[ad_1]
A new study shows that people with vitamin D deficiency are more likely to contract coronavirus. But scientists still have unanswered questions.
To test the hypothesis, Professor David Meltzer of the University of Chicago obtained data from patients who underwent tests for COVID-19 and whose vitamin D levels were measured at the Medical University of Chicago last year.
The Meltzer report claims 21.6 percent. A positive COVID-19 test was observed in patients with vitamin D deficiency. Meanwhile, the proportion of patients who did not lack vitamin D but tested positive for COVID-19 was 12.2%. Although only 489 patients were included in the study, the difference was large enough to be statistically significant.
Because the COVID-19 testing was done at a different time than the vitamin D study, the participants’ vitamin D levels may have changed before they got sick. It may also be that vitamin D deficiency is an important factor in increasing the risk of disease. In principle, this study cannot firmly confirm the link between vitamin D deficiency and COVID-19.
On the other hand, the possibility of obtaining more accurate data is quite low. In this case, it is very difficult to ethically conduct a randomized controlled trial that meets the gold standard for medical research. This would mean not treating some patients with vitamin D deficiency, which, in addition to Covid-19, is associated with many side effects.
Vitamin D supplementation is currently being tested in people who already have COVID-19, but we don’t know anything about the findings yet.
Even before David Meltzer’s study, many experts recommended taking vitamin D supplements or staying in the sun longer to protect against the coronavirus. The Lancet review quotes Rose Anne Terry of Trinity College Dublin as follows: “We have no evidence, but how long do you want to wait in a crisis like this? We know that vitamin D is important for muscle and bone function, so people should still take it. “
However, experts warn that even with optimal levels of vitamin D in the body, a mask that covers the mouth and nose should be worn and a safe distance between people should be maintained.
[ad_2]
