Low vitamin D levels can affect a person’s recovery from COVID-19

ORLANDO, Fla. (Ivanhoe Newswire) – Vitamin D is an important nutrient that helps your body absorb calcium. But studies show that about 40% of Americans don’t get enough vitamin.

And, new research is suggesting that low levels of vitamin D may affect a person’s chance of getting and recovering from COVID-19.

It is known as the sun vitamin. Vitamin D helps keep bones and the immune system strong. Now, researchers are discovering that this vitamin may also be linked to COVID-19.

“There seemed to be worse results in patients with COVID who have low levels of vitamin D,” said Dr. Ivan Castro, MD, who practices Internal Medicine at Private Health MD.

In a recent study, more than 80% of the 200 hospitalized COVID patients had vitamin D deficiency and the prescribed vitamin D helped COVID patients to recover better. Of the 50 patients who received it, none died and only one ended up in the ICU. In a group of 26 patients who did not receive vitamin D, two died and 13 were admitted to the ICU.

“Vitamin D is linked to the immune system,” said Castro, MD. You can be sure that you are getting enough vitamin. Foods like salmon, sardines, cod liver oil, egg yolk, mushrooms, milk and oatmeal are rich in vitamin D. Although the sun can be the best source, your body produces vitamin D when exposed to direct sunlight.

The recommended daily amount of vitamin D for most adults is between 600 and 800 international units, depending on their age.

Sources: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/9-foods-high-in-vitamin-d#Vitamin-D-and-calcium https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21310306/ https : //www.endocrine.org/news-and-advocacy/news-room/2020/study-finds-over-80-percent-of-covid19-patients-have-vitamin-d-deficiency https: // www. mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/expert-answers/coronavirus-and-vitamin-d/faq-20493088 https://www.webmd.com/lung/news/20200518/more-vitamin-d-lower-risk -of-serious-covid-19 https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/ss/slideshow-sunlight-health-effects#:~:text=It%20depends%20on%20your%20skin , effect% 20if% 20you% 20use% 20sunscreen https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-Consumer/

Contributors (s) to this news report include: Julie Marks, producer; Bob Walko, Videographer and Editor. To receive a free weekly email about Ivanhoe’s Smart Living, sign up at: http://www.ivanhoe.com/ftk

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