Could Vitamin D Reduce Severity of COVID-19 Infections?

We have so much to learn about the ways we use vitamins. We know that vitamin D helps our bones absorb calcium, but this vital nutrient is important for more than just bone health. It also plays a role in the immune system, controlling a few different factors—including some that could influence how sick someone gets if they catch COVID-19. Check this out.

COVID-19 as Winter Approaches

Viruses might be tiny, but they can still behave in complex ways. McGill University explains that many of these microscopic invaders fare differently in different climates, which is one reason why we have a cold and flu season every year. It’s easy to assume, then, that we tend to get sick more often during the colder, dryer months because this is when seasonal viruses are at their strongest. It also makes sense that, with the weather changes, COVID-19 infections might explode alongside cold and flu season. Or at least that's the common thinking: viruses being "stronger" in the cold.

There are other issues at play, however. According to ScienceMag, changes in diet (think holiday foods) and certain behaviors, such as spending more time indoors with others (think virus vectors), may prime our bodies for seasonal illness. Lower vitamin D levels, which occur when we get less sun exposure, also appears to be another possible factor as we have less of this vitamin during these times as well. 

Protective Effects of Vitamin D

For decades, researchers have considered the connection between sunlight exposure and viral illness susceptibility. The associated vitamin D production appears to have multiple protective effects, one of which is a boost in immune cells. Vitamin D prompts the body to make neutrophils, monocytes and natural killer cells, and it increases the number of immune cells lining the respiratory tract.

It also plays a role in controlling inflammation, the major killer in COVID infections. In an article recently published in Nutrients, researchers examined the influence vitamin D intake had on pro-inflammatory cytokine production. They found deficiencies made patients far more vulnerable to severe infection, with deadly inflammatory responses being a key factor.

Vitamin D intake might even make the difference between life and death in people who are already infected. An article recently published in British Medical Journals found supplementation could affect death rates in active cases of acute respiratory distress syndrome. Researchers advise people at risk of severe upper respiratory infections to take 5000 IU of vitamin D daily; deficient people can double-dose for a few weeks to raise their levels.

Vitamin D deficiency is a common problem, especially during the winter months, and it could be opening far too many people to severe illness. It’s important to discuss any potential vitamin deficiencies with a physician before beginning any new regimen. Also, keep in mind that no one supplement can protect a person from getting sick. Improve your odds by eating a well-balanced diet and supplementing as needed, but also keep up on social distancing, handwashing and regular mask use for optimal protection from COVID-19 and other viruses. 

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