A recent Spanish study highlights a link between severe forms of the disease and vitamin D deficiency. Although there are other nutrients that can help the immune system to strengthen, researchers recommend treatments incorporating this type of vitamin for Covid-19 patients with deficiencies.
Is there a link between vitamin D deficiencies and the severity of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus? Researchers from the Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital in Santander (Spain) conducted a study on this subject, published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology &Metabolism on October 27, 2020. The study in question included 216 patients with SARS-CoV-2 between March 10 and 31, 2020 . The researchers analyzed their vitamin D levels and made a comparison with the results of a test group of 197 healthy people.
According to the results, 82% of patients admitted to hospital suffered from vitamin D deficiency. This same rate was only 47% in healthy people. In addition, this rate was lower in men than in women. For Jose Hernandez, co-author of the study, many factors may explain why affected men have lower vitamin D levels than women. These may be lifestyle habits, diet or other comorbidity factors. Above all, the person concerned believes that for each Covid-19 patient with deficiencies, a vitamin D-based treatment should be recommended.
Vitamin D has positive effects on the musculoskeletal system but also on the immune system . However, several studies have found other links. A low serum zinc level would be synonymous with more severe symptoms and a higher mortality rate. In addition, vitamin C also plays an important role in the functioning of the immune system. This would help in particular the renewal of white blood cells. In general, micronutrients are essential for proper functioning of the immune system. They play a fundamental role in the field of health and nutritional well-being.
In April 2020, during the first confinement, we We recalled the essential nature of vitamin D. We also listed the foods that are rich in it:fish, egg yolks, meat, butter, cheeses, etc. The sun is also a significant source of vitamin D. For a healthy adult, it is advisable to expose their hands, forearms and face for 15 to 20 minutes a day.
