With COVID-19 still ongoing, any treatment that can prevent COVID helps. Vitamin D has a role in many health conditions. This includes bone health, lung diseases, and depression. There are reports that claim the lack of vitamin D leads to a higher risk for COVID.
The data is still not clear. Lack of vitamin D was found to increase risk of ARDS, a lung condition. It found a link between lower vitamin D, higher death rates, and chronic diseases. One review looked at stopping an overactive immune response to COVID. It suggests that vitamin D may stop the inflammation that leads to worse outcomes. Some studies suggest lack of vitamin D is linked to higher rates of COVID and lung disease. Some found the link was not strong enough to suggest a benefit. Others show no link after removing factors that can bias results.
Besides COVID, vitamin D also helps with bone health. Vitamin D can reduce the risk of bone fractures. Lack of vitamin D can lead to weak bones and falls. It can also lead to depression and higher rates of illness. With more people staying inside, it is important to get enough vitamin D. There is an overall benefit for vitamin D even if there is not enough proof that it helps with COVID.
-APPE Student Class of 2021