Vitamin D level and COVID: What's the connection?

We’re almost 2 years now into the COVID 19 pandemic and it seems as though the virus is going to continue to be a part of our lives for at least the foreseeable future.  With the availability of multiple vaccines and the continuing development of various treatment methods, the prospects for protecting one’s health are steadily improving.  But even as so much focus is being put into new methods for preventing and combating infection, there continues to be a debate on the effectiveness of more traditional means.  Are there tools already at hand that can help us combat this modern-day plague?

One item that has gotten attention from some corners is good old vitamin D.  There’s no question that the sunshine vitamin plays an important role in our overall health.  The healthy development of the immune, nervous, circulatory, digestive, and skeletal systems all relies on vitamin D.   Maintaining optimal vitamin D levels can also help to avoid health issues like diabetes, heart disease, the flu, pneumonia, blood clots, osteoporosis, bacterial infections, some types of cancer, and complications in pregnancy.  In relation to COVID, some have likened vitamin D to a magic bullet that can all but ensure protection from the virus.  Can vitamin D really help protect against the Coronavirus or are these claims overblown?

Unfortunately, research has yet to show any concrete evidence that loading up on vitamin D can protect you from COVID infection.  If only it were that easy.  Vitamin D does boost the immune system and can reduce inflammation, but it’s not been shown to have antiviral properties.  However, some studies have shown that patients with COVID infections who are vitamin D deficient are more likely to develop severe cases than those with optimal vitamin D levels.  While research is ongoing, there is some evidence that keeping your vitamin D at healthy levels can at least contribute to lesser symptoms and a quicker recovery time if you do contract COVID.  Time may tell if its use as a viral prophylactic can be validated.  

The good news is that while it may not shield you from COVID, vitamin D can positively impact your health in a variety of other ways and there is little downside to increasing your levels.  Deficiency in vitamin D is common so most of us would do well to make a point of getting more of it.  Keep in mind, that while rare, vitamin D toxicity is possible.  If you’re getting the majority of your vitamin D in pill form, check the label on your vitamin bottle and make sure you’re not getting too much over the daily recommended value.  

If you’re curious about your vitamin D level, Request A Test has a quick affordable way to check.  A simple blood test can let you know where you stand and if you could use a boost.  Order now and go to a lab near you.  It’s that easy.  While you’re at it, don’t forget to check your levels for other important nutrients like magnesium, calcium, zinc, iron, vitamin  B12, and vitamin C.

DISCLAIMER: The medical information in this post is for informative purposes only.

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DISCLAIMER: The medical information in this post is for informative purposes only

Click to read our full disclaimer.