Vitamn D, Sunshine & COVID: great facts!

Fact #1: A study from Indonesia, which looked at data from 780 COVID-19 patients, found those with a vitamin D level between 20 ng/mL (50 nmol/L) and 30 ng/mL (75 nmol/L) had a sevenfold higher risk of death than those with a level above 30 ng/mL. Having a level below 20 ng/mL was associated with a 12 times higher risk of death. Fact #2: Another study, which provides data from 20 European countries, also found that “the probability of developing COVID-19, and of dying from it, is NEGATIVELY correlated with mean population vitamin D status, with both probabilities reaching zero above about 75 nmol/L,” (30 ng/mL) A vitamin D3 blood level of at least 75 nmol/L (30 ng/ml) is needed for protection against COVID-19. In the paper, authors concluded, “We believe that we can advise vitamin D supplementation to protect against SARS-CoV2 infection.” Moreover, toxicity has not been demonstrated until blood levels go above 200 ng/mL (500 nmol/L). The recommended blood level for optimal health is currently between 60 ng/mL (150 nmol/L) and 80 ng/mL (200 nmol/L). In other words, there’s a significant margin of safety, even if you manage to exceed the optimal range. Fact #03: In addition to vitamin D optimization, QUERCETIN — which acts similarly to the drug hydroxychloroquine — and ZINC may further lower your risk of COVID-19. Compelling evidence suggests the reason hydroxychloroquine appears so useful in the treatment of COVID-19 is a zinc improves zinc uptake into the cell. FACT #4: We could fix the COVID-19 pandemic in as little as 30 days simply by making sure everyone is taking vitamin D in sufficiently large doses. Get some beach sunshine this week and all summer!! Dr Michael