A group of scientists from leading universities in Ireland has proposed including vitamin D in the list of effective remedies for the prevention of coronavirus. Experts sent a letter to the government, referring to a number of studies and experience of other countries, reports Irish Independent.
According to them, daily intake of vitamin D can significantly reduce the risk of contracting coronavirus, protect from a severe course of the disease, as well as death. They advised this method to be considered a preventive recommendation along with hand washing, social distancing, wearing masks and airing the premises. Experts explained that it is impossible to get enough of this element naturally – through nutrition, as well as sunlight – especially in winter.
Scientists have indicated the optimal daily dose of the vitamin that should be taken during a pandemic – 20-25 micrograms. In this case, the elderly, overweight people, as well as those with dark skin should first consult with your doctor.
Scientists cited the example of the experience of the Spanish Autonomous Region of Andalusia, in which people living in nursing homes were given vitamin D. As a result, the death rate from COVID-19 decreased 20 times in two months. “According to the observations of German doctors, those infected with vitamin deficiency are 15 times more likely than others to be in intensive care units and on ventilation,” added Dan McCartney, director of the Institute of Healthy Nutrition at Trinity College Dublin.
Earlier, British doctors discovered that vitamin D deficiency could cause a more severe course of COVID-19. It turned out that in regions where seasonal vitamin D deficiency is widespread, cases of a severe course of the disease are more often detected.