The Link Between Vitamin D and COVID-19
What Does Vitamin D Have to Do with COVID-19 Outcomes?
If you haven't heard by now, low levels of 25-Hydroxy Vitamin D are being linked to more severe outcomes in COVID-19 patients. Studies continue to demonstrate this correlation, and while it is important to note that correlation is not causation, this connection could be vital to more promising COVID outcomes in the future. Some of the latest findings include:
At Northwestern University, researchers used modeling to demonstrate the role of Vitamin D in the prevention of COVID-19 induced cytokine storm.
This published study out of Italy found that patients with severe Vitamin D deficiency had a significantly higher mortality risk.
Indonesian researchers evaluated 780 documented cases of COVID-19 deaths, where most had Vitamin D levels below normal.
Researchers in the UK analyzed the European population, and found that the most severe COVID-19 cases (along with those resulting in death) correlated with severely deficient Vitamin D levels.
This study demonstrating that low plasma vitamin D levels emerged as an independent risk factor for COVID-19 infection and hospitalization in a large, population-based study.
This Business Insider article discusses how Vitamin D deficiencies are linked to higher COVID mortality rates.
Healthy blood levels of Vitamin D provide a potential advantage to those fighting COVID-19. Since research has long proven that optimal levels of Vitamin D significantly reduce the occurrence of respiratory tract infections, the benefits of optimal Vitamin D levels in a respiratory system-implicating virus such as COVID-19 could be an encouraging find. Furthermore, as cited above, studies have shown that Vitamin D plays a critical role in regulating the immune system, which may prevent the occurrence of the dreaded "cytokine storm". Cytokine storms are immune responses that occur when the immune system overreacts, attacking your body's own cells and tissues. An overwhelming number of inflammatory cytokines are released into the bloodstream, creating a “storm” of sorts. The thought that Vitamin D could potentially prevent the occurrence of this detrimental condition is a promising one.
How to Optimize Your Vitamin D Levels
Vitamin D is different from most other vitamins, as it is actually a hormone produced by sunlight and cholesterol. Vitamin D is a critical component of overall health and longevity, and it is linked to immune function, maintaining strong bones, optimal hormone levels, cardiovascular health, and even your mood!
Experts estimate that nearly 50% of the population may by Vitamin D deficient, with 20% being severely deficient. Without sufficient Vitamin D levels, our bodies become more vulnerable to a myriad of health issues, and as recently shown in studies, poor COVID-19 outcomes.
Optimizing Vitamin D levels can be tricky, because ample sunlight exposure does not always mean that your body will produce enough. Because of this, eating foods rich in Vitamin D (see here), along with supplementation, are oftentimes necessary. Optimal levels of 25-hyroxy Vitamin D range between 40-80 ng/mL, with the absolute minimum being 30 ng/mL.
It's also important to make sure that your levels are not too high, as this can lead to Vitamin D toxicity. Blood levels above 150 ng/mL can cause brittle, weakened bones, along with hypercalcemia. This normally occurs with over-supplementation, and can be easily prevented through testing.
The Importance of Taking Vitamin D with K2
Because too much Vitamin D can cause calcifications that lead to kidney stones, bone spurs, and other calcium build-ups, ensuring that you have an optimal calcium metabolism is imperative. This is where Vitamin K2 comes in.
Vitamin K2 plays a central role in calcium metabolism, and is extremely effective when taken with Vitamin D. Recent evidence has shown that elevated levels of calcium can lead to heart disease through calcium deposits left in the arteries. Vitamin K2 supports the calcium metabolism process, by ensuring that calcium is easily absorbed and reaches the bone mass, while preventing any arterial calcifications from occurring.
Generally, Western diets do not contain the required 32 mcg of Vitamin K2 daily. In fact, the only diet that reaches adequate levels of K2 is the Japanese diet that contains high levels of natto. Similarly to Vitamin D, low levels of Vitamin K2 have been associated with unfavorable outcomes in COVID-19 patients. The research can be found here.
How to Test Your Vitamin D Levels
The 25-hydroxy Vitamin D test, also known as the 25-OH D test, is the best way to determine your Vitamin D levels. A simple finger-stick blood test at huemn - Optimization + Cryo Recovery can help to detect whether your levels of Vitamin D are within a healthy or deficient range. This test can be completed in the shop or in the comfort of your home, and results will be provided in approximately 3-5 business days.
The Vitamin D Supplement That We Recommend
Our pick for Vitamin D and K2 supplementation is the Quicksilver Scientific brand. The delivery system of Quicksilver Scientific supplements is far superior to that of other brands, as their liposomal delivery is ideal for gut absorption. This supplement is usually sold out online, but we have reached an agreement with Quicksilver to sell it in our shop for $50. Purchasing from us will save on shipping and time.