People with vitamin D deficiency at higher risk of severe COVID-19, says study

People are most at risk of vitamin D deficiency in the summer when sweltering temperatures keep them outdoors

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

• Vitamin D deficiency has been linked with an increased risk of COVID-19, and severe symptoms due to the disease
• A new study has now found that vitamin D can actually be an effective, and cheap treatment for COVID-19
• In the study, patients who received Vitamin D supplements had a lower incidence of admission to ICU

In the latest research the severity of infection from Covid-19 is strongly linked to a patient’s vitamin D levels, The study by Emirati researchers of 522 adult participants in the UAE, found a high correlation between insufficient vitamin D levels and the severity of Covid-19. 69% of patients with either mild or severe deficiency suffered harsher symptoms. More than 70 per cent of the UAE population has a deficiency.

It is summer in UAE, So residents are most at risk of developing vitamin D deficiency in the summer when sweltering temperatures prevent them from going outdoors.

Dr Asma Al Mannaei, from the Department of Health in Abu Dhabi, said the study “presents promising results to better understand the protective effect of vitamin D against Covid-19, both as a preventive tool against infection but also may play a role in boosting the immunity of patients during infection”.

In Previous studies, Covid-19 patients with sufficient levels of vitamin D had a decreased risk of adverse clinical reactions to coronavirus infection – including becoming unconscious and hypoxia (when the body is starved of oxygen).

Various studies have previously explored the link between vitamin D deficiency in the body, and the risk of COVID-19 infection and considerable evidence has been found supporting the claim. Many studies have now found that not only can vitamin D deficiency increase the risk of contraction of the virus, but may also lead to severe symptoms or complications due to the disease. Experts have recommended following a healthy diet that contains vitamin D-rich foods to fight any deficiencies. Since the lockdown has restricted movement and staying at home is one of the key precautions to take to reduce the risk of COVID-19, spending time in the sun seems a little less likely. Therefore, people must make up for vitamin D levels with food intake, or supplements, but only in consultation with a medical professional.