Editorial - Vitamin D status: a key modulator of innate immunity and natural defense from acute viral respiratory infections
European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences2020; 24: 4048-4052 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202004_20876
Good review
However. the suggested 6,000 IU/day takes 2+ months and is not enough for some people
The innate immune system can be fortified more quickly by
Starting with 50,000 IU/day for a week provides fortification in about 10 days
OR
400,000 IU in a single dose (fortification in about 3 days)
Note: It appears that Vitamin D can both prevent & treat viral infections such as COVID-19%%% See bottom of this page for other Vitamin D viral studies
A. FABBRI1, M. INFANTE1-2, AND C. RICORDI2
1Endocrine Unit, CTO Hospital - ASL Roma 2, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”,Rome, Italy andrea.fabbri at uniroma2.it
2Diabetes Research Institute (DRI), University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
Key Words: Vitamin D, Vitamin D deficiency, Innate immunity, Viral respiratory infections, Covid-19.
Innate immune responses represent the initial host defense against invading pathogens. Unlike the adaptive immune responses, innate immune responses are not specific to a specific pathogen and depend upon a group of phagocytic cells and proteins that recognize conserved features of microbes to quickly promote clearance of infectious agents, including viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites. Innate immune system includes physical (i.e., epithelium) and chemical barriers (i.e., saliva, gastric acid), complement cascade, antimicrobial peptides and antigen-presenting cells1. Antigen-presenting cells (i.e., dendritic cells and macrophages) play a pivotal role in innate immune responses by sensing pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) of a large variety of microbes via pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) - such as Toll-like receptors (TLRs) - and subsequently facilitate the full activation of adaptive immune responses1.
Vitamin D deficiency represents a global pandemic afflicting more than one billion individuals across all age groups worldwide2. Over the last decade, several studies supported vitamin D deficiency as a potential risk factor for various diseases, including systemic infections and autoimmune diseases3-7. Apart from its well-known role in the regulation of bone homeostasis, vitamin D has been shown to exert several extraskeletal actions4,8, including the regulation of innate and adaptive immune responses9-11. In particular, vitamin D has been recognized as an important mediator of innate immune responses12, participating in several processes of the innate immunity. Functional VDR has been identified in almost all immune cells, including neutrophils and antigen-presenting cells (macrophages and dendritic cells)10,13-15, as well as in human airway epithelial cells16. Also, in vitro studies have shown that vitamin D decreases the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and increases the production of antiviral proteins, suggesting an important role in antiviral innate immunity4,10,16. Of note, calcitriol (the active metabolite of vitamin D, which is also referred to as 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3) has been found to induce the transcription of antimicrobial peptides - such as cathelicidin and defensin b2 - in various human cell lines (keratino- cytes, myeloid cells, monocytes/macrophages and neutrophils)17-19. Accordingly, it has been shown that TLR activation of human macrophages leads to increased expression of VDR and vitamin D-activating enzyme 1a-hydroxylase, resulting in the induction of cathelicidin20. In addition, calcitriol promotes differentiation of monocytes/macrophages and enhances their chemotactic and phagocytic capacit y21,22.
Besides being vitamin D targets, immune cells are also local producers of vitamin D12. Therefore, vitamin D can act in an autocrine fashion within a local immunological milieu. In fact, several immune cells (macrophages, dendritic cells, T- and B-lymphocytes) have been found to express the vitamin D-activating enzymes 25- and 1a-hydroxylase23-27, allowing for local conversion of inactive vitamin D precursors into the biologically active form calcitriol24,28 under specific immune signals (i.e., IFN-g)29. Finally, several in vitro studies suggest that vitamin D plays an important role in local “respiratory homeostasis” either by promoting the expression of antimicrobial peptides or by directly affecting the replication of respiratory viruses16.
In humans, cross-sectional clinical studies showed that lower serum vitamin D levels are significantly associated with respiratory tract infections30"32, including epidemic influenza33. A British cohort study revealed that the prevalence of respiratory infections displayed a strong seasonal pattern in the opposite direction to the pattern for serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations34. Notably, each 10 nmol/L (4 ng/mL) increase in serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels was associated with a 7% lower risk of infection after adjustment for lifestyle, socio-economic factors and adiposity34. Interestingly, in a recent Editorial published in The British Medical Journal raising debate on Covid-19 pandemic, different researchers proposed vitamin D deficiency as a putative risk factor, among others, for novel coronavirus infection35.
Randomized controlled trials evaluating the efficacy of vitamin D supplementation in reducing the risk of respiratory tract infections among children and adults have yielded controversial results10,36-39. However, a potential design flaw of the majority of these studies is that the study participants were almost vitamin D-replete at baseline. This could have partly affected the interpretation of the study outcomes, since participants with (severe) vitamin D deficiency at baseline may have represented the subset of subjects receiving the highest beneficial effects from vitamin D supplementation. These remarks are based on the principle of nutrition that individuals who are the most deficient in a given micronutrient - such as vitamin D - are the most likely to respond to its replacement40. Interestingly, a meta-analysis published by Martineau et al41 in The British Medical Journal showed that vitamin D supplementation is safe and effective in preventing acute respiratory infections. More importantly, the authors found that the protective effects of vitamin D were stronger in subjects with a baseline serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration of <25 nmol/L (corresponding to <10 ng/mL, which are serum levels indicative of severe vitamin D deficiency) compared to those with a baseline 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration of >25 nmol/L (>10 ng/mL)41.
A subgroup analysis of the same study showed that the protective effects of vitamin D against acute respiratory infections were observed in participants receiving daily or weekly vitamin D without additional bolus doses, but not in participants receiving one or more bolus doses41. An explanation for the lack of efficacy of bolus dosing in preventing acute respiratory infections could depend on the fact that this therapeutic approach may lead to wide fluctuations in circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels. In this regard, Vieth42 proposed that high circulating levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D following bolus dosing may chronically alter the activity of enzymes involved in the synthesis and degradation of the active vitamin D form calcitriol, thus leading to reduced concentrations of this metabolite in extra-renal tissues.
Another important remark regarding the study design is that randomized controlled trials evaluating the impact of vitamin D supplementation on clinical outcomes should employ a design primarily based on serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations rather than administered vitamin D doses43,44. In fact, serum response to a given dose of vitamin D is highly variable between individuals due to several demographic and biological factors, such as baseline vitamin D status, ethnicity, body fat percentage, use of certain medications, genetics, seasonal variations, time of sun exposure, aging and type of vitamin D supplements45.
In conclusion, several studies support the immunomodulatory properties of vitamin D and its important role in the maintenance of immune homeostasis. However, well-designed, randomized controlled trials are needed in the future to understand the potential role of vitamin D status in sustaining the protective immune responses against respiratory pathogens and in preventing different types of respiratory tract infections (i.e., upper respiratory tract infections versus lower respiratory tract infections). Also, it will be important to clarify which is the subset of individuals that would potentially receive the highest benefits from vitamin D supplementation. According to the current evidence, we outline the importance of initiating or maintaining vitamin D supplementation (under proper medical supervision) in individuals with hypovitaminosis D, especially in those previously diagnosed with a severe vitamin D deficiency in order to attain a target serum value of 25-hydroxyvitamin D of at least >30 ng/mL.
We also believe that maintenance of circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels of 40-60 ng/mL would be optimal, since it has been suggested that concentrations amounting to 40 ng/mL represent the beginning point of the plateau where the synthesis of the active form calcitriol becomes substrate-independent 46,47. Additionally, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels of approximately >40 ng/mL could provide protection against acute viral respiratory infections, as demonstrated in a prospective cohort study published in PLoS One and conducted on 198 healthy adults 48. To reach these concentrations in adults, a dietary and/or supplemental intake of vitamin D up to 6000 IU/day - deemed to be safe - is required 49,50.
However, elderly subjects, overweight/obese and diabetic patients, patients with malabsorption syndromes, and patients on medications affecting vitamin D metabolism may require even higher doses under medical supervision 50. Finally, these remarks align well with the current recommendations for prevention and treatment of vitamin D deficiency in relation to skeletal 50 and extraskeletal health 51.
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COVID-19 treated by Vitamin D - studies, reports, videos
Contents as of Nov 9:
- 33 trials, 2 trial results, 30 observations, 11 recommendations, 35 associations, 74 speculations, 26 videos
Top Vitamin D and COVID-19 recent updates
- 2X fewer COVID-19 deaths observed if infrequent vitamin D (2X more deaths if daily dose) – UK Oct 20, 2020
- Vitamin D fighting COVID-19 meets Bradford Hill Criteria - Nov 2020
- French National Academy recommended 100,000 IU of Vitamin D to elderly to fight COVID-19 - May 2020
- Chinese COVID-19 study – 80 pct of severe cases had low Vitamin D, all asymptomatic cases had OK Vit D – Oct 13, 2020
- Vitamin D and COVID-19 - observational studies found it helps, never hurts - Campbell Oct 31, 2020
- COVID-19 increased risks with low vitamin D: Infection 1.5 X, Hospitalization 1.8 X – meta-analysis Oct 2020
- COVID-19 lung death 4X more likely in Iran if less than 25 ng of vitamin D – Oct 30, 2020
- Evidence Regarding Vitamin D and Risk of COVID-19 and its Severity - Oct 27, 2020
- COVID-19 patients who happened to be taking Vitamin D did much better – Oct 27,2020
- 9X COVID-19 survival in nursing home if had 80,000 IU dose of vitamin D in previous month – Oct 2020
- COVID-19 fought by Vitamin D in 43 studies - Oct 15, 2020
- 15 studies indicating that Vitamin D fights COVID-19 - Dr. Grimes Oct 9, 2020
- 32X more likely to have severe-critical COVID-19 in Turkish hospital if Vitamin D deficient – Oct 5, 2020
- {img type="attId" attId="14387" width="250"}
- Vitamin D Cuts SARS-CoV-2 Infection Rate by Half Mercola Sept 28
- 47% lower SARS-CoV-2 positivity rate if > 50 ng vs < 20 ng
- 58% lower risk of testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 if > 30 ng vs < 30 ng
- 2X higher risk of hospitialization if <30 ng
- ICU patients got semi-activated Vitamin D - death rate dropped to 2% from 50%
- Virtually no COVID-19 cases in countries having more than 30 ng of Vitamin D - Sept 17, 2020
- {img type="attId" attId="14336" width="500"}
- Studies on Vitamin D and COVID-19 (11 categories) - Sept 20, 2020
- Rate of COVID-19 test positive is 40 pcnt lower if high vitamin D (192,000 people) - Holick Sept 2020
- {img type="attId" attId="14324" width="500"}
- 14.7 X more likely to die of COVID-19 if less than 12 ng of Vitamin D (185 Germans) – Sept 10, 2020
- {img type="attId" attId="14291" width="450"}
- Low D increases risk of infection. Dr. Fauci Sept 11
- "If you're deficient in vitamin D, that does have an impact on your susceptibility to infection. I would not mind recommending, and I do it myself, taking vitamin D supplements,..." 32 minutes into Instagram interview
- Dr. Fauci takes 6,000 IU of Vitamin D daily – Sept 2020
- {img type="fileId" fileId="3319" width="600" link=https://vitad.org/COVID-19+treated+by+Vitamin+D+-+studies%2C+reports%2C+videos#Observe_-_Less_likey_to_become_infected}
Click on chart for details
- COVID-19 defeated by activated Vitamin D in Spain - pilot RCT Aug 29, 2020
- WHO – Severe COVID-19 mortality reduced by hormones (should consider hormone D too) - Sept 2020
- Vitamin D in Prevention and Treatment of COVID-19 (16 reasons) – Sept 1, 2020
{FONT(size="18")} Search Google Scholar for COVID-19 Vitamin D{FONT} 20,000 publications Oct 10, 2020
Intervention
Intervention Trial Summary Table
{img type="fileId" fileId="3316" width="950"}
- 2X fewer COVID-19 deaths observed if infrequent vitamin D (2X more deaths if daily dose) – UK Oct 20, 2020
- A Clinical Trial, not a Randomized Controled Clinical Trial
- COVID-19 defeated by activated Vitamin D in Spain - pilot RCT Aug 29, 2020
Observe - Less likely to become infected
short URL to this section = https://is.gd/COVID_less
- {img type="fileId" fileId="3319" width="600"}
- 1 Rate of COVID-19 test positive is 40 pcnt lower if high vitamin D (192,000 people) - Holick Sept 2020
- {img type="attId" attId="14324" width="500"}
- 2 COVID-19 increased: 3.5 if Ultra-Orthodox, 2.6X if dark skin (52,000 Israelis) - Sept, 2020
- 3 COVID-19 1.77X less likely if more than 20 ng of vitamin D (489 people) – JAMA Sept 2020
- 1.8 X higher risk if <12 ng vs >30 ng - independent of sex, race
- 4 7X less likely to test COVID-19 positive if had more than 30 ng of Vitamin D (7,804 Israelis) - preprint July 3
- and 20X less likely to be hospitalized for COVID-19
- Peer-reviewed July 23 FREE PDF
- Low plasma 25(OH) vitamin D level is associated with increased risk of COVID-19 infection: an Israeli population-based study preprint
- COVID-19 antibodies 2.6 X more likely if had symptoms and low vitamin D (UK hospital staff)– Oct 5 2020
- Vitamin D Cuts SARS-CoV-2 Infection Rate by Half Mercola Sept 28
- 47% lower SARS-CoV-2 positivity rate if > 50 ng vs < 20 ng
- 58% lower risk of testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 if > 30 ng vs < 30 ng
- 2X higher risk of hospitialization if <30 ng
- ICU patients got semi-activated Vitamin D - death rate dropped to 2% from 50%
- COVID-19 increased risks with low vitamin D: Infection 1.5 X, Hospitalization 1.8 X – meta-analysis Oct 2020
Observe - Reduced Severity/Death
- Chinese COVID-19 study – 80 pct of severe cases had low Vitamin D, all asymptomatic cases had OK Vit D – Oct 13, 2020
- COVID-19 lung death 4X more likely in Iran if less than 25 ng of vitamin D – Oct 30, 2020
- COVID-19 patients who happened to be taking Vitamin D did much better – Oct 27,2020
- 9X COVID-19 survival in nursing home if had 80,000 IU dose of vitamin D in previous month – Oct 2020
- 15 studies indicating that Vitamin D fights COVID-19 - Dr. Grimes Oct 9, 2020
- Children infection by COVID-19 had much lower levels than controls Research Gate, Turkey Oct 2020
- 32X more likely to have severe-critical COVID-19 in Turkish hospital if Vitamin D deficient – Oct 5, 2020
- {img type="attId" attId="14387" width="250"}
- Admission to COVID-19 ICU 1.7X more likely to have less than 20 ng of vitamin D – Sept 2020
- Vitamin D levels were NOT associated with COVID-19 severity - Sept 2020
- ALL patients had < 20 ng of vitamin D.
- Impact of Vitamin D Deficiency on COVID-19-A Prospective Analysis from the CovILD Registry,
- Hint: need >30 ng to get a benefit doi: 10.3390/nu12092775
- Studies on Vitamin D and COVID-19 (11 categories) - Sept 20, 2020
- COVID-19 3.2X more likely to be severe if vitamin D deficient (80 patients) – Sept 22, 2020
- 14.7 X more likely to die of COVID-19 if less than 12 ng of Vitamin D (185 Germans) – Sept 10, 2020
- Vitamin D associated with less severe COVID-19 (Iran) - Aug 28, 2020
- Less COVID-19 at high altitude due to more Vitamin D or other possible reasons – July 2020
- Far fewer COVID-19 deaths in the summer (Europe, Canada) Aug 21
- Death rates fell as vitamin D levels typically go up in the summer.
- Many charts. 4 other possible reasons for the drop in death rates
- COVID ARDS deaths 2X more likely if less than 10 ng of Vitamin D – Aug 8, 2020
- {img type="attId" attId="14161" width="400"}
- Observations that Vitamin D, Zinc, and Selenium separately reduce COVID-19 – Aug 7, 2020
- Vitamin D Supplementation During the COVID-19 Pandemic Mayo Clinic Letter (Online June 6) Aug 5, FREE 2 page PDF
- "In Slovenia, in view of COVID-19 pandemic, medical doctors were urgently advised by leading experts to supplement vitamin D in high-risk and fragile individuals and in COVID-19 patients"
- Russian Hospital observed 5X more likely to have severe COVID-19 if Vitamin D Deficient – Aug 2020
- Vitamin D Sufficiency Reduced Risk for Morbidity and Mortality in COVID-19 Patients - Holick July 14
- No COID19 deaths in a hospital if >41 ng and <80 years old
- [https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0239799&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+plosone%2FPLoSONE+%28PLOS+ONE+-+New+Articles%29|Peer reviewed publication] Sept 25
- "We did observe that 6.3% of the patients who had a blood level of 25(OH)D of at least 40 ng/mL succumbed to the infection compared to 9.7% and 20% who died and had a circulating blood level above and below 30 ng/mL respectively. Thus, a blood level of at least 40 ng/mL may be optimal for vitamin D’s immunomodulatory effect. "
- [https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article/file?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0239799.s001&type=supplementary|Nice 4 minute video by Dr. Holick] - unfortunately only recommends 1500 - 2000 IU for adults, which will take >6 months to get most people above 16 ng
- {img type="attId" attId="14056" width="500"}
- Evaluation of the Relationship Between Zinc Vitamin D and b12 Levels in the Covid-19 Positive Pregnant Women posted May 29
- Exclusion Criteria: No vitamin D , Vitamin B12 or Zinc supplement use
- Clinical trial Arm1: Observe COVID-19 Deaths and Vitamin D levels in the UK trial completion June 2021
- Arm2: Measure Vitamin D of patients in general practices and see if they get COVID-19 in the next 6 months (prevention)
- Clinical trial observing Vitamin D levels of 500 people in Spain at entry into ICU and recording outcomes hould have been completed July 2020
- Clinical trial to observe vitamin D levels of 100 COVID-19 Turks in hospital should have been completed July 2020
- Bursa City Hospital, NCT04394390
- WHO 3 RCT for Vitamin D and COVID-19 as of May 27 (WHO not responding when asked for details)
- NCT04386044 Investigating the Role of Vitamin D in the Morbidity of COVID-19 Patients 10/05/2020
- NCT04334005 Vitamin D on Prevention and Treatment of COVID-19 29/03/2020
- ChiCTR2000029732 Impact of vitamin D deficiency on prognosis of patients with novel coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19) 2020-02-10
- Clinical trial to measure Vitamin D status AND vitamin D genes of COVID-19 patients in Portugal Study completion date March 2021
- No intervention, hope they consider genes not noticed by Vit. D tests: such as Vitamin D Receptor, CYP27B1
{FONT(size="18")} Vitamin D Dosing Recommendations for COVID-19{FONT}
- French National Academy recommended 100,000 IU of Vitamin D to elderly to fight COVID-19 - May 2020
- COVID-19 probably fought by 40 ng of Vitamin D - quickly achieved with 200K-400K IU - Oct 28, 2020
- A single dose of 300,000 IU of vitamin D should fight COVID-19 for 2 months - Hypothesis - Aug 21, 2020
- Vitamin D recommended for COVID-19 – yet another study – July 17, 2020
- Massive Review of papers on Vitamin D and COVID-19 - July 3, 2020
- {img type="attId" attId="14051" width="800"}
- Portion of image from June 5 video (below)
- {img type="attId" attId="13904" width="500"}
- Parkinson's Disease patients who were taking Vitamin D were 0.56 X less likely to catch COVID-19 - June 2020
- COVID‐19 in Parkinson’s Disease Patients Living in Lombardy, Italy: https://doi.org/10.1002/mds.28176
- {img type="attId" attId="14275" width="800"}
- Commentary: Myths and facts on vitamin D amidst the COVID-19 pandemic Metabolism, June 2, FREE PDF, peer-reviewed publication
- "Preventive doses of vitamin D3 of 10,000 IU/day for 4 weeks followed by 5000 IU/day to reach a target 25(OH)D level of 100–150 nmol/L [24], and treatment doses >6000 IU/day in deficient individuals to reach a similar level and reduce disease progression [48], are suggested. ""
- Comment: Strange that the treatment dose is less than the prevention dose. Note treatment dose will take > 3 months to help
- Perhaps they meant the treatment dose to be 60,000 IU, not 6,000 IU
- Perspective: improving vitamin D status in the management of COVID-19 May 22 free PDF
- If low: 50,000 IU twice a week at the diagnosis (100,000 IU total)., then 50,000 IU taken once a week for the 2nd and 3rd weeks.
- Note: Vitamin D Life believes that this dosing is not large enough for prevention, much less treatment
- If low: 50,000 IU twice a week at the diagnosis (100,000 IU total)., then 50,000 IU taken once a week for the 2nd and 3rd weeks.
- COVID-19 might be prevented in 2 months by 50,000 IU weekly – May 12, 2020
- for people who have not been taking any vitamin D BusinessWorld May 22 - by Dr Renu Mahtani in videos below
- Vitamin D 60k IU twice a week for two weeks to be followed by 60k once a week for the next six weeks.
- or Vitamin D 60k IU daily for three days to be followed by 60k weekly for the total period of two months.
- Thus 480,000 IU total, No Vitamin D testing needed
{FONT(size="18")}Some people wanted improved immune systems, so took more vitamin D{FONT}
- 2X to 10 X reduction in rate of preemies during COVID-19 in some countries NYT July 19
- No mention about any possible increased Vitamin D sales in Denmark, Ireland, Calgary,
- Sales of vitamin D supplements up 3000% after Public Health England recommendation May 14
- BBC reported a 6X decrease in % people dying of COVID-19 BBC June 16
- {img type="attId" attId="13961" width="600"}
- "Wonder if increased D ==> fewer % of COVID-19 patients ended up dying: 6% ==> 1%. Noted also in Italy
- Alternately, the decreased death rate of COVID-19 patients might be just due to more Vitamin D in the summer
- {img type="attId" attId="13962" width="700"}
- COVID-19 resulted in 3.7X decrease in Irish Very Low Weight Births (Vitamin D) - June 2020 Vitamin D sales had increased by 2500%
- I expect to find many other observations of:
- Fear of COVID-19 ==> Want to improve immune system ==> Take Vitamin D ==> Improved health
- Candidate health concerns for which people have probably have heard about Vitamin D include:
- Pregnancy, Asthma, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's, and Cancer
- I expect to find many other observations of:
{FONT(size="18")}COVID-19 associated with Low Vitamin D{FONT}
- Vitamin D fighting COVID-19 meets Bradford Hill Criteria - Nov 2020
- Magnesium (which increases vitamin D) may fight COVID-19 - Oct 2020
- Studies on Vitamin D and COVID-19 (11 categories) - Sept 20, 2020
- Low serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels in patients hospitalised with COVID‐19 are associated with greater disease severity July 3 FREE PDF
- Has undergone peer review, 200,000 IU Vitamin D occasional dosing, 134 people
- Obesity, walking pace and risk of severe COVID-19: Analysis of UK Biobank preprint July 11
- normal weight slow walkers were 2.5 more likely to get COVID-19
- Perspective: Vitamin D deficiency and COVID-19 severity - plausibly linked by latitude, ethnicity, impacts on cytokines, ACE2, and thrombosis (R1) July 2020, FREE PDF
- ICU was 2X less likely for COVID-19 hospitalization if Vitamin D more than 20 ng – July 2020
- T1 Diabetic children with low vitamin D have COVID-19 problems (like diabetic adults) - preprint May 15
- COVID-19 deaths strongly correlated with percent having less than 10 ng of Vitamin D in a country– July 1 2020
- {img type="attId" attId="13974" width="600"}
- {img type="attId" attId="14057" width="600"}
- Pregnant women admitted to hospital with COVID-19 5X more often than non-pregnant women NYT June 24
- 31% vs 6%. Note: NYT article is confusing. Note: Vitamin D levels drop during pregnancy
- The role of vitamin D in reducing risk of COVID-19: a brief survey of the literature - June 9, 2020 in Vitamin D Life
- Evidence Supports a Causal Model for Vitamin D in COVID-19 Outcomes – June 3, 2020 in Vitamin D Life
- Founder of Vitamin D Life believes that Causal Modeling will replace many RCTs in the future
- BIG DATA is far faster and lower cost than RCTs while being able to consider far more interactions
- Model A: 16 predictions match observed data; 3 predictions cannot be determined.
- {img type="attId" attId="13906" width="800"}
- Founder of Vitamin D Life believes that Causal Modeling will replace many RCTs in the future
- Obese have major problems with COVID-19 - probably due to lower vitamin D and higher ACE2 June 5, 2020
- Researchers show potential link between vitamin D and coronavirus NBC News Madison Wisconsin May 22
- Reporting on the study from the University in that city - which is below
- Vitamin D for Covid-19? May 12 FREE PDF
- Perspective: improving vitamin D status in the management of COVID-19 European Journal of Clinical Nutrition May 12 FREE PDF
- Avoidance of vitamin D deficiency to slow the COVID-19 pandemic Martin Kohlmeier, BMJ, May 20 FREE PDF
- Vitamin D deficiency as risk factor for severe COVID-19: a convergence of two pandemics preprint May 5. updated May 18
- 186 patients. Lower Vitamin D levels associated with worse COVID-19 only for males
- {img type="attId" attId="13801" width="500"}
- Vitamin D levels : all males at same hospital in 2019, males in 2020 with COVID-19
- {img type="attId" attId="13878" width="500"}
- COVID-19 and vitamin D—Is there a link and an opportunity for intervention? Hrvoje Jakova, letter to the editor, May 1, FREE PDF
- [https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-30390/v1 |No COVID-19 patient in ICU had >20 ng, 4 had 12.5-20 ng, 13 had < 12.ng ] preprint May 22
- COVID-19 associated with low Vitamin D in more than 20 studies – May 21, 2020 BMJ reply
- Max Minute: How Much Does Vitamin D Help Against COVID-19? CBS News NYC Video May 19
- The Essential Role of Vitamin D in the Biosynthesis of Endogenous Antimicrobial Peptides May Explain Why Deficiency Increases Mortality Risk in COVID-19 Infections preprint May 16 (at least 10,000 IU daily)
- Vitamin D appears to play role in COVID-19 mortality rates Northwestern Univ. May 7
- "Patients with severe deficiency are twice as likely to experience severe complications, including death"
- "...statistical analysis of data from hospitals and clinics across China, France, Germany, Italy, Iran, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States."
- There are 2 concurrent pandemics – COVID-19 and Vitamin D deficiency – May 13, 2020
- Vitamin D Deficiency and ARDS after SARS-CoV-2 Infection Irish Medical Journal May 11
- Analysis of 36 COVID-19 patients: Vitamin D status: (nmol) ARDS 27, pneumonia 41;
- and, if <30 nmol. 3.2 X more likely to have intubation
Vitamin D levels are lower in those who test positive for COVID-19 -[doi:10.3390/nu12051359| Nutrients] May 09
- {img type="attId" attId="13798" width="250"}
- [https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2020/05/08/vitamin-d-level-correlated-to-covid19-outcomes.aspx?cid_source=dnl&cid_medium=email&cid_content=art1HL&cid=20200508Z1&et_cid=DM527863&et_rid=867359477 |Vitamin D Level Is Directly Correlated to COVID-19 Outcome] Mercola May 8
- Overview of many studies and video by Ivor Cummins
- [https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/05/200507131012.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily%2Fhealth_medicine%2Fvitamin_d+%28Vitamin+D+News+--+ScienceDaily%29 |Vitamin D linked to low virus death rate in 20 countries in Europe] Science Daily May 7
- [https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.05.01.20087965 |Evidence Supports a Causal Model for Vitamin D in COVID-19 Outcomes] May 6 preprint
- Excellent extensive use of Causal Influence AI to discover associations.
- I have suspected that Causal Influence could be much better, far lower cost, and faster than the use of RCTs
- [https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3586555|Evidence of Protective Role of Ultraviolet-B (UVB) Radiation in Reducing COVID-19 deaths] preprint May 7
- "permanent unit increase in UVI is associated with a 2.2 % decline in daily growth rates of cumulative COVID-19 deaths [p < 0.01]
- as well as a 1.9 % decline in the daily growth rates of CFR [p < 0.05]
- 64 countries, 78 days, 6 UVI models
- [https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3593258#.XrE0oF1wSjU.twitter |Vitamin D Level of Mild and Severe Elderly Cases of COVID-19: A Preliminary Report] May 5
- 176 seniors in S. Asia - published in India
- {img type="attId" attId="13789" width="300"}
- Almost everyone with COVID-19 in a Louisiana ICU had low vitamin D – April 29, 2020
- COVID-19 mortality rate highest North of 35 degrees latitude (Vitamin D) – April 20, 2020
- COVID-19 was 19X more likely if low vitamin D (may be invalid data)– April 2020 Philippines
- The raw data has strange gaps in the vitamin D levels
- {img type="attId" attId="13978" width="500"}
- Research Suggests a Link Between Vitamin D Deficiency and COVID-19 Deaths May 5
- Indonesia preprint 13X if vitamin D insufficient,19X for patients who are vitamin D deficient.
- Vitamin D Life has requested but has not yet access to the raw data
- COVID-19 infections associated with very low vitamin D – Turin Italy – March 2020
{FONT(size="18")} Speculation{FONT}
- Evidence Regarding Vitamin D and Risk of COVID-19 and its Severity - Oct 27, 2020
- COVID-19 fought by Vitamin D in 43 studies - Oct 15, 2020
- AI is examining 170,000 potential COVID-19 treatments, Vitamin D is one of only 6 found – Sept 4, 2020
- The benefits of Vitamin D in the COVID-19 pandemic: biochemical and immunological mechanisms Oct 8, behind paywall
- Vitamin D could knock out COVID-19 in 3 months – Dr. Matthews interview Oct 2020
- Studies on Vitamin D and COVID-19 (11 categories) - Sept 20, 2020
- WHO – Severe COVID-19 mortality reduced by hormones (should consider hormone D too) - Sept 2020
- COVID-19 Call to Action – eliminate Vitamin D deficiency – Manson Sept 1, 2020
- Vitamin D in Prevention and Treatment of COVID-19 (16 reasons) – Sept 1, 2020
- AARP features a news item on Vitamin D (and Zinc) and COVID-19 AARP Aug 17
- Nothing new, but it is nice to see Vitamin D being highlighted
- Perhaps the Vitamin D deficiency pandemic caused the COVID-19 pandemic - Aug 17, 2020
- The Covid-19 pandemic is a Vitamin D Deficiency problem and is easy to solve – June 2020
- Mainstream Media Catching on to Vitamin D’s Impact on COVID - Aug 17, 2020
- Prudent to consider that Vitamin D has a role in COVID-19 – meta-analysis – Aug 7, 2020 nice chart and table
- Progesterone and ACE2 are possible reasons for fewer female COVID-19 deaths
- {img type="attId" attId="14141" width="250"}
- MECHANISMS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY: Vitamin D and COVID-19 in European Journal of Endocrinology Aug 1
- 32 pages, 180 references, FREE PDF
- Vitamin D3 and K2 and their potential contribution to reducing the COVID-19 mortality rate Inter. J. of Infectious Diseases, Aug 5, FREE PDF
- Has a Causal Loop Diagram of Vitamin D3, K2 and the immune system
- Call to Action: Eliminate Vitamin D Deficiency during COVID-19 (7 reasons) – Manson July 23, 2020 in Vitamin D Life
- Vitamin D and Inflammation: Potential Implications for Severity of Covid-19 May 7, PMID: 32603576
- Vitamin D Supplementation: A Potential Approach for Coronavirus/COVID-19 Therapeutics?
- June 23, 2020 FREE PDF, Peer reviewed by Dr. Grant. Includes the following:
- "We demonstrated that a daily oral supplement of 4000 IU of vitamin D during 10 days represented an adequate dose to enhance dengue virus control and reduce the cytokine response, in vitro, suggesting that vitamin D status can, in fact, restrict the viral assault (53, 54)."
- See also Vitamin D Life: Dengue virus prevented by a small amount of Vitamin D – RCT Nov 2019
- Experts criticise UK govt. for review of Vitamin D COVID-19 Nutragredients July 2
- "Shouldn't the best available proof be enough when it is better than doing nothing?"
- Nursing homes could reduce risk of COVID-19 with Vitamin D – June 30, 2020
- Hill's Criteria indicates that COVID-19 will be treated by Vitamin D - Annweiler June 8 2020
- Evidence that vitamin D is causally linked to COVID-19 outcomes using
{img type="attId" attId="13965" width="1100"}
- Vitamin D: A cheap yet effective bullet against coronavirus disease-19 – Are we convinced yet?
- June 5, FREE PDF
- How We can fix this pandemic in a month (Vitamin D: 20K IU for 14 days) – June 22, 2020 in Vitamin D Life
- COVID-19 1.9X more likely if Hypocalcemia (which is associated with low vitamin D) June 22, small study, FREE 17 page PDF
- Possible Role of Vitamin D in Covid-19 Infection in Pediatric Population Endocrinol Investigation June 15, FREE PDF
- Covid-19: Public health agencies review whether vitamin D supplements could reduce risk BMJ June 19
- The 2017 BMJ publication that concluded that vitamin D reduced the risk of ARDS was viewed 300,000 times since COVID-19 started.
- An RCT this Winter may be run by the UK to confirm the possibility
- Note: Many other RCTs are already underway - see the top of this section
- Vitamin D and Coronavirus Geriatric Nursing, June 18
- Vitamin D deficiency and co-morbidities in COVID-19 patients – A fatal relationship – June 7, 2020 in Vitamin D Life
- Does Vitamin D play a role in the management of Covid-19 in Brazil? April 2020 free PDF
- A strong role, but recommends against high doses such as 10,000 IU - no reason given
- Exploring the Links Between Coronavirus and Vitamin D NYT June 10
- A review of preprints, which does not look at on-line comments about about errors in a few of them.
- Apparently authored by a reporter, not a scientist
- Is Vitamin D One of the Key Elements in COVID-19 Days? June 2020, letter to editor, Turkey
- " Although there is a need for more research related to this subject, we think that supplementing vitamin D as a part of standard nutrition may be somewhat effective in providing clinical benefit"
- El rol de la vitamina D en la infección por SARS-CoV-2 Spanish June FREE PDF
- Is Vitamin D One of the Key Elements in COVID-19 Days? Letter to the editor of The journal of nutrition, health & aging - June 13
- YES, 20 references
- Vitamin D Levels and COVID-19 Susceptibility: Is there any Correlation? June 2 FREE PDF
- 4,000 IU for 2 months should help a lot. No data (yet) to support quickly fighting COVID-19 with loading doses
- Does Vitamin D play a role in the management of Covid-19 in Brazil? June 1, FREE PDF
- Recommends AGAINST 10,000 IU/day
- Supplementing with high doses of vitamin D could represent a promising alternative to prevent or treat COVID-19 infection June 1, peer reviewed ,FREE Spanish PDF
- 10,000 IU daily, 50,000 to 100,000 IU weekly
- Your Vitamin D Level Must Reach 60ng/mL Before the Second Wave Mercola June 1
- Founder of Vitamin D Life believes than 40 ng should be sufficient - based on ~40 studes
- Does vitamin D (and C) help with Covid-19 - May 2020 Germany
- Vitamin D deficiency and COVID-19 pandemic May 29 FREE PDF
- Patrick Zemb a Peter Bergmanb Carlos A.Camargo Jr c, Etienne Cavalier d, Catherine Cormier e, Marie Courbebaisse f, Bruce Hollis g, Salvatore Minisola h Stefan Pilz i, Pawel Pludowsk j, François Schmitt k, Mihnea Zdrenghea l, Jean-ClaudeSouberbielle m"
- Premorbid IL-6 levels may predict mortality from COVID-19 preprint, Morry Silberstein May 29 FREE PDF
- Vitamin D: A simpler alternative to tocilizumab for trial in COVID-19? Medical Hypotheses, Morry Silberstein July 2020 FREE PDF
- "Vitamin D lowers immune cell production of IL-6"
- {img type="attId" attId="13871" width="400"}
- "Vitamin D lowers immune cell production of IL-6"
- Does COVID-19 have a fear of hights? -(or just a fear of the increased VItamin D generated at high altitudes) WP May 31
- Cusco Peru (11,000 feet) - Vitamin D is not mentioned. yet there may be 50% more UVB-generated Vitamin D at that altiude
- "In one peer-reviewed study, published in the journal Respiratory Physiology & Neurobiology, researchers from Australia, Bolivia, Canada and Switzerland looking at epidemiological data from Bolivia, Ecuador and Tibet found populations living above 3,000 meters (9,842 feet) reported significantly lower levels of confirmed infections than their lowland counterparts"
- Reduced COVID-19 in Mexico is associated with higher UV or higher elevation (both of which are associated with higher vitamin D) preprint May 27
- {img type="attId" attId="13865" width="600"}
- {img type="attId" attId="13866" width="600"}
- Vitamin-D and COVID-19: Do Deficient Risk a Poorer Outcome? Lancet May 20
- Reviews many reports and includes the following comment by a researcher of "COVIDENCE UK, a study to investigate how diet and lifestyle factors might influence transmission of SARS-CoV-2, severity of COVID-19 symptoms, speed of recovery, and any long-term effect"
- "Despite his enthusiasm for the study, Martineau is pragmatic: “At best vitamin D deficiency will only be one of many factors involved in determining outcome of COVID-19, but it’s a problem that could be corrected safely and cheaply; there is no downside to speak of, and good reason to think there might be a benefit”.
- Should be cost-effective to use Vitamin D, Vitamin C and Curcumin to fight Covid-19 in India preprint May 22
- Fails to mention dose sizes or frequencies
- U.S. Rep. Glenn Grothman (Wisc.) wants the CDC to investigate if Vitamin D can fight COVID-19 May 22
- Letter: does vitamin D have a potential role against COVID-19 May 20
- {img type="attId" attId="13835" width="450"}
- Optimisation of Vitamin D Status for Enhanced Immuno-protection Against Covid-19 Irish Medical Journal, April 2020
- Lungs as target of COVID-19 infection: Protective common molecular mechanisms of vitamin D and melatonin as a new potential synergistic treatment Aug 2020
- both should help fight lung problems. Clinical Trials needed to see to discover dosing and benefits FREE PDF
- Mechanism of inflammatory response in associated comorbidities in COVID-19 PubMed literature Review May 12, free PDF
- "Vitamin D is highlighted as a potential therapeutic target, because in addition to acting on the immune system, it plays an important role in the control of cardiometabolic diseases"
- Vitamin D: A Low-Hanging Fruit in COVID-19? Medscape May 17
- Statements by a dozen doctors, such as Dr. Rosen: "I've been a huge skeptic from the get-go, and loudly criticized the data for doing nothing. I am surprised at myself for saying there might be some effect,"
- DOES VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY REALLY INCREASE RISK OF DEATH FROM COVID-19? Newsweek May 15
- Reviews about 10% of the items on this page
- Which fights COVID-19 more in the long-term - Vitamin D or Ultraviolet light Elemental+ May 13
- Note: Megadoses of Vitamin D can restore the immune system in days, whereas UV takes months
- Vitamin D and SARS-CoV-2 virus (Vitamin D should help) British Medical Journal May 13, 2020
- Unfortunately. the UK consensus is that 400 IU is enough to prevent or treat any health problem, including COVID-19
- The Possible Role of Vitamin D in Suppressing Cytokine Storm and Associated Mortality in COVID-19 Patients preprint April 30
- FoxNews May 7: China, France, Germany, Italy, Iran, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, the UK and the US.
- Also reported on in Science Blogs and as The Vitamin That Reduces COVID Risk PSYBLOG May 30
- "Backman said this correlation might help explain the many mysteries surrounding COVID-19, such as why children are less likely to die. Children do not yet have a fully developed acquired immune system, which is the immune system’s second line of defense and more likely to overreact. Children primarily rely on their innate immune system,” Backman said. “This may explain why their mortality rate is lower.”
- "Not only does vitamin D enhance our innate immune systems, it also prevents our immune systems from becoming dangerously overactive"
- Role of vitamin D in pathogenesis and severity of COVID-19 infection preprint April 20
- Includes ACE2 discussion
- {img type="attId" attId="13785" width="500"}
- Perhaps solve the other pandemic: Vitamin D deficiency — to help beat Coronavirus? April 9, Joanneova - Australia 258 comments 10 days later
- Vitamin D reduces viral respiratory infections – editorial April 18, 2020 in Vitamin D Life
- Taiwan seniors have high vitamin D levels, perhaps that reduces the risk of COVID-19 outbreaks von Helden April 18
- Does Vitamin D Protect Us From Viral Infections? April 6
- Croatian, 17 references - probably does protect
- Deficient Vitamin D status might be a severe risk factor for COVID-19 DailyKos April 9
- The role of Vitamin D in the prevention of Coronavirus Disease 2019 infection and mortality April 8
- Charts of country levels of vitamin D and COIVD-19 cases and mortality Published May 6
- Chart by von Helden No high death rates if Vitamin D> 30 ng / ml. (Mortality> 0.1 dead / 1000 inhabitants)
- {img type="attId" attId="13800" width="400"}
- COVID-19: Vitamin D deficiency; and, death rates; are both disproportionately higher in elderly Italians, Spanish, Swedish Somali, and African Americans? April 7
- Vitamin D may be a COVID-19 Game-changer - BMJ April 6, 2020
- Vitamins C and D being considered as Coronavirus Treatments - April 7, 2020
- Preventing a COVID-19 pandemic with Vitamin D – Grant April 2020)
- COVID-19 and Vitamin D: Could We Be Missing Something Simple? Children's Health Defence April 9
- COVID-19 prompts awareness of deficiencies of Vitamin D, C and Magnesium - April 6 2020
- Vitamin D Supplements Could Reduce Risk of Influenza and COVID-19 Infection and Death - April 9, 2020
- Vitamin D should prevent COVID-19 (recommended dose takes 3 months to raise levels) - April 2020
- 97 year old woman with hypertension, diabetes, heart problems but with 75 ng of Vitamin D survived COViD-19 von Helden April 10
- Vitamin D supplementation could prevent and treat influenza, CORONAVIRUS, and pneumonia infections - March 2020
{FONT(size="18")} Higher levels of vitamin D result in fewer COVID-19 problems{FONT}
- COVID-19 might be fought by 2 doses of Vitamin D (200,000-300,000 IU each) – Feb 2020 peer-reviewed publication
{FONT(size="18")} VIDEOS and PODCASTS{FONT
- Vitamin D and COVID-19 - observational studies found it helps, never hurts - Campbell Oct 31, 2020
- UK parliament members starting to be interested in Vitamin D for COVID-19 – Oct 10, 2020 with transcript
- COVID-19 and Vitamin D – 3 minute video - Sept 2020 made by students at low cost, but with high content
- Interview of A Marteneau Aug 2, 36 minutes
- 10X more needed for prevention trial as treatment trial, 400 IU might be useful in the UK
- Chris Masterjohn 33 minute Vitamin D and COVID-19 literature review Aug 14
- " > 30 ng "in some way, shape, or form is associated with lower COVID-19 risk"
- Vitamin D looks very promising - Dr. Cambell July 27, 37 minutes
- High Fructose reduces Vitamin D needed to fight COVID-19 June 12, 2020 video, reviews many studies
- COMING OUT STRONGER FROM LOCKDOWN WITH VITAMIN D: A VITAMIN D MOVEMENT INITIATIVE Renu Mahtani and 3 others 13 minutes, June 5 - see her other video below.
- "It is not an optional supplement, It is a non negotiable cellular necessity" 40 ng minimum
- {img type="attId" attId="13893" width="500"}
- "Worrying about Vitamin D toxicity is like worrying about drowning when you are dying of thirst" Dr. Cannell
- Anecdote: 50,000 IU daily for 10 days given to people who live with person infected by COVID-19 ==> prevented infection
- Rhonda Patrick on Joe Rogan May 17
- Philippines: every standard deviation ==> 8 times more likely chance to have a mild
- Indonesia: only 4% of patients with sufficient vitamin D died.
- Blacks 2X as likely to die from COVID-19 than whites in England
- Daily or weekly vitamin D reduced the risk of acute respiratory infection by more than 50%
- Vitamin D normalizes ACE2 receptor levels in animals
- The Cheapest COVID-19 Therapy in the World May 24
- {img type="attId" attId="13889" width="600"}
- Doctor Mike Hansen - 2 nice videos discussing Vitamin D science and interaction with COVID-19
- Vitamin D3, Vitamin D2 and Calcitriol May 21, 13 minutes Does Vitamin D help with Immunity? May 30 13 minutes
- COVID-19 - Do You Need to Start Getting This Vital Nutrient? Mercola May 31
- Video with Hollis, Wagner, and Baggerly of Vitamin D and COVID-19; a 2nd video of Wagner on the immune system
- Understanding—COVID-19: Actions For Mitigating Risks—Facts & Myths Sunil Wimalawansa, 90 minutes May 27
- Dr. Campbell (has daily COVID-19 videos) COVID-19 and Vitamin D May 9
- Dr. Coimbra: Vitamin D and COVID, 88 minutes in Portuguese May 1
- Click here for transcript in many languages
- COVID-19 and Vitamin D 30 minute updated May 12, excellent, Renu Mahtani
- previous version, taken down by YouTube, had 600,000 views, >2,000 comments
- for people who have not been taking any vitamin D she recommends Business World May 22
- Vitamin D 60k IU twice a week for two weeks to be followed by 60k once a week for the next six weeks.
- or Vitamin D 60k IU daily for three days to be followed by 60k weekly for the total period of two months.
- Could Vitamin D Help with COVID-19 April 9 India
- Vitamin D against Viral Infections: Antiviral Nutrition 2020 (excerpt 3) by Dr. Alex Vasquez March 6, 8 minutes
- Vitamin D for respiratory infections April 18 Rishi Desai CDC Viral Infections
- Could Vitamin D Help with COVID-19? April 6
- Vitamin D and Immunity, Lots of Evidence April 15 Dr. Campbell
- Vitamin D normalizes the ACE2, which is the attachment point for COVID-19 virus Dr. Patrick Video April 12
- Her video reviews about a dozen publications. Her description of the importance of vitamin D starts at 24:52
- Many videos by Sunil Wimalawansa April 12-- - , 5-10 minutes each
- He is starting a Randomized Controlled Trial in Sri Lanka for COVID-19 treatment by Vitamin D - not described in the videos
- 20: Vitamin D & COVID-19
- 21: How does vitamin D reduce COVID-19 infection?
- 22: What is ACE2 receptor, through which COVID-19 enters cells
- 23: How does COVID-19 kill us?
- 26: How does vitamin D reduce COVID-19 infection
- 44: What have we learned during the past 2 weeks on COVID-19?
- 45: How vitamin D help to attenuate COVID-19?
- 48: Herd immunity and the importance of testing
- 53 Reducing the severity of COVID-19 with vitamin D adequacy
- 54: Tropical countries, warm weathwer, and lower deaths due to COVID-19
- See also Video May 27 90 minute
- Dr. Eric Berg DC April 5 - one of his many vitamin D videos
- Take 100,000 IU of vitamin D, and again 3 months later to prevent COVID-19 Dr. Anderson March 22
{FONT(size="18")} Groups which actively ignore Vitamin D possibility{FONT}
- The Wellcome-Gates COVID-19 Accelerator initiative expressly prohibits funding for Vitamins.
Why/How Vitamin D both treats and prevents virus
{img type="attId" attId="13387" width="360"}
- Coronaviruses attach to cells via ACE2, Vitamin D might reduce ACE2
- All previous Coronarvirus have been treated by Vitamin D
- Most enveloped virus are treated by Vitamin D
- Vitamin D can inhibit enveloped virus (e.g. Herpes, Zoster, Epstein, Hepatitis, Ebola) – March 2011
- Also: cytomegalovirus, retrovirus-like HIV, Dengue, Yellow fever. Measles, Mumps, smallpox
- The interplay between vitamin D and viral infections – Jan 2019
- Influenza virus might be prevented and treated by Vitamin D, if no vaccination – Aug 2018
- Influenza prevented by 40 ng levels or treated with vitamin D hammer (50,000 IU) – June 2015
- Influenza of 1918 and vitamin D - July 2010 -an H1N1 that was strongly associated with low vitamin D
- Dengue fever - 8X higher risk for getting worse if low vitamin D – Sept 2017
- Immune system is fortified by Vitamin D (other supplements help too)
- Colds and flu prevented and treated by Vitamin D - many studies
Short URL for this section = https://is.gd/COVItaminD