The global pandemic has brought health and wellness concerns to the forefront of everyone’s minds. People are looking for ways to fortify their bodies against the virus and boost their immune systems. Healthy eating and regular exercise are always good places to start, but if you’re looking for a natural ingredient that could help protect you against COVID-19, consider adding vitamin D supplements to your diet. A recent study by the University of Chicago Medical Center found that high levels of vitamin D may help protect you against the coronavirus.
The researchers evaluated the relationship between vitamin D levels, and the likelihood that individuals would test positive for COVID-19. Although many healthcare providers consider levels of 30 ng/ml to be “adequate” for general health, the study found that African American individuals with levels between 30 and 40 ng/ml had more than two and a half times higher risk of testing positive for COVID-19, compared to people with levels of 40 ng/ml or higher.
This study adds to other published research showing that vitamin D deficiencies raise the risk of contracting COVID-19. The current publication further supports these findings, by demonstrating that individuals with low intake of Vitamin D had a 7.2% chance of testing positive for the virus. Furthermore, a separate study recently found that more than 80% of patients diagnosed with COVID-19 were vitamin D deficient.
Scientists do not yet know the exact mechanism by which this nutrient may convey such a protective role. However, these studies have led to increased discussion amongst medical professionals about what constitutes an optimal daily intake of Vitamin D, and whether the recommended dosages should be increased. It should be noted that dietary supplements are not allowed to make claims related to the diagnosis, prevention, treatment, or cure of any disease – including viral infections.
Immune support isn’t the only benefit vitamin D brings to your body. Maintaining the right levels of vitamin D will help keep your body strong and healthy. This important nutrient is also known for helping regulate mood, brain function, and of course bone health.
How to add more vitamin D to your diet
Vitamin D is also known as the “sunshine vitamin.” Your skin can make vitamin D when it’s exposed to sunlight. The UV rays interact with the cholesterol in your skin cells to produce vitamin D. Of course, it can be very difficult to get the vitamin D you need simply from sun exposure. Sunscreen and layers of clothing can leave you with deficient levels of vitamin D. In fact, 41 percent of people experience vitamin D deficiency, according to the National Library of Medicine.
Luckily, sunshine isn’t the only way to get vitamin D. There are plenty of foods that contain the nutrients you need. Fatty fish and seafood, in particular, are known for being rich sources of vitamin D. If fish isn’t your favorite, then try mushrooms, egg yolks, or milk. Milk doesn’t typically contain vitamin D, but a lot of brands now fortify their milk with added vitamin D since not a lot of foods naturally contain this vitamin.
There may not be a ton of natural food options available that contain vitamin D, but vitamin supplements are an excellent solution. Supplements are a great way to quickly and easily boost your levels of vitamin D.