As the coronavirus pandemic ensues, and the future of a vaccine remains uncertain, many are looking for alternative ways to build their defence against the bug.
The immune system-boosting qualities of vitamin D were previously dismissed, but recent research has seemingly made Health Secretary Matt Hancock change his mind.
Mr Hancock said that the Government is ‘increasing its public health messaging around vitamin D amid growing evidence that it could help fight Covid-19’.
But is the vitamin actually effective against coronavirus, and what sources is it naturally found in?
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Does vitamin D help fight Covid-19?
Yes, studies have found that vitamin D can help your body fight coronavirus.
Two new studies have researched the impact of the vitamin on the disease, with game-changing results.
Dr Michael Holick, a vitamin D expert from the US, recently published a study which found good vitamin D levels can reduce the risk of catching Covid-19 by 54%.
The school of medicine at Boston University also found that high levels of vitamin D are linked with a significantly decreased level of inflammatory markets, and higher blood levels of immune cells – which helps to kill coronavirus.
This means that people with high levels of vitamin D are less at risk of catching the virus, and of dying from it.
Prof Smith, from the Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Devices, previously told Metro.co.uk: ‘In lockdown, many of us are not getting enough vitamin D – either from the sun or from the diet – and it is important that we all get enough vitamin D3 via supplements.
‘In addition to maintaining healthy bones and muscles, vitamin D3 is very important for maintaining a healthy immune system.’
What foods are rich in vitamin D?
Vitamin D tablets are purchasable over the counter, however you may want to start including vitamin D-rich foods into your diet too.
The following foods are rich in vitamin D, according to the NHS:
- Oily fish – such as salmon, sardines, herring and mackerel
- Red meat
- Liver
- Egg yolks
- Fortified foods
Don’t worry, vegans – portabello mushrooms, almond milk, margarine, and soy milk are also good sources of vitamin D.
Despite popular belief, British cows milk is not considered a good source of vitamin D.
It is recommended that everyone should try and get 10 micrograms of vitamin D — the equivalent of one salmon fillet — a day to keep bones and muscles healthy in the winter.
What are other sources of vitamin D?
Getting some sunlight on your skin can also increase your vitamin D levels.
The sun radiates UV rays, which are absorbed into the skin.
The NHS website says: ‘Most people can make enough vitamin D from being out in the sun daily for short periods with their forearms, hands or lower legs uncovered and without sunscreen from late March or early April to the end of September, especially from 11am to 3pm.’
Although, now that winter is well on its way, you may have to stick to alternative methods of intaking vitamin D.
The NHS website also says that people with darker skin – for example from an African, African-Caribbean or south Asian background – tend to have lower levels of vitamin D, and recommends they take a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of the vitamin throughout the year.
Labour MP Rupa Huq, who has been a strong vitamin D advocate since the pandemic began, said in the House of Commons on Thursday: ‘What needs to happen now is all the groups that are Vitamin D deficient and susceptible to Covid-19, including the elderly, black and ethnic minorities, the obese and those with co-morbidities such as diabetes, should be given free Vitamin D supplements as a matter of urgency.’
The Government has not yet commented on Ms Huq’s request for complementary tablets to be handed out to people with vitamin D deficiencies.
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source https://metro.co.uk/2020/10/16/vitamin-d-help-fight-coronavirus-foods-sunlight-sources-tablets-covid-uk-13431859/
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