Just when there appeared some respite from the novel coronavirus and countries after countries started opening up following the COVID-induced long lockdown, a new variant called Omicron made an appearance. First identified in South Africa, Omicron, which has been classified as a ‘variant of concern’ by the World Health Organisation, has put a big question mark over the efficacy of the various COVID-19 vaccines. At such a time, building one’s immune system can play a big role in protecting against the infection. As you might already know, nutrition is the key to building a robust immune system. And one of the key vitamins you must have in enough amounts is vitamin D3. In fact, as per a recently-published study, high levels of this vitamin in the body were found to prevent fatality caused by the COVID-19 infection.
About The Study
The study findings were based on the meta-analysis of the data of two different studies. One of the studies was regarding the long-term levels of vitamin D3 from 19 countries. The data of 1,601 hospitalised patients formed the basis for the second study. Out of these patients, 784 were those whose vitamin D3 levels were checked within a day after being hospitalised. And for the remaining 817 patients, their vitamin D3 levels were known beforehand. The findings were published on PubMed.
Also read: COVID Vaccine Triggers Low Immune Response In Those On Immunosuppressants: Study
What Did The Vitamin D3-COVID Fatality Study Find Out?
(Photo Credit: Unsplash)
The study found an inverse relation between high vitamin D3 levels in the body and death caused by COVID-19 infection.
- The research has recommended COVID vaccination along with strengthening the immune system of the entire population with vitamin D3.
- It has been recommended that the vitamin D3 supplementation should be such that the blood levels remain above 50 nanograms per millilitre.
- Not just the health benefits, the study highlighted the other benefits of vitamin D3 supplementation too.
- From a social and political point of view, such an immunity boost will prevent lockdowns and reduce contact restrictions, the researchers noted.
- Also, since vitamin D3 supplements are cheap, it’s an economically viable option too. Immunity boost through vitamin D3 intake and vaccinations can control the spread of the novel coronavirus, the study highlighted.
- It didn’t stop here and also found a deficiency of this vitamin before the COVID pandemic. Researchers have attributed this to the issues with the modern lifestyle, which is far from ideal as far as “nutrition, physical fitness, and recreation” are concerned.
- The benefits of vitamin D3 aren’t limited to preventing COVID-induced deaths and stretches to prevent its aftereffects. One such after-effect is the acute respiratory distress syndrome, which can be cured with ample vitamin D3 intake, the researchers wrote.
About Vitamin D3 & Its Benefits
(Photo Credit: Freepik)
As you might already know, vitamin D is crucial for strong bones and teeth. Sunlight is generally considered as the main source of it, However, vitamin D isn’t just one vitamin and comes in two forms:
- Vitamin D2, which is found in plants
- Vitamin D3, which your skin produces when exposed to sunlight. Some animals are also sources of this vitamin,
Following are some of the health benefits of vitamin D3:
- First and foremost, it boosts immunity
- It also promotes stronger bones and muscles
- Vitamin D3 is known to control inflammation.
- It also promotes heart health
- It also has mood-enhancing properties
Although both are essential, some benefits of vitamin D3 sets it apart from vitamin D2:
- Vitamin D3 stays in your body for a longer time as compared to D2.
- It also raises the overall level of vitamin D better than D2 can.
Vitamin D3 Sources
Now that you know the several health benefits of vitamin D3, let’s take a look at where you can get it from:
- Eggs
- Milk
- Butter
- Cod liver oil
- Fishes like salmon, tuna, trout, etc.
Other than these you can also take vitamin D3 supplements to boost your immune system and build stronger bones and muscles. Hence, as you saw, a strong immune system can go a long way in protecting you from COVID-19. Hence, get vaccinated and strengthen your immune system by eating nutritious food and exercising well.
Photo Credit: Freepik, Unsplash