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“There is not enough evidence” that taking vitamin D prevents or treats COVID-19, the experts concluded.
The National Institute for Excellence in Health and Care (NICE), which led the UK rapid review, said more research is needed, particularly from high-quality randomized controlled trials.
The health secretary asked NICE, Public Health England (PHE) and the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) to review the evidence after some studies suggested that vitamin D could help fight coronavirus infection.
A United States Study suggested that patients with sufficient levels of vitamin D experienced a reduction in infection and were less likely to experience complications and die from COVID-19.
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Dr Paul Chrisp, Director of the NICE Guidance Center, said: “While there is insufficient evidence to recommend vitamin D for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19 at this time, we encourage people to follow the advice of the government on the total intake of the supplement. the period of autumn and winter “.
PHE’s current advice states that people should take 10 micrograms (400 IU) of vitamin D every day between October and early March to maintain healthy bones and muscles.
PHE also advises people at higher risk of not having enough vitamin D, such as those with dark skin or residents of nursing homes, to take a vitamin D supplement throughout the year.
Around 2.7 million vulnerable people in England have been offered free vitamin D supplements this winter.
Professor Ian Young, President of the SACN, said: “This evidence review confirms that there is currently not enough evidence available to determine that there is a causal relationship between vitamin D and COVID-19.”
Experts believe that people may not have gotten enough vitamin D from sunlight this year due to prolonged periods indoors as a result of the pandemic.
Dr. Alison Tedstone, PHE Chief Nutritionist, said: “Vitamin D is important for the health of our bones and muscles.
“We advise that everyone, especially the elderly, those who do not go outdoors, and those with dark skin, take a vitamin D supplement containing 10 micrograms (400 IU) every day.
“This year, advice is more important than ever as more people are spending more time indoors.”
