Vitamin D - Beneficial for COVID- 19 Recovery

Studies have shown that Vitamin D is beneficial during COVID 19 recovery and people with adequate levels of Vitamin D performed better during treatment. Additionally people living in regions with adequate sunlight exposure had lower rates of COVID 19 infection. This is motivation enough to keep Vitamin D levels within safe limits and avoid deficiency.

Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin which is essential for strong bones and teeth as it is essential for intestinal absorption of minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc and phosphorous. It is the only vitamin that the body can synthesize on its own from sunlight.

Owing to this characteristic it is also referred to as the sunlight vitamin.

Vitamin D3 Cholecalciferol and Vitamin D2 ergocalciferol are two most important D vitamins.

Predominantly, dermal synthesis of Vitamin D from Cholesterol is dependent on Sun exposure. Thus, it is extremely important to get sunlight adequately. 11 am to 3 pm is the best time for this exposure. Vitamin D deficiency is seen in a large population these days.

Thus, it is important to ingest foods rich in Vitamin D as well as provide adequate sun exposure.

Foods rich in Vitamin D are egg yolks, fatty fish, fortified milk, cod liver oil, mushrooms. Since Vitamin D absorption is also dependent on Calcium availability it becomes important to take calcium rich foods in the diet too.

Supplements may be required for addressing Vitamin D deficiency which once stabilized can be maintained through diet and sun exposure.