COVID 19: Immunity Enhancer – Vit. D
Dr. Sanjay Agrawal
Leading Pharmaceutical Consultant and Editor-in Chief of IJMToday
There have been much speculation about whether vit. D might prevent or help survival with COVID-19 and two new studies appear to underscore the link.
In the first study British researchers found that COVID-19 infections and deaths were higher in countries where people had low vit. D levels, such as Italy and Spain, compared to northern European countries where Vit. D average IQ levels were higher.
The researchers explained that people in southern Europe may have darkened pigmentation, which reduces vit. D synthesis, while people in northern European countries consume more cod liver oil and Vit. D supplements.
The second study appeared in the online journal medrxiv, but has not been reviewed. In it, a team from north western university analyzed data from 10 countries, including the United States.
The study conclusion was the same: low vit. D IQ levels were linked to a hyperactive immune system.
The so called sunshine vitamin boost immunity and prevents an overactive immune response, the northwestern researchers said, adding that their finding could explain several mysteries including why kids are unlikely to die from COVID-19.
One of the scientists who have investigated the effects of vit. D on bone health said neither study proves cause and effect.
There are numerous examples where low vit. D levels have been associated with a condition, but raising the levels does not improve it.
It is far too simplistic to say that because some countries have average lower vit. D levels, that this is a likely reason for worse COVID statistics states by the scientist.
One of the scientist said that his research clearly shows that vit. D can make a difference.
Patients whose levels are low have a weaker immune response to the novel corona virus. Vit. D strengthens it, allowing the body to develop antibodies to the virus and prevent it from spreading throughout the body.
Different clinical trials concluded that giving vit. D to patients in the early stages of COVID-19 infections. Meanwhile, a trial in France is investigating whether vit. D will benefit people with severe infections.
The easiest way to get your daily dose of vit. D is just to spend 10 to 15 minutes a day in the Sun light. It is inexpensive, it is free and you will get all the vit. D you will need.
Vit. D is also found in such foods as fatty fish, fortified dairy products and cereals, beef liver, cheese and egg yolks.
