.
So, though it may not boost the immune system as such, it can only have a positive impact on your health if you ensure you take the correct dose of Vitamin D during these turbulent times.
