There are nutrients that are essential to our health. Therefore, they are also for our life. One of them is vitamin D. You have surely heard about its role in maintaining good bone health. However, another of its functions is related to the immune system. It is precisely because of its involvement in the immune response that the relationship of vitamin D with COVID-19 is being investigated.
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Essential nutrients for life- Vitamin D and vitamin K
Among the essential nutrients for life, we find vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and essential fatty acids.
As for vitamins, we highlight vitamin K. When we are born. We need an injection of vitamin K to prevent dangerous bleeding in the newborn. This administration is protocolized in all hospitals and ensures a good functioning of blood clotting in the baby.
Due to the low sun exposure for our current lifestyle, you also need supplementation with vitamin D. From the first days of life, and for at least one year, babies are supplemented with a dose of 400 IU per day.
Why is vitamin D supplementation necessary?
Vitamin D supplementation during the first months of life is crucial because it intervenes in:
- The development of bone through intestinal absorption and calcium fixation in bones.
- The functioning of the nervous, cardiovascular and hormonal systems.
- I have increased muscle strength.
- Regulation of the immune system.
The role of vitamin D in the immune system
It has observed that a good Vitamin D status can offer more excellent protection and decrease the severity of acute infections. This probably occurs through the regulation of the immune system.
As a result of these observations, a study was carried out at the Reina Sofía Hospital to investigate COVID-19. It was an open, randomized, double-blind study. The study’s objective was to assess its action of on a respiratory infection associated with COVID-19.
What studies say about vitamin D and its relationship to COVID-19
The study was conducted on 76 patients who received the same type of protocolized treatment against COVID-19 with hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin. Fifty of these patients were also administered an initial dose of 0.532 mg of calcifediol or 25-hydroxyvitamin D and, subsequently, an amount of 0.266 mg daily.
The results obtained on the relationship of COVID with vitamin D were the following:
- Within the group supplemented with vitamin D, only one person required admission to the ICU.
- In the group that was not supplemented with it, 13 people required intensive care.
- The trial showed that high doses of it during hospitalization significantly reduced the severity of the disease.
- It is important to note that randomized clinical trials such as the one mentioned in this article have a high level of scientific evidence.
- However, more systematic reviews and meta-analyses are also necessary to reach the maximum level of scientific evidence.
Also Read: Pregnancy and COVID-19 – Tips for a Healthy Pregnancy
Where can I get vitamin D from?
Most of it we synthesize through the action of the solar rays on our skin. For this reason, an exposure of about 20 minutes a day and without the use of a protector could help us reach normal levels. Although there are foods such as eggs, oily fish, mushrooms, and dairy that contain it, the contribution is usually insufficient.
As for the rest of the vitamins, such as A, C, and y also positively affect our health and immunity. However, these are easier to obtain through diet.
So… do I have to take vitamin D supplements?
If you are an adult and think that vitamin D will prevent the spread of COVID 19, remember that this is not going to be the case. However, having good blood values in blood, between 30 and 50 ng / ml, will help you improve your immunity and health if there is a deficiency. You should know our blood levels First — From there assessing supplementation with health advice accordingly.
If you have a baby, follow the hospital prescriptions for vitamin D supplementation in the first year of life. Later, consult with the health professional about the continuity or not of the supplementation.
Finally, it must be borne in mind that Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin. This means that it can cause toxicity if we consume supplements in excess. Excess of it can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as constipation and vomiting and a high concentration of calcium in the blood. If it maintains over time, it can damage the kidneys, bones, and soft tissues. For this reason, the recommendation is that you go to a health professional before taking any supplementation.
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