Vitamin D can half risk of fatal coronavirus complications, research finds - The Independent

New studies suggest vitamin D supplements could reduce the threat of Covid-19 by 54 per cent?

Scientists are urging individuals to take vitamin D supplements to reduce the risk of complications from the virus.

Both studies claim that patients with sufficient levels of vitamin D are less likely to experience fatal complications from Covid-19.

The study, published in the journal PLOS ONE, found patients older than 40 who had sufficient levels of vitamin D were more than 51 per cent less likely to die from the virus.

Dr Holick has recently published a further study, which found sufficient vitamin D can reduce the risk of catching Covid-19 by 54 per cent.

“It is prudent for everyone to take a vitamin D supplement to reduce the risk of being infected and having complications from Covid-19,” Dr Hollick said.

During the pandemic, the link between vitamin D and coronavirus has lacked qualification.

In June, UK health officials said there is “no evidence” to suggest that vitamin D supplements can prevent or treat Covid-19.

They commented in response to research from Ireland and the US that suggested coronavirus patients with high vitamin D levels were more likely to survive the disease, which led to increased calls for supplementation.

At the time, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice), which examined five studies on vitamin D, concluded there were no grounds to evidence that taking supplements could reduce the threat of Covid-19.

UK health officials have previously said there is “no evidence” to link vitamin D and coronavirus.