According to a recently published study, over 80 percent of 200 COVID-19 patients in a hospital in Spain have vitamin D deficiency. Moreover, a survey of 489 people recently discovered that those who had a vitamin D deficiency were more likely to test positive for coronavirus than people who had normal vitamin D levels.
With the virus spreading at a record pace worldwide and in most U.S. states, researchers are closely examining the link between coronavirus and vitamin D.
What is Vitamin D?
Contrary to its name, vitamin D isn’t a vitamin; instead, it is a prohormone, or a precursor of a hormone produced by the kidneys.
Vitamin D is essential for maintaining optimal health and facilitating numerous bodily functions. It is most commonly associated with having a beneficial effect on the immune system, especially regarding protection against infection. Additionally, vitamin D has been credited as a contributing factor to maintaining healthy bones and teeth, prevention conditions like type 1 and 2 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, hypertension and much more.
So, with vitamin D being so important… where does it come from?
The human body produces most of its vitamin D as a response to sun exposure, while some is also absorbed by the digestion of certain foods. These include diet staples like fish, egg yolks, mushrooms and fortified food products like milk, orange juice and oatmeal.
What Causes Vitamin D Deficiency?
Vitamin D deficiency is incredibly common. According to research, an estimated 1 billion people worldwide have low levels of the vitamin in their blood.
Furthermore, a 2011 study found that 41.6 percent of U.S. adults are deficient. Vitamin D deficiency also affects minority groups at a much higher rate, with 69.2 percent of Hispanics and 82.1 percent of African Americans below the baseline needed for optimal health.
So, if vitamin D is naturally produced by the body, why are so many deficient?
There are three key reasons why someone might not be getting enough vitamin D:
- Diet – Many people in the U.S. simply don’t consume enough foods high in vitamin D. This even more likely if you follow a strict vegan diet because of many animal products being the most common consumable vehicle for vitamin D.
- Indoor Lifestyles – Even before quarantine and social distancing, most people do not get enough sunlight exposure to produce the vitamin D they need. Those who live in colder climates, work indoor jobs or avoid sun exposure are at a significant disadvantage when it comes to producing vitamin D.
- Dark Complexions – Naturally occurring pigment called melanin, which creates darker complexions, reduces the skin’s ability to produce vitamin D in response to sunlight exposure. As previously discussed, this is a crucial reason why vitamin D deficiency is more common among some races and not others.
Because so many Americans are lacking in vitamin D, symptoms can be often overlooked. However, symptoms of vitamin D deficiencies are serious and should be addressed quickly. These include:
- Getting sick or routinely fighting infections
- Chronic fatigue, tiredness, or low energy
- Depression
- Bone and back pain
- Issues with wounds healing
- Bone density loss
- Muscle pain
- Hair loss
Vitamin D and Curbing Coronavirus – Is There a Connection?
As initially discussed, several recent studies have implied that vitamin D could play a role in COVID-19—from preventing infection to making the disease less severe.
Unfortunately, according to physicians at Yale Medicine and others around the globe, there is not yet conclusive evidence between coronavirus and vitamin D. Although there appears to be some link between those infected with the disease and a lower threshold of vitamin D there isn’t enough evidence to suggest that vitamin D can limit infection or reduce the severity of symptoms.
While there is still much more research to be done on this subject and why patients with vitamin D deficiencies appear to be more vulnerable to the coronavirus it does serve as an important and potentially lifesaving reminder. We all need more vitamin D. Even more so, vitamin D should be supplemented safely to be effective and to prevent medical consequences.
Those interested in learning about how to boost or supplement their vitamin D intake safely are encouraged to contact our expert Jacksonville, FL medical team at 904-724-5767 or info@ohwjax.com.
Omega Health & Wellness is dedicated to helping those in the Jacksonville, FL area and across the U.S. feel better and live healthier lives. We provide our patients with information, articles and expert guidance to accomplish this and are available to help you. Contact us today!
