Vitamin D Deficiency and Coronavirus Severity

There have been a number of studies into the benefits of Vitamin D and Coronavirus. These highlight how important the sunshine vitamin is for combating coronavirus. New data from Israel provides evidence that vitamin D levels are linked to coronavirus outcomes. People who are vitamin D deficient and become infected are 14 times more likely to become severely ill. Israeli researchers believe that they could predict patient outcomes based on age and vitamin D levels.

Immune System

Vitamin D supports a healthy immune system. Sufficient levels of vitamin D are needed by our bodies for a properly functioning immune system.

T-cells and B-cells within our bodies trigger an immune system response in reaction to being exposed to viruses and infections. This is how our bodies attempt to fight off threats such as a virus. This includes protecting against coronavirus.

Vitamin D Levels

In our article “Vitamin D Can Help Reduce Severity of Covid-19”, we discuss the link between vitamin D deficiency and the severity of Covid-19. A Trinity College Dublin Professor talks about the importance of having adequate amounts of vitamin D in the body. Studies show that the severity of illness and death rates from coronavirus are reduced for those with sufficient vitamin D levels.

Israel Data Vitamin D and Covid-19

Published in 2022, a new study published by Israeli scientists shows a strong link between vitamin D deficiency and severe covid-19 outcomes and death. Having higher levels of vitamin D reduces the risk of severe outcomes from infection. This is also true for the Omicron variant. Researchers believe that the link is so strong that they could predict patient outcomes from the disease based on age and vitamin D levels.

The unique study by Bar Ilan University and Galilee Medical Center monitored people prior to being confirmed with a covid-19 infection. Patients were being monitored for up to two years before testing positive.

Vitamin D Deficiency and Severe Illness

According to the study, people who are vitamin D deficient and become infected with coronavirus are 14 times more likely to become severely ill.

In The Times of Israel, Dr. Amiel Dror of Galilee Medical Center stated that “vitamin D helps people with Covid infections” by “bolstering the immune system to deal with viral pathogens that attack the respiratory system”.

Vitamin D Coronavirus Studies

There have been a number of other studies that have researched the association between vitamin D and coronavirus.

In July 2020, a small study in Israel by Tel Aviv University found links between low levels of vitamin D and coronavirus. People with low levels of vitamin D were 45% more likely to test positive and were 95% more likely to be admitted to hospital.

According to data provided by Northwestern University, those with severe vitamin D deficiency are twice as likely to experience serious illness or die.

Researching data from over 400,000 people, a study by Trinity College Dublin and University of Edinburgh provides evidence that vitamin D may protect against death and severe disease. The research found that ambient UVB radiation at your home preceding infection reduced the risk of death and hospital admission.

A large King’s College London study of hundreds of thousands of users of the COVID Symptom Study app found links between supplements and coronavirus. In the UK, females taking supplements including vitamin D reduced their risk of contracting Covid-19.
A study of 489 people by University of Chicago found 60% higher rates of the virus in people with low levels of vitamin D.

In May 2020, the University of East Anglia studied the death rate data from 20 European countries. They found strong associations between the levels of vitamin D in each country and the rate of infection and death.

A Spanish study of Covid-19 patients at the Valdecilla Hospital by University of Cantabria found that over 80% of patients were vitamin D deficient.

In Spain, another small study on the vitamin D supplementation of coronavirus patients was conducted by Cordoba University. It found that health outcomes were better for patients given Vitamin D supplements. None of these patients died, and only 2% of them were admitted to intensive care. For patients not given a vitamin D supplement, 2 patients passed away and nearly 50% needed intensive care treatment.

Health Experts Recommend Vitamin D Supplements

While recommending that people take vitamin D supplements, Dr. Amiel Dror from Galilee Medical Center in Israel said vitamin D supplements “help avoid worse outcomes with the virus”.

In the Irish Medical Journal, Trinity College Dublin scientists also recommend the use of vitamin D supplements.

Supplements for Covid

There are no vitamins or supplements that prevent coronavirus. However, health authorities in the United Kingdom, Israel and many other countries have recommended that people should take vitamin D supplements during the pandemic.