The government is being pressured about Vitamin D deficiency in people with Covid, and many experts believe it should be recognised in the treatment of the virus. LBC reports that Professor Angus Dalgleish, Professor of Oncology at St George’s, University of London, has seen data this weekend (9/10 January 2021) that Finland has one of the lowest infection rates. It is also the only country that provides Vitamin D. Professor Dalgleish said, “Why haven’t they (the Government) addressed this one thing that if you do get infected then it is the most effective way of making you least likely to go to hospital and dying?”
An article in the Observer magazine indicated that David Davis, MP has been pushing Matt Hancock to recognise Vitamin D’s role in Covid and how many of those who have died had low levels. He wants there to be a free supplement scheme to provide Vitamin D to British people, because deficiency can lead to catching Covid-19 more easily, and getting a serious case and potentially dying.
Vulnerable people, particularly the elderly, are now being offered Vitamin D supplements. Known as the sunshine vitamin, Vitamin D is made in the body when the skin is exposed to the sun. those who live in care homes often stay inside all the time and are deficient in Vitamin D. The rest of us think we top up in the summer, but only if we expose our skin to the sun and by the autumn the levels are diminishing. This year many people have been shielding inside from COVID-19 and have not had much exposure to the outdoors.
There have been reports and research that those low in Vitamin D are more at risk when they catch COVID, and as dark skin absorbs less of the vitamin than lighter skins, this is a particular problem for the BAME community.
Nutritionists advise that taking Vitamin D, Vitamin C and zinc can help the immune system to cope with viruses better. In theory, you can ask your doctor about having a Vitamin D test, but at the moment this is unlikely to be done if you don’t have a related health issue.It should be said that the levels being handed out by the Government are quite low – 10 micrograms (400IU), which is the minimum amount required. You can safely buy 1,000 iU in spray or tablet/capsule form. (See recommended properties at the end of this post).
Why we need Vitamin D
This vital vitamin is responsible for maintaining healthy bones and teeth, effective muscle function, and keeping the heart and nervous system healthy, and enabling the blood to clot properly. Vitamin D has also been linked to preventing colds and maintaining a healthy digestive system. If you cannot get a Vitamin D test from the doctor you could pay for one. Yorktest do an Essential Health Test which includes Vitamin D levels.
You can take Vitamin D supplements, and this is certainly a good idea in winter, and you can get it from food – oily fish, fortified cereal, dairy products and fortified margarine. But it is natural to have sunlight on our bodies. It’s good to be cautious with the sun, but not extreme!
You can either take a daily spray of Vitamin D: Better You DLux 1000iu D3 spray (15ml),
or tablets/capsules:
Better You DLux 1000 oral vitamin D3 spray 15ml.
FSC Vitamin D 2500Iu 60 Tablets.
Health Aid Vitamin D3 10,000iu, 30 vegicaps.
Higher Nature Vitamin D 500iu, 60 capsules.
To purchase these, go to www.superfooduk.com and put in the Healthy Soul promotion code: HSoul1 to get a 5% discount.