Vitamin D deficiency found in 80% of COVID-19 patients; Expert Suggested Dietary Sources

The vitamin D nutrient is in the news more than ever for its greatest implications during the time of the coronavirus pandemic. Health experts have expressed concern about increasing cases of vitamin D deficiency in the general population, as people stay home and cannot get the ‘sunshine vitamin’ from natural sunlight. In fact, a new study found that more than 80% of COVID-19 patients were deficient in vitamin D. Vitamin D is known to aid many bodily functions and its insufficiency can lead to weak bones, heart-related ailments, low immunity and even respiratory problems.

The study that was published in ‘The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism’, found that 80 percent of 216 COVID-19 patients admitted to a hospital in Spain had vitamin D deficiency. The researchers also noted that men had lower vitamin D levels than women.

“COVID-19 patients with vitamin D deficiency had a higher prevalence of hypertension and cardiovascular disease, elevated serum ferritin and troponin levels, as well as a longer length of hospital stay. We found no relationship between vitamin concentrations D or vitamin deficiency and the severity of the disease, “wrote co-author José L. Hernández, Ph.D., of the University of Cantabria in Santander, Spain.

Another recent study, published in the journal ‘Plos One’, claimed that vitamin D sufficiency can decrease the oxygen requirement in COVID-19 patients and speed up the treatment process.

(Also read: How Much Vitamin D is Too Much Vitamin D?)

Vitamin D is also known as the “sunshine vitamin.”

In addition to getting regular sunlight to get the vitamin naturally, a diet rich in foods high in vitamin D can also help.

(Note: following the vitamin D dietary suggestions is not part of the study)

Rich Dietary Sources of Vitamin D:

(Suggested by Chennai Nutritionist Dr. Preethi Raj)

Fatty fish –

Fatty fish such as tuna, salmon and mackerel, and fish liver oils provide a good amount of vitamin D content.

Dairy products –

Milk, cheese and other dairy products must be included in the daily diet to obtain a daily dose of vitamin D.

Eggs yolks –

Many people discard the yolks of eggs for fear of high fat content. Egg yolks also contain decent amounts of vitamin D and can be used in moderation in our meals.

Cereals and juices –

A perfect breakfast combo to get your dose of vitamin D! Include cereals and different fruit juices in your morning diet.

Mushrooms –

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Mushrooms offer a good amount of vitamin D2 nutrients and can be used in different ways to prepare meals for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even snacks.

Fortify your diet with the essential nutrient vitamin D to live a healthy life.

(This content, which includes advice, provides only generic information. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own physician for more information. NDTV is not responsible for this information).