Vitamin D and COVID-19: Supplementing Your Viral Safety Protocols

By: Andrew Sullivan

Vitamin D has undergone a renaissance in our understanding of the many roles it plays in our health. Its intake levels should no longer be prescribed with the perspective of merely preventing rickets but achieving optimum wellness. The medical community has previously established that vitamin D supports immune system response and is associated with reductions in comorbidities and chronic diseases such as obesity and diabetes, which increase the risk of COVID-19.

The association between vitamin D blood status and the risk of COVID-19 is being further investigated. Many of us probably take vitamin D supplements based on advice from our healthcare providers between 600 and 2,000 International Units (IU) per day; the question remains whether your current supplementation protocol is adequate for the purposes of improving your immune system. Healthcare organizations have differing opinions on the maximum amount of IU that is well tolerated in the general population without adverse side effects, with arguments being made between 4,000 and 10,000 IU daily.

The amount of vitamin D present in a liter of blood determines how we classify levels of deficiency, sufficiency, and toxicity. However, deficiency and sufficiency are currently only optimized for bone density, and not the other health factors that vitamin D influences. The amount of vitamin D from supplements that ends up in our blood can vary highly due to sun exposure and individual differences in metabolism. Units used to measure supplement concentration can vary, so ensure you are comparing correctly. The Mayo Clinic website has a thorough list of negative medication interactions to read through before increasing supplement dosage.

A cohort meta-analysis that was published September 3, 2020 hypothesized that hospital patients with higher blood concentrations of vitamin D were less likely to test positive for COVID-19.

This hypothesis proved to be statistically significant, as those with a blood level deemed sufficient (surveyed as supplementing the equivalent of 3000 IU of D3 daily) were 1.77 times less likely to test positive for COVID-19 than those with insufficient blood levels.

Additional research is needed to determine effective ranges to aid prevention and if vitamin D can decrease negative health outcomes once patients have contracted COVID-19. The practical takeaway from these investigations is to examine your personal vitamin D status and consumption and make a decision on whether or not to increase your intake. Sun exposure can come with its own set of health risks, and over-the-counter supplementation via vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) is an inexpensive and effective method of increasing blood levels.

It is recommended to speak with your primary healthcare provider before making any changes, and ideally having recent blood level test results to guide your decision with the ability to re-assess after several weeks of treatment. However, for the vast majority of people, simply increasing supplementation closer to the established Tolerable Upper Limit of 4,000 IU will likely add modestly to your coronavirus protection (while NOT being a substitute for other established protocols such as mask-wearing, social distancing, and hand hygiene) with a very small risk of negative effects.

Share This Post:

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
RehaBlog

More Posts

5 Exercises For Concussions

A concussion is defined as a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) induced by direct or indirect force transmitted to the head. Looking at the statistics, there were 27.16 million new TBI cases globally in 2019. Nationally, there were approximately 214,110 TBI-related hospitalizations in 2020 and 69,473 TBI-related deaths in 2021.² Approximately 80% of all TBIs are classified as mild head injuries (CDC). These numbers highlight the significant public health impact concussions have worldwide, and the importance of proper evaluation and management.

What to Wear to Physical Therapy

When heading to physical therapy, comfort and functionality are key. Your attire can significantly impact the effectiveness of your session, affecting your ability to move freely, follow your therapist’s instructions, and perform exercises with ease. The right clothing not only promotes flexibility but also allows your therapist to evaluate your movements and address areas that need attention. Here’s what to wear – and what to avoid – for a successful visit!

Signs of a Traumatic Brain Injury You May Not Know

What exactly is a traumatic brain injury? A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an injury to the brain that can be caused by a forceful jolt, bump, or hit to the head. It can also be caused by a sharp object that pushes through the skull and into the brain. Such injuries are often caused by car accidents, falls, sports, or natural disasters. For example, a concussion is a mild form of TBI; however, not all injuries to the head will cause a TBI.

Floor Transfers: Why They’re Important

Floor transfers, the ability to get down and rise from the floor without assistance, are an indicator of an individual’s functional independence, quality of life, and a predictor of longevity and overall health. This seemingly simple movement represents a complex integration of strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination that is closely linked to one’s overall functional mobility.

Heart Healthy Foods

Five Foods That Promote Heart Health

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death among men, women, and most ethnic groups in the United States. While some risk factors—such as age, gender, and family history—are beyond our control, many other factors can be managed through lifestyle choices. Diet, physical activity, stress management, and avoiding tobacco all play a critical role in supporting heart health.

Start your Journey

Learn more about Sheltering Arms Institute

Contact a specialist at Sheltering Arms Institute to learn more about how you can gain more freedom in your everyday life.