October 1, 2021, Jennie Johnson, RN-BC, PhD
Living for a Healthy Heart, LLC
Vitamin D Research
Research is emerging that Vitamin D otherwise known as the Sunshine Vitamin may be a powerful protector against the coronavirus or COVID-19 disease. A research study conducted in Israel indicated that low levels of Vitamin D resulted in more positive COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations.
They looked back at the records of 1,400 patients who tested positive for COVID between February and April of 2020 and had a Vitamin D blood test in their medical record.
Results:
- Only 10% tested positive for COVID-19 when their Vitamin D levels were above 30.
- Nearly 90% of those who tested positive for COVID had Vitamin D levels below 30.
- Adults (average age above 50) who tested positive for COVID-19, with low Vitamin D levels, were also more likely to be hospitalized.
It appeared that higher Vitamin D levels were protective. Research is also emerging that Vitamin D may help prevent heart disease, improve blood pressure control, diabetes control, decrease cancer risk and a host of other conditions. Anecdotally, I’ve heard doctors say that it may not be a Cold/Flu Season but rather a Low Vitamin D Season that drives fall and winter illnesses.
The Connection Between the Sun and Vitamin D
Ultraviolet rays hit the skin, converting a protein into Vitamin D3 which is absorbed into the blood. However, dermatologist, Dr. Anne McNeill in an article for the Skin Cancer Foundation, Sun Protection and Vitamin D cautions people to be careful. DNA damage increases risk for skin cancer after 10 to 15 minutes of sun exposure (without sunscreen).
She advised people to wear sunscreen daily and stated “Research has never found that everyday use of sunscreen leads to Vitamin D deficiency. In fact, people who use sunscreen daily can maintain their Vitamin D levels.”
Dr. McNeil encourages people to ask their healthcare provider to measure Vitamin D levels and follow the following guidelines:
<30 Deficient Talk to your doctor about a supplement.
30 to 50 Generally Inadequate For bone and general health.
>50 Adequate More is not necessarily better.
>125 and above: Too high May have adverse effects.
Your doctor may have specific concerns about the appropriate level of Vitamin D for you, based on your medical condition. Please speak with your healthcare provider regarding how much Vitamin D3 you may need.
Behold, I will bring to it health and healing, and I will heal them and reveal to them abundance of prosperity and security (Jeremiah 33:6).
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I’m a Christian nurse who helps people navigate the murky waters of healthcare.
ã All rights reserved 2021, Jennie E. Johnson, RN-BC, PhD
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