Many internet users are circulating information that vitamin "D" protects against infection with the emerging "SARS-Cove 2" virus, which causes Covid-19 disease, so how accurate is this?
Several studies show that individuals with vitamin D deficiency are more likely to develop certain diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. But we do not know, in fact, whether this deficiency is the actual cause of the disease, according to a report by Florian Gottiard in the French newspaper Liberation, in which it was quoted from medical magazines and sources.
The writer added that this causal relationship has been observed in the presence of a risk of acute respiratory diseases, especially pneumonia. In fact, vitamin D receptors are found on the surface of many immune cells that protect the respiratory system as well as in lung cells.
Also, studies previously published in the British Medical Journal (The BMJ) and the journal PLOS One have shown that vitamin D supplementation significantly reduces the risk of developing several respiratory infections.
Does the same apply to Corona?
The author indicated that many studies on patients infected with the Coronavirus who have the lowest levels of vitamin D, revealed that this category is more likely to die than other patients.
At this level, it can be asked whether this deficiency is just an indication of a deteriorating state of health in general, or whether it is a factor contributing to the worsening of patients' condition. However, a confirmed interaction between vitamin D and immune cells in the airways makes the hypothesis plausible.
The author added that some of the serious complications of the Covid-19 virus are associated with an overactive immune response in the lungs, or the so-called "inflammatory storm."
In this regard, the French Academy of Medicine on May 22 issued a press release concluding that vitamin D plays an important role in regulating and suppressing the inflammatory response that causes acute respiratory distress syndrome that characterizes the acute and often fatal forms of Covid-19.
The author states that there is no evidence that too low levels of vitamin D have a direct effect on infection risk. Therefore, vitamin D cannot be considered a method of prevention or a treatment for corona virus infection.
Potential benefits
On the other hand, the Academy of Medicine believes that the potential benefits of Vitamin D should be taken into account in hospitalization of patients. This vitamin can be considered an aid to alleviate the inflammatory storm and its consequences.
Even if no definitive evidence has been provided of its benefits in fighting the virus, the Academy notes that taking vitamin D orally is a simple and inexpensive procedure. Therefore, it recommends measuring vitamin D levels in patients over the age of 60.
In the event of a deficiency, it is recommended to give a dose of 50 thousand to 100 thousand IU, as it contributes to reducing the complications of respiratory infection. Also, daily moderate supplementation of 800 to 1000 IU per day may be prescribed for all Covid-19 patients under the age of 60.
The author warns that these prescriptions are only intended for patients infected with Coronavirus, as exceeding the maximum daily dose, which is 100 micrograms or 4000 international units, without medical supervision can have harmful effects. It is also not recommended to take doses without consulting a doctor in the hope of preventing an epidemic.
So the conclusion here is that vitamin D is not an element to prevent corona infection, and it is also not a cure for Covid-19 disease.
However, patients with Covid-19 under certain conditions may be recommended to receive doses of vitamin D supplements, but under the supervision of a physician.
In conclusion, we confirm that the previous information is for guidance only, do not take vitamin D supplements for any purpose without consulting a doctor, and adhere to social distancing, personal hygiene and instructions of the health authorities in your country to prevent Corona virus.