Scientific evidence indicates vitamin D reduces infections and deaths. That’s according to more than 200 scientists and doctors. They have issued an open letter addressed to “all governments, public health officials, doctors, and healthcare workers”.
Research shows low vitamin D levels almost certainly promote COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations, and deaths. Given its safety, we call for immediate widespread increased vitamin D intakes.
Letter regarding Vitamin D
The signatories recommend people take 2,000-4,000 international units (IUs) of vitamin D per day. They personally report taking up to 20,000 IUs of vitamin D each day.
Many factors are known to predispose individuals to higher risk from exposure to SARS-CoV-2, such as age, being male, comorbidities, etc., but inadequate vitamin D is by far the most easily and quickly modifiable risk factor with abundant evidence to support a large effect. Vitamin D is inexpensive and has negligible risk compared to the considerable risk of COVID-19.
The scientists who signed onto the letter reportedly stack up this way:
Other experts caution against too much optimism, stating that correlation doesn’t prove causation. They say that much is still unknown about whether low vitamin D level is causing an increased risk of Covid-19.
The good news is that since most Americans are deficient it certainly can’t hurt to take a supplement.
If it helps great, if it doesn’t you are still good. Inexpensive roll of the dice.
True – and you can take as much as you want, the excess will just be excreted anyway. The only damage if you choose to take 20K IU/day is likely to your wallet.
True for water soluble vitamins B and C, but NOT for D, E, and K, which are the fat soluble vitamins. They are stored to a significant degree in the body, and toxicities are possible. Hypervitaminosis D article from the Mayo clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/vitamin-d-toxicity/faq-20058108
Thank you for posting this! I first read Shary’s post a few days ago, and have been troubled ever since by the people who stated they were taking 20k IUs every day.
My first passion was and has been nutrition, and I studied the science. Fat soluble vitamins are stored in the body’s fat cells. While the information/science on Vit D has evolved significantly over the decades, what has not changed is the risk of taking too much of a fat-soluble vitamin (A, D, E, & K).
Talk to your medical professional first! Every year my doctor orders a blood panel that includes Vit D levels in my blood, so it is possible to learn if there’s a deficiency or not.
With water-soluble vitamins, it’s important to be cognizant of the stress on the body’s elimination system (the kydney especially) when taking large doses. Best to know what your body will tolerate and needs.
Sorry Sharyl – my fat finger dropped the “l” in my first comment.
Bill, that is not actually true. You CAN take too much Vitamin D and with toxic results that can lead to hospitalization. (Ask me how I know).
Unfortunately the COVID-19 Consumer Protection Act is being seen as banning publication of non-Pharma approved treatments for Covid-19. So various alternative websites, such as Dr. Mercola’s, are scrubbing articles which refer to vitamin C & D and zinc.
There are readily available tests to test levels so you know how much you should take. If you live in the northeast or northwest, you cannot get enough sun for adequate Vitamin D levels. Supplementation is a must for most people (anyone truly think about why Florida’s elderly population mostly survive this virus?)
I do a blood test with my Dr and he says I’m deficient in Vit D so he tells me to take 2,000 units. I’m
a bit guy-66 and 275 lbs so that would be enough for anyone I would think. Also your pic is an orange brown which with my experience is Vit B. Vit D is a white.