Low Plasma Vitamin D Level Associated With Increased Risk Of Coronavirus Infection

Even before this latest study, interest had already been growing regarding the role of vitamin D in fighting coronavirus infection. Research published earlier this year compared average levels of vitamin D with coronavirus infection rates and mortality. The researchers found that people with low vitamin D levels may be more likely to die after contracting the virus.

During the lockdown, when many people were not able to obtain sufficient vitamin D from sunshine, even some government authorities began making mention of vitamin D’s importance. The food agency in France stressed the importance of vitamin D intake, for example, while Public Health England, an executive agency sponsored by the UK government’s Department of Health and Social Care, recommended people consider taking daily vitamin D supplements. Urgent trials are now underway in France, Spain, and the United States to test vitamin D against the virus.

Recent research has shown that, in combination with magnesium and vitamin B12, daily doses of vitamin D3 can reduce disease severity in older coronavirus patients. This is a step in the right direction as optimum functioning of the immune system depends not just on vitamin D but also on many other key micronutrients such as vitamins A, C, E, B2, B6 and B12, folic acid, and the minerals iron, selenium, and zinc. Numerous other natural substances, such as green tea extract, curcumin, and other plant ingredients are also scientifically proven to be helpful in improving human immunity.

To learn more about the roles of micronutrients in improving immunity and preventing viral infections, we invite you to download our free educational course.