A new study with over 9,900 participants adds to the growing research that shows supplementation with Vitamin D may reduce the intensity of the COVID-19 virus.
In this current study researchers from the Germany Cancer Research Center looked at the prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency and its association with mortality from respiratory diseases during 15 years of follow-up in a cohort study of adults whose ages ranged from 50 – 75 years of age. Participants were recruited through their general practitioners during a routine health assessment. Blood samples were taken at baseline at the physicians’ offices. Medical histories were taken by using questionnaires given to physicians and participants and were used to obtain information on lifestyle characteristics and socio-demographic information.
Researchers found Vitamin D insufficiency (25-hydroxyvitamin D blood levels of 30 – 50) and Vitamin D deficiency (25-hydroxyvitamin D blood levels below 30) were common in all participants; 44% of participants had a Vitamin D insufficiency and 15% had a Vitamin D deficiency. Overall researchers found 41% of respiratory disease mortality was statistically attributable to either a Vitamin D insufficiency or a Vitamin D deficiency. Mortality from respiratory diseases was increased by as much as 3-fold in participants with either a Vitamin D deficiency or a Vitamin D insufficiency when compared with participants with a sufficient Vitamin D status.
Overall, over 2,300 study participants died of various causes during the average 15.3 years of study follow up. Study data showed mortality from respiratory diseases was highest among the participants with a Vitamin D deficiency and lowest among participants with sufficient Vitamin D levels.
Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.
More about Vitamin D:
Vitamin D is a fat soluble nutrient and is often called “the sunshine vitamin” because the rays of the sun can convert a cholesterol derivative under the surface of the skin into Vitamin D. Individuals who spend a lot of times indoors, however, or live in congested areas where there are high levels of smog, fog, or other airborne pollutants, may not be receiving the necessary spectrum of sunlight to create adequate Vitamin D. Vitamin has many important functions in the human body such as the formation of specific forms of RNA (ribonucleic acid); the formation of specific enzymes and the absorption of calcium from the digestive tract to build Calcium and Phosphorus into bone. In fact, the relationship between Calcium, Vitamin D and bones is so important the FDA has allowed the following health claim: “Adequate Calcium and Vitamin D throughout life, as part of a well-balance diet, may reduce the risk of osteoporosis.”
An inadequate intake of Vitamin D may result in certain specific deficiency symptoms like a loss of appetite, cramps, poor bone formation, Rickets (bowlegs, knock-knees, enlargement of bones at ends, bending of the ribs), Osteomalacia (softening of the bones in adults), fatigue, arthritis, defective teeth and an enlarged skull.
There are 2 forms of Vitamin D: D3 (cholecalciferol) and D2 (ergocalciferol). Research shows Vitamin D3 is better utilized in the body than D2. Recent research has demonstrated that Vitamin D plays additional roles in human health besides its relationship to Calcium and bone. In fact, Vitamin D may have a value in promoting immune response, supporting healthy joint function, promoting healthy cell division and cell replication, reducing premenstrual symptoms and supporting a positive mood.
The daily value for Vitamin D is 400 IU although research suggests greater benefits when Vitamin D is supplemented at higher dosages. Vitamin D is best taken at mealtime.
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