Many may have heard over the last few days that vitamin D can protect us from coronavirus. But can vitamin D really protect against coronavirus?
Our skin gets vitamin D when it comes in contact with sunlight. Vitamins are essential for bone growth and strength because it helps the intestines absorb calcium, magnesium, and phosphate.
*Image by Clker-Free-Vector-Images from Pixabay*
Vitamin D helps to increase the resistance of fat-soluble and white blood cells. It protects them from excessive inflammatory cytokines. Cytokine is an acute immune response to stroke that destroys the virus as well as the body's own cells and tissues.
Who is at higher risk?
According to a study published in The Lancet, the elderly and black people, who have low levels of vitamin D; They may benefit from vitamin supplements needed to protect them from the severe symptoms of coronavirus. Thus, older and black people will benefit from vitamin D supplements to strengthen their immune system.
The presence of melanin in people with black skin reduces the skin's ability to make vitamin D when exposed to sunlight. Many people are not leaving their homes for lockdown now. In such cases, vitamin D deficiency in humans may increase.
What the Lancet Study Says?
The Lancet sees vitamin D deficiency as one of the possible causes of death in many countries. It cites an observational study published in the journal Aging Clinical and Experimental Research that used data from two European countries. According to this, the average vitamin D level is lower in Italy and Spain.
Surprisingly, these countries have a higher coronavirus mortality rate than northern European countries. Northern Europeans have relatively high levels of vitamin D.
Problems with Vitamin D Deficiency
Studies have shown that vitamin D deficiency was alarming in 3% of people with diabetes, 5% of whom had pre-diabetes, and 60% of who were obese because these increase the risk of coronavirus.
Don't take medication on your own
According to doctors, past studies have found a link between respiratory infections and vitamin D deficiency. The risk of side effects and toxicity is lower when vitamin D is taken as a drug.
People with kidney and liver disease may have a higher risk of toxicity, as their bodies may not be able to release vitamins. Therefore, people should consult with doctors before taking vitamin D-rich drugs. There is no way to take medicine on your own.
**Original Content by @pitboy**
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