We all know how important vitamins are for our health and wellbeing. Vitamins are a group of substances that are needed for normal cell function, growth, and development. In this post, I want to talk specifically about Vitamin D and the most up-to-date data.
First, a quick overview of Vitamin D. Vitamin D is a vitamin that is converted into a hormone. This factor alone gives us a good reason why we should be aware of the levels of this vitamin and consult with a doctor if we have any deviations from the baseline. Vitamin D plays a role in bone strength, lung health, and brain functioning. It protects neurons of the brain, reduces inflammation and it is also a modulator for our immune system.
COVID-19 and Vitamin D.
Recent data showed that people are more at risk of the virus if there is vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency. Vitamin D modulates the functioning of the immune system by stimulating macrophages and dendritic cells. Macrophages release a group of cells called cytokines (control antibacterial responses and antiviral responses), they locate microscopic foreign bodies and ‘eat’ them. In our lungs, we have these air sacs called alveoli, which can be fill up with fluid due to the infection or virus, which prevents oxygen from getting in our bloodstream and CO2 getting out. This may cause respiratory problems for a person who didn’t even have it before. Now, imagine if the person has some respiratory issues already and he is deficient in Vitamin D.
Vitamin D plays a role in stimulating the cells that regulate inflammation in our lunges and this is a fact. And more than 70% of Americans are insufficient in Vitamin D and around 20% are Vitamin D deficient. On top of it, we were sitting at home and couldn’t get enough sunlight for vitamin D production. This is why it is important to consider supplementing with Vitamin D. However, before doing so, check in with your doctor or contact your dietitian.
LINKS TO videos about Vitamin D
Dr. John Campbell
Dr. Rhonda Patrick
