Vitamin D is Recommended During Lockdown
The Claim
Because many people are spending more time indoors at home due to community lockdowns, Public Health England issued new guidance that encourages the public to consider taking vitamin D supplements.
Emerging story
On June 18, 2020, the United Kingdom’s Independent published, “Coronavirus: Do I need to start taking vitamin D during lockdown?”
Misbar’s Analysis
Vitamin D is a type of mineral that helps keep bones, teeth, and muscles healthy. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to more fragile bones, a depressed mood, and a poorly functioning immune system. Our skin naturally makes vitamin D when it is exposed to the sun. We also get vitamin D from certain foods such as fish, eggs, and mushrooms. Because of the Covid-19 lockdowns, Public Health England is recommending taking 10 micrograms of vitamin D a day to stay healthy. According to the Independent article, Scotland and Wales have issued the same guidance.
There is limited data available on the effectiveness of vitamin supplementation. According to Harvard Health, most studies find no benefit from taking a multivitamin (which would contain vitamin D). They also state there are no known risks at this time from taking a multivitamin.
We do not know if vitamin D is protective against COVID-19. However, there is research to support the role that vitamin D plays in reducing the risk of respiratory tract infections. Some studies have also reported that vitamin D supplementation may reduce the risk of influenza. We also know that the Covid-19 outbreak occurred in winter, a time when vitamin D concentrations are the lowest.
While being in the sunshine and eating a healthy diet will naturally increase our levels of vitamin D, during this time of community lockdowns taking vitamin D supplementation is not harmful and may be helpful.
