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Compiled by Marelize Wilke
The |
Health24
May 11, 2020 04:45
As researchers try to piece together the SARS-CoV-2 puzzle, they find more information about what has been causing Covid-19’s death.
A new study has found a link between low average vitamin D levels and a higher number of more serious cases of Covid-19, and deaths in 20 European countries, according to a press release.
The study was published in the journal. Clinical and experimental aging and the research was led by Dr. Lee Smith of Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) and Mr. Petre Cristian Ilie, lead urologist at the Lynn NHS Foundation at Queen Elizabeth Hospital King.
What is the role of vitamin D?
Vitamin D, the vitamin we naturally get from sunlight, is used to control the response of our white blood cells. When our white blood cells are out of control, they release an overreaction from the immune system, known as the dreaded cytokine storm that Health24 reported in April 2020.
This cytokine storm is known to cause serious complications, such as organ failure, which can ultimately be fatal.
There have been previous observational studies reporting a correlation between lower vitamin D levels and an increased chance of contracting acute respiratory tract infections.
From the available data, we know that Italy and Spain were two European countries that reported a high number of Covid-19 deaths. This new study now shows that people in these countries have lower levels of vitamin D than other northern European countries.
The researchers say this is in part because people in southern Europe, specifically the elderly, tend to avoid exposure to strong sunlight.
In northern Europe, people tend to consume more cod liver oil and vitamin D supplements and don’t avoid the sun as much. The researchers noted that Scandinavians are among the European nations with the lowest death rates.
Dr. Lee Smith, a reader of physical activity and public health at Anglia Ruskin University, stated that they found a significant crude relationship between average vitamin D levels and the number of cases and deaths of Covid-19.
“Vitamin D has been shown to protect against acute respiratory infections, and older adults, the group most deficient in vitamin D, are also the most severely affected by Covid-19.
“An earlier study found that 75% of people in institutions, such as hospitals and nursing homes, had severe vitamin D deficiency. We suggest that dedicated studies would be advisable to look at vitamin D levels in patients with Covid-19 with varying degrees of disease severity, “he said.
Should we start taking vitamin D supplements?
Petre Cristian Ilie, lead urologist for the Lynn NHS Foundation Trust at Queen Elizabeth Hospital King, said it is important to note that his study had limitations, as the number of cases in each country can be attributed to various factors, as it They took different steps to stop the infection.
“Correlation does not necessarily mean causation,” he said.
This indicates that it may not be wise to rush in and stock up on vitamin D supplements, as this will not necessarily reduce your risk of developing severe Covid-19 symptoms. And as with any vitamin supplement, there can be side effects, especially if you don’t take the correct dose.
Image credit: Getty Images
