Vitamin D vital for healthy immune system

Among them are Professor Colin Smith, the University of Brighton’s Professor of Functional Genomics, who said: “There are currently some very misleading articles doing the rounds on social media about mega doses of vitamin D as a COVID-19 protective measure - which are not true - and hence the urgent need to inform the public.”

But Professor Smith, from the Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Devices, added: “In lockdown, many of us are not getting enough vitamin D – either from the sun or from the diet – and it is important that we all get enough vitamin D3 via supplements.

“In addition to maintaining healthy bones and muscles, vitamin D3 is very important for maintaining a healthy immune system. A balanced response by the body to infection by the coronavirus is very important, since an over-reaction of the immune system to the virus can be just as dangerous as a weak immune response.”

Professor Smith and colleagues from around the UK have written in the BMJ journal Nutrition, Prevention and Health with key messages:

Professor Colin Smith

• Vitamin D is essential for good health.
• Many people, particularly those living in northern latitudes, have poor vitamin D status, especially in winter or if confined indoors.
• Low vitamin D status may be exacerbated during this COVID-19 crisis (ie, due to indoor living and hence reduced sun exposure), and anyone who is self-isolating with limited access to sunlight is advised to take a vitamin D supplement according to their government’s recommendations. This is particularly important for vulnerable individuals restricted to their homes, such as those in care homes.
• There is no strong scientific evidence to show that very high intakes (ie, mega supplements) of vitamin D will be beneficial in preventing or treating COVID-19.
• There are evidenced health risks with excessive vitamin D intakes especially for those with other health issues such as a reduced kidney function.
• Supplementation with vitamin D3 (400 International Units/day (10 micrograms/day)) is recommended by the UK government guidelines.

“I want to emphasise that vitamin D is a vitally important protective factor in relation to COVID-19. Without it, people are at a higher risk of developing the disease in its severe, life-threatening form.

‘Mega doses’ means a dosage of hundreds of thousands of international units (IU), rather than 400, 800 or up to a maximum of 4,000 IU, being an upper acceptable limit. The latter doses are essential for maintaining a healthy immune system.

Mega doses above these limits can be toxic, causing hypercalcaemia (high levels of calcium in the blood) which cause potentially serious conditions leading to bone pain and kidney problems.“

You can read more about Vitamin-D and COVID-19 on the NNEdPro Global Centre for Nutrition and Health nutrition resources website.