While COVID-19 is a respiratory infectious disease, it can cause musculoskeletal complications. Vitamin D is critical for the healthy state of bones and an adequate immune system. At some point, an idea went viral that Vitamin D can increase immune resistance to coronavirus, provoking many people to consume the supplements, containing this nutrient. As a result, the question of Vitamin D efficiency in COVID prevention immediately became a subject of debate.
Vitamin D is essential in normal functioning of the immune system, which subsequently raises a question whether its presence should be enhanced by supplements. According to Law (2020), “vitamin-D is important for our musculoskeletal health and immune function, but it’s far from clear whether boosting our intake can ward off or treat COVID-19 in particular” (para. 3). As such, the National Institutes of Health refrains from recommending it as a viable method of preventing the infectious. At the same time, the research center does not debunk this notion as fake or immaterial. The organization also warns against overuse of Vitamin D because of its potential toxicity to numerous body parts, including muscles.
The studies that explore the relationship between Vitamin D and COVID are not sufficient. Law (2020) points to the results of the research published in JAMA Network Open, which suggests that “people with lower vitamin-D levels are more susceptible to COVID-19” (para. 5). However, the study’s control group was sparse, and no correlation can be stated at the moment. Overall, the general agreement is that Vitamin D should be consumed if there is a shortage of these natural substances and it will certainly boost immune system.
Altogether, there is no medical evidence supporting Vitamin D as an assured way of tackling the COVID disease. The only certain finding is that people with its deficiency are more likely to contract coronavirus and subsequent skeletal illnesses. While it is premature to state if it is effective against COVID, it will definitely help combat and avoid diseases of the immune and musculoskeletal systems.
Reference
Law, T. (2020). There’s Only Weak Evidence for Vitamin-D as a COVID-19 Preventative—But Scientists are Trying to Learn More. Time. Web.