“- More studies are being published pointing out that it is even more crucial now to keep vitamin D blood levels on point, preferably in between 40 and 55 ng/ml, to avoid worst CV-19 outcomes and hospitalization.
- Test and don’t guess. Read more below about how to test at home and keep track of your D levels.”
- Deficiency of vitamin D weakens the immune system and makes it more vulnerable to viral infections. Supplementation for those with deficiencies is to be done under qualified medical guidance.
Vitamin D
As we explained in our recent COVID-19 article, the ACE2 receptor has been identified as the portal through which the virus SARS-COV-2 attaches to the cell resulting in COVID-19.
Vitamin A and D are synergistic and protect each other against toxicity. Most importantly a person must be sure that their D levels are on point prior to supplementing with vitamin A, or it may have side effects such as headaches and depress the immune system and make it more vulnerable.
Vitamin D is to be taken with vitamin K2, because vitamin D stimulates a gene that helps absorb Calcium, and it can accumulate in the blood vessels. Vitamin K2 directs the Calcium to where we need it most: to bones and teeth.
Elderly people should be very careful and consider with their doctors not to supplement vitamin D alone, but with K2, due to osteoporosis risks, K2 itself may also present an issue to those who take anticoagulant meds, therefore the MD who prescribed the anticoagulant must be notified of K2 supplementation.
Social distancing and isolation can mean less time in the sunshine and vitamin D levels may be declining for many people. Try to sunbathe to maintain levels and consume the foods described below.
Vitamin D deficiency can drastically depress the immune system.
A study from the University Hospital in Angers, France showed that high doses of 80.000IU of vitamin D given to elders every 3 months did not provide significant result overall. The high dose in one large bolus only provided protection against worst CV-19 outcomes if was given just before or during illness onset.
What seems to be showing as more important is the final blood level of vitamin D. Early research is showing a sweet spot of 50’s and 60’s ng/ml as protective.
Note: we discuss data points coming up in studies about SARS COV-2 with the intention of helping people not to be hospitalized and yet, all studies and findings are extremely limited and it is too early for them to be properly peer reviewed or conclusive.
Without deficiency, a regular consumption of up to 4000IU/day, while testing every 3 to 4 months, has shown to be more beneficial than the large bolus a few times a year. Again a blood level range of 50 to 60 ng/ml has been showing to be protective, therefore test often.
Read more information about the risks of vitamin D deficiency and discuss your decisions on supplementation with your doctor.
TAKEAWAYS:
If you have deficiency in any of the three vitamins, A, D, and C, consult your health practitioner about supplementation and to increase food sources of these vitamins.
You can track your intake of vitamins by using Cronometer.
If you don’t have a deficiency check and track to make sure your food and Cod Liver Oil intake provide adequate vitamins A and D and C per day.
NOTE: No affiliations. I only list products that I have used personally and have had positive clinical experience in my practice.
References: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14
Vitamin D is effective for COVID-19: meta analysis of 34 studies
@medcramvideos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ha2mLz-Xdpg
Interaction of SARS and MERS Coronaviruses with the Antiviral Interferon Response
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0960076004000494
All-trans retinoic acid prevents development of cardiac remodeling in aortic banded rats by inhibiting the renin-angiotensin system
Role of Wnt4/β-catenin, Ang II/TGFβ, ACE2, NF-κB, and IL-18 in attenuating renal ischemia/reperfusion-induced injury in rats treated with Vit D and pioglitazone
Vitamin D alleviates lipopolysaccharide‑induced acute lung injury via regulation of the renin‑angiotensin system
The immunological activity of propolis flavonoids liposome on the immune response against ND vaccine.
Vitamin D and survival in COVID-19 patients: A quasi-experimental study.
25-Hydroxyvitamin D Concentrations Are Lower in Patients with Positive PCR for SARS-CoV-2.
Low plasma 25(OH) vitamin D level is associated with increased risk of COVID-19 infection: an Israeli population-based study.
Letter to the Editor: Vitamin D deficiency in COVID-19: Mixing up cause and consequence.
Association of Vitamin D Status and Other Clinical Characteristics With COVID-19 Test Results
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Disclaimer: Information contained herein is not to be construed in any way as medical or nutritional advice. Always ask your doctor about taking any health-related measures and never ignore licensed professional medical advice on the basis of anything contained herein.