Recent research has shown that there may be a link towards a deficiency in a vital vitamin and the novel coronavirus.

Researchers in Asia and Europe with COVID-19 mortality rates have found that there are significant relationships between vitamin D levels and the number of deaths caused by COVID-19. According to a study of 78,000 patients, people with low levels of vitamin D are almost twice as likely to develop acute respiratory infections than those with high levels of vitamin D. In addition, people with vitamin D deficiencies are more likely to be sicker for longer.

Vitamin D is essential for the human body to work as it should. The immune system also uses it to fight off bacteria and viruses. Sufficiency of vitamin D protects against viruses, especially respiratory ones, including the common cold. Vitamin D increases the production of antiviral proteins and decreases cytokines, which are immune molecules that can cause various dangerous inflammation.

In addition, vitamin D regulates the amount of calcium and phosphate in your body, which are much-needed nutrients for healthy teeth, bones and muscles. In addition, vitamin D helps our muscles to stay healthy and in good working order.

Vitamin D is also called the sunshine vitamin because your body produces it naturally when directly exposed to sunlight. As a measure to curb the spread of COVID-19, many of us are staying home and barely getting any sun exposure.

While at home, you can increase your sun exposure by being outside in the morning for 10-15 minutes every day, whether sitting or standing in the garden, courtyard, veranda, balcony or even by the window.

Symptoms of low vitamin D or vitamin D deficiency include getting sick or having infections often, feeling fatigued and tired, having bone or back pain, depression, muscle pain, hair loss, bone loss and impaired wound healing. If you suspect you have vitamin D deficiency, get a blood test at the nearest medical centre.

Image source: Be Fit and Fine

If you have vitamin D deficiency, take supplements as well as eat foods which contain vitamin D such as cheese, oily fish like mackerel, salmon and tuna, beef liver and egg yolks. However, sunlight or supplements remain the most effective means of getting sufficient vitamin D, especially if you are vegetarian or vegan.


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