Vitamin D could reduce risk of coronavirus complications: study - Insider - INSIDER

Having adequate levels of vitamin D is linked to lower risk of dangerous complications of COVID-19, including low oxygen levels, unconsciousness, and death, according to a study published September 25 in PLOS ONE.

The researchers tracked the patients' outcomes, and analyzed their blood for vitamin D levels, as well as markers of inflammation and lymphocytes, white blood cells that help fight infection.

They found that patients with sufficient vitamin D, or levels above a clinical deficiency, were less likely to have severe infections and difficulty breathing.

Overall, patients with enough vitamin D were more likely to survive.

This was particularly true for patients over 40, who were 50% less likely to die if they had adequate vitamin D levels, according to the research. .

Extensive evidence has linked vitamin D deficiency to greater risk of infection, particularly from respiratory diseases like COVID-19?

While the findings are somewhat contentious, since researchers don't fully understand if vitamin D supplements can cause better health outcomes, studies have consistently linked vitamin D deficiency to greater risk of severe infection.

Anthony Fauci, the leading infectious disease expert in the US, said he takes vitamin D and acknowledges it's one of the few supplements that might be helpful for a strong immune system.