The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing in Ireland reports that a recent study shows the vital role of vitamin D in fighting off respiratory infection, including COVID-19. They stress that a deficiency in vitamin D can be a factor in one's deteriorating condition, should they be contracted with COVID-19.  

 The study claims to find evidence that vitamin D prevents respiratory infections, especially in older adults whose vitamin D levels are low. Although its specific role in coronavirus infections is still unknown, researchers vouch for its effectiveness in boosting the immune system. They also help build muscle and bone strength, which is particularly helpful for many in this time of home quarantine. 

The Sunshine Vitamin

 Vitamin D is also known as the "sunshine vitamin" primarily because the primary and most accessible source is the sun. According to Rathish Nair, author of Journal of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapeutics, the best time to get vitamin D from sunlight is between 10:00 A.M. and 3:00 P.M. in the spring, summer, and fall.

It comes in two forms: vitamin D2 and vitamin D3. Vitamin D2 comes from plant sources and fortified foods, while vitamin D3 comes from animal sources. According to the National Institutes of Health, the recommended daily dose for adults aged 19-70 is 15 mcg (600 IU).

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What are the Food Sources of Vitamin D?

Dr Tom Frieden tells Fox News that foods naturally rich in vitamin D include egg yolks and fatty fish, like salmon, tuna, and mackerel. For almost a century now, milk has been fortified with vitamin D. It was initially intended to reduce rickets and has far immensely helped as statistics show that most children are no longer Vitamin D deficient.

NIH also recommends the consumption of beef liver and cheese as they contain the vitamin in small amounts. Vitamin D is also added to some breakfast cereals, orange juice, yogurt, margarine and soy beverages. It is best to check the labels to confirm. 

Mushrooms are also believed to contain vitamin D as some of them are commercially exposed to ultraviolet light. Huffpost also suggests that you can place your own store-bought mushrooms under sunlight to get your dose of vitamin D.

Prevention From Coronavirus-related Respiratory Tract Infection

Another study with BMJ investigated the effectiveness of vitamin D in patients with coronavirus. Results show a reduced risk of acute respiratory infections among all participants involved in the study. The study further confirms that vitamin D supplementation was safe and that it generally helped with respiratory tract infections.

Vitamin D deficiencies have been associated with an increase in respiratory infections like pneumonia, tuberculosis and bronchitis. The study also displayed that patients with vitamin D deficiency and those not receiving the correct dose encountered the most benefit from supplementation.

The study from TILDA also concludes that high levels of vitamin D deficiency among people with pre-existing lung conditions and obesity make them especially vulnerable to COVID-19 and its complications.

It further suggests that sufficient vitamin D in adults would be helpful in preventing acute respiratory infections and might be of benefit during the pandemic situation.