- More than 80% of 200 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 had vitamin D deficiency. Patients with lower vitamin D levels also had higher blood levels of inflammatory markers. But the researchers found no link between low D levels and how severe the disease was.
- Spanish researchers tested how prescription vitamin D could affect people hospitalized with COVID. Of the 50 who received it, only one needed the intensive care unit (ICU), and none died. Among 26 patients who did not receive the vitamin, 13 needed ICU care and two died.
- U.S. researchers evaluated blood samples from 235 patients admitted to the hospital with COVID and then followed them to see how they fared. Patients who had adequate vitamin D levels were less likely to become unconscious or die from COVID.
Other studies have shown a link between low vitamin D levels and higher cases of common respiratory infections.
While it’s essential for bone health, vitamin D is multi-purposeful and is thought to be much better than vitamin C in its immunity role.
A study was conducted involving 19,000 participants using data from a national health survey between 1988 and 1994.
It showed 36% of those with low levels of vitamin D in their blood were more likely to report having a recent upper respiratory tract infection than those with higher levels.
How Much Vitamin D Do You Need?
The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences reports new recommendations based on international units (IU) per day.
IU are a standard type of measurement for drugs and vitamins. IU help experts determine the recommended dose, toxicity, and deficiency levels for each person.
One IU is not the same for each type of vitamin. International units are determined by how much of a substance produces an effect in your body. The recommended IU for vitamin D are:
children and teens: 600 IU
adults up to age 70: 600 IU
adults over age 70: 800 IU
pregnant or breastfeeding women: 600 IU
The African Americans and Vitamin D Issue
According to a study conducted by the Cooper Institute, nearly 76% of African American adults are vitamin D deficient.
Vitamin D doesn’t act like a typical vitamin. It…