I am so grateful for the many publications discussing preventions and treatments of COVID-19. Last week a randomized controlled trial looking at vitamin D treatment in COVID-19 was published in The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
The results are exciting. In summary:
A group of researchers in Spain randomized a small group of COVID-19 pneumonia patients to receive high dose vitamin D as part of their otherwise standardized treatment.
Of the 50 patients that received the vitamin, only 1 patient (2%) was admitted to the ICU. There were no COVID deaths in this group.
Of the 26 patients who did not receive vitamin D as part of their treatment, 13 patients (50%) were admitted to the ICU. There were 2 deaths in this control group.
The researchers found that the difference in ICU admission rate (but not death rate) was highly significant between the treatment groups. This is just one small study that needs to be replicated, but the findings may change how we treat and prevent COVID illness.
Vitamin D for virus prevention
The study released last week looked specifically at Vitamin D as a treatment for COVID-19 pneumonia, however vitamin D has been researched since the early 1930’s as a potential way to prevent viral illnesses. Meta-analysis of vitamin D studies shows a modest protective effects of vitamin D against acute respiratory infections. Vitamin D helps regulates the body’s early response to a virus and subsequent inflammatory phases as the viral illness evolves.
What is an adequate level of vitamin D?
An ideal vitamin D level has not been formally established, but most laboratories report a range of 30-100 ng/mL as normal. New emerging research has associated low levels of vitamin D with a variety of illnesses including Alzheimer’s disease, poor physical function, higher markers of inflammation and even schizophrenia. The studies cannot differentiate whether low vitamin D levels caused these disorders or the disorders themselves contribute to the low vitamin D levels, but these associations have renewed interest in identifying optimal levels of vitamin D.
According to data collected between 2005-2006 by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), insufficient vitamin D levels were found in 41.6% of US individuals sampled. Obesity, race, education level and lack of dairy consumption were additional risk factors for low levels. African-American adults had vitamin D deficiency rates at 82.1% and Hispanic adults had a deficiency rate of 62.9%. There is a striking overlap between risk factors for severe COVID-19 and vitamin D deficiency. And indeed, in a new study published in JAMA also this week, vitamin D deficiency was a risk factor for COVID-19 infection.
Should you supplement with Vitamin D?
Given the high prevalence rate of vitamin D deficiency, I believe new and established research support judicious supplementation with vitamin D for most people. However, vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin and can become toxic if overconsumed. Here is what to consider when starting vitamin D supplements:
Know your vitamin D level. NHANES data suggest that at least 40% of the US population is deficient. Knowing your current vitamin D level will help you identify your proper supplement dose. Dosing needs vary between individuals based on their current blood levels, body weight, health status, skin color and gut health/nutrient absorption. Since many of these factors are not easily known, most people can safely target a dose of 2000-4,000 IU daily. If your vitamin D levels are well below 30 ng/mL or you have other health conditions, then you may need high doses.
Consider a higher dose of vitamin D if you contract COVID-19. If you happen to contract COVID-19, you may consider taking a higher dose of vitamin D for a short period of time—especially if you don’t know what your D levels are, or if you know you’re deficient. Please consult Relish Health or your physician to determine what is appropriate for you. (In the study, the doses used during the first week of treatment were about 20,000 IU on day 1, then about 10,000 IU on days 3 and 7 and weekly thereafter until patients were discharged from the hospital.)
Consider taking a multivitamin. Vitamin D requires adequate levels of cofactors like magnesium, vitamin C, calcium, and vitamin K2 for optimal absorption and function. Eating a diet rich in veggies, fruits and high quality proteins while minimizing sugar and processed foods can help minimize risk of additional nutritional deficiencies.
Need help assessing your vitamin D need?
Dr. Leazenby has created a hand-picked list of supplements to support immunity. Review or purchase the Relish Health approved supplements through Fullscripts. Discuss all supplements with your medical provider before starting.