Vitamin D levels appear to play role in COVID-19 mortality rates

[Buckeye_Democrat]

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/05/200507121353.htm

Led by Northwestern University, the research team conducted a statistical analysis of data from hospitals and clinics across China, France, Germany, Italy, Iran, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States.

The researchers noted that patients from countries with high COVID-19 mortality rates, such as Italy, Spain and the UK, had lower levels of vitamin D compared to patients in countries that were not as severely affected.

This does not mean that everyone -- especially those without a known deficiency -- needs to start hoarding supplements, the researchers caution.

"While I think it is important for people to know that vitamin D deficiency might play a role in mortality, we don't need to push vitamin D on everybody," said Northwestern's Vadim Backman, who led the research. "This needs further study, and I hope our work will stimulate interest in this area. The data also may illuminate the mechanism of mortality, which, if proven, could lead to new therapeutic targets."

[Wounded Bear]

1. Vitamin D supports the immune system...

it's bound to be a factor. Probably not a main factor, but over a whole population it might be statistically significant.

[Mike 03]

5. Low vitamin D has also been linked to hypertension

which is another risk factor for poor outcomes.

EDIT: On second look, this finding was reconsidered and is still being studied. Taking vitamin D doesn't significantly lower blood pressure, but lack of it may contribute to hypertension.

Does Vitamin D Deficiency Lead to Hypertension?
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5356990/

Abstract
Hypertension (HTN) or high blood pressure is one of the most chronic and deadliest disorders in the world. There are many risk factors responsible for HTN which include age, race, using tobacco, high salt intake, etc. One of the risk factors we would like to highlight is low vitamin D levels. While there is strong evidence that Vitamin D plays an important role in maintaining bone and muscle health, there has been recent debate regarding its role in hypertension. However, there are many studies that have shown an indirect relation between 25-hydroxyvitamin D serum level and blood pressure. However, we suggest that more studies, especially randomised trials, should be conducted.

[ProudMNDemocrat]

2. I get in 10,000 International units of Vitamin D daily.....

As part of my Vitamin regimine. Along with 1,200 mg. of calcium due to some Osteoporosis I have going on. Perhaps that is why I have not come down with any colds or flu bugs for the past several years. I read that Vitamin D3 is also good for boosting the Immune system. Being Lactose Intolerant, I cannot injest Dairy products.

[Buckeye_Democrat]

4. I'm lactose intolerant too.

I used to take supplements. Maybe I should do it again?

I'm so naturally pale, a little sunlight SEEMS to be enough for me. My Vitamin D levels were fine (without supplements) when it was checked by a lab, but that was years ago.

[ProudMNDemocrat]

7. While I get plenty of sunshine....

Too much is not good either.

During the summer months, I cut back half my Vitamin D3 because I am outside more. From September thru April, I go back to my regular regimine. Perhaps because I eat healthy, get exercise, do not abuse alcohol, do not smoke, I have managed to avoid getting sick. For what we do as a lifestyle , plays a role in how often we get sick. I also get a Flu shot each Fall as well.

[Maeve]

3. Get out in the sun more

Eat fatty fish and seafood, mushrooms and egg yolks, look for it in fortified foods (not just milk but cereal, some orange juice and some yogurts)---it doesn't have to be pills.

[Buckeye_Democrat]

6. Yeah, fish is supposed to be a good source.

It's why natives around Alaska supposedly didn't become as pale as other people in Northern climates -- i.e., areas with less sunlight, more clothing, etc.

[ProudMNDemocrat]

9. Cold water fishes are rich in Omega 3 fats.....

Which reduce heart disease. The fat they contain is the fat that keeps them warm, thus lower in the bad cholesrerols that causes clogging the arteries. Which is why Wild Salmon, Cld, Sea Bass caught in very cold waters are best.

AVOID Farm raised fish. They lack much of the necessary Omega 3 fats because the waters in which they are raised are warmer than out in the open oceans and are higher in bad cholesterols.

[Buckeye_Democrat]

11. I've also read that many fish oil supplements...

... are actually bad for us, because they're often RANCID and thus increase inflammation.

Fish oil supplement studies were often done with fresh oil, not the stuff frequently found on store shelves that smell rancid when popped open.

[Mike 03]

12. This is a really good point.

There are some companies that manufacture pharmaceutical grade fish oil (and also vitamin D, for what it's worth) of the kind used in clinical trials. It's more expensive than what is available at most drug stores. Health stores tend to sell better quality fish oil, sometimes in pure liquid form.

I'd name the company I buy from but I'm not sure it's allowed on DU.

[James48]

8. This has been talked about for two months

By UK Nursing Instructor Dr. John Campbell,
Dr. Campbell has talked about low Vitamin D being a factor since the higher deaths of African Americans became clear in the data in March.

See

from back in early March.

I found his daily YouTube’s to be especially helpful in understanding the latest discoveries about Covid-19

[Buckeye_Democrat]

10. Thanks! I'll check out his videos! nt

[Delphinus]

15. Love him.

I listen three to four times a week. He is so credible.

[Horse with no Name]

13. That makes sense

I take high doses of prescribed Vitamin D and I’ve had exposure to Covid yet didn’t get sick.

[4139]

14. Get out in the sun more, especially African Americans who need 3-5 times as much sun...

As fair skinned people.

[Buckeye_Democrat]

17. If there's really something to this study...

... I suppose Dumb Donald will proclaim that he had the idea during that press conference when he brought up light and disinfectant injections.

Good advice about sunlight, regardless.

[Jamastiene]

16. I should be as safe as can be then.

Milk calms my stomach. I drink oodles of it. Plus, I love being outside a lot. The sun is always there. I hate it, but can't get away from it if I want to enjoy the cooler weather.

My problem though is going to be when it starts getting hot here. I tend to hole up indoors in summer like most people do in winter.

[Worried2020]

18. I've long been a user of supplements, Vitamin D is one of them

I was never fanatic, or even regular about it, but my "collection" includes Acidophilus(a probiotic), Vitamins A B C D and E

Here's an informative article on Vitamin D

What Vitamin D Dosage Is Best?
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vitamin-d-dosage

/snip/

There are two main forms of vitamin D in the diet: D2 and D3. D3 is twice as effective at raising blood levels of vitamin D, which is linked to a variety of health benefits.

/snip/

Lots more at the link -

I think I'll be more regular with my supplements now . . .



W