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The researchers are asking the Irish government to change the recommendations for vitamin D supplements after a study revealed that it is likely to reduce serious complications of the coronavirus.
A new publication from Trinity College Dublin highlights the association between vitamin D levels and Covid-19 mortality.
Dr. Eamon Laird and Professor Rose Anne Kenny of the university’s School of Medicine carried out the work with the Irish Longitudinal Study on Aging (TILDA), in collaboration with Professor Jon Rhodes of the University of Liverpool.
The authors analyzed all European studies of the adult population, completed since 1999, that measured vitamin D and compared Covid-19 mortality and vitamin D rates.
Vitamin D is produced in the skin by exposure to UVB sunlight and is transported to the liver and then to the kidney, where it is transformed into an active hormone that increases the transport of calcium from food in the intestine and ensures that calcium it is suitable to keep the skeleton strong and free of osteoporosis.
The study found that vitamin D can also support the immune system through a number of immune pathways involved in fighting SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19.
The study shows that countries with lower latitudes and typically sunny countries, such as Spain and northern Italy, had low vitamin D concentrations and high rates of vitamin D deficiency.
These countries also experienced the highest infection and mortality rates in Europe.
The northern latitude countries of Norway, Finland and Sweden have higher levels of vitamin D despite less exposure to UVB sunlight, because supplementation and fortification of food is more common.
These Nordic countries have lower rates of Covid-19 infection and mortality.
There is strong circumstantial evidence for associations between vitamin D and the severity of Covid-19 responses, including death.
The report’s authors said the correlation between low vitamin D levels and Covid-19 death is “statistically significant.”
The authors said the data suggests that it is likely to reduce serious complications from Covid-19.
Professor Kenny said: “In England, Scotland and Wales, public health agencies have reviewed the recommendations since the Covid-19 outbreak.
“The recommendations now state that all adults should take at least 400 IU (international units) of vitamin D daily.
“While there are currently no results from randomized controlled trials to conclusively prove that vitamin D beneficially affects Covid-19 results, there is strong circumstantial evidence for associations between vitamin D and severity of Covid-19 responses. , including death.
“We call on the Irish government to update the guidelines as a matter of urgency and to encourage all adults to take supplements during the Covid-19 crisis.
“Deficiency is prevalent in Ireland. Deficiency is more frequent with age, obesity, in men, in ethnic minorities, in people with diabetes, hypertension and in nursing homes. “
Dr. Laird added: “Here we see observational evidence of a link of vitamin D with mortality.
“Optimizing vitamin D intake for public health guidelines will certainly have overall health benefits and support immune function. Research like this is still exploratory and we need more trials to have concrete evidence on the level of vitamin D that is needed for optimal immune function. “
The Health Department has been contacted for comment.
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