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Vitamin D Might Lower Risk of COVID-19

Studies are showing that Vitamin D might lower the risk of being tested positive and treating COVID-19.

By Margaret MinnicksPublished 4 years ago 3 min read
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Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is found in very few foods, including fish, milk, milk substitutes, tofu, yogurt, breakfast cereals, orange juice, pork chops, and eggs.

Since so few foods are high in Vitamin D, many people take it as a dietary supplement. In fact, only 10 percent of the recommended Vitamin D comes from food. However, 90 percent of it comes from the sun. That's why it is known as the "sunshine vitamin."

Depending on where you live, 20 minutes of sun exposure a day is enough to meet your Vitamin D requirement. For people who cannot stay in the sun that long every day, then a Vitamin D supplement should be taken.

The vitamin has many important benefits, including keeping bones strong and healthy. Whether a person gets the daily recommended dosage of Vitamin D naturally from the sun or from a supplement, it helps the body absorb calcium which is needed. That particular vitamin is essential for boosting the immune system to fight off bacteria and viruses.

Can Vitamin D Lower Risk of Contacting COVID-19?

Researchers at the University of Chicago Medicine found a link between a Vitamin D deficiency and the possibility of becoming infected with the coronavirus. Other studies have also been conducted that prove Vitamin D can protect people from contacting COVID-19. Taking Vitamin D should not exempt people from wearing a mask and maintaining social distancing.

In a new report published in The Lancet, researches revealed that the virus could be linked to a Vitamin D deficiency found in older adults, those who are Black, Asians, Hispanics, obese, and have some health conditions. They have concluded that Vitamin D could minimize the risk of COVID-19.

Also, the study concludes that if a person has Vitamin D in his body, it lowers the severity of the coronavirus. The researchers agreed that further studies are needed, but they already have enough proof to conclude that Vitamin D helps to prevent COVID-19 to some degree.

Deficiency of Vitamin D

People with a deficiency of Vitamin D will have a weak immune system. They will be at a risk for cancer. They might have noticed losing their hair and experiencing pain in their bones and hips because of weakness in their muscles and joints.

The National Health Service (NHS) recommends that people should get their dosage of Vitamin D every day to keep their bones and muscles healthy.

The current U.S. Daily Value for Vitamin D is 20 micrograms, which is between 250 to 1,000 units per day. Sometimes doctors might prescribe more units.

Dangers of Vitamin D

Patients should contact their physician to be tested if they think they have a Vitamin D deficiency. If they do have a deficiency, then they should take only the dose recommended by their doctor.

Excess Vitamin D can cause the body to absorb more calcium than it needs. That could lead to an increased risk of heart disease and kidney stones. Therefore, it is a danger not to take it at all as well as a danger of taking too much of it.

(Photo via Amazon.com)

Disclaimer

The content in this article about Vitamin D is accurate and true to the best of the writer’s knowledge. The content is for informational purposes only, and it does not substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, and advice from a licensed health professional.

This writer has been taking Vitamin D for many years. The supplement was recommended by her physician because blood tests indicated a deficiency in her Vitamin D level. She takes 5,000 units per day of the soft gels. (See photo above).

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About the Creator

Margaret Minnicks

Margaret Minnicks shares articles with readers all over the world. Topics include celebrities, royal family, movies, television, foods, drinks, health issues, and other interesting things. Thanks in advance for TIPS that are sent my way.

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