The “sunshine vitamin” has emerged as a potential treatment for coronavirus as experts at the University of Granada in Spain probes its link with survival rates
Scientists have launched an investigation into coronavirus survival rates and vitamin D – after it emerged the “sunshine vitamin” could treat the disease.
A ten-week trial involving 200 Covid-19 patients at the University of Granada in Spain will look into whether the vitamin can help fight the deadly illness.
Vitamin D is produced by exposing the skin to sunshine and is essential for a healthy immune system.
A recent study by Trinity College Dublin had found adults who took Vitamin D supplements saw a 50% in chest infections.
Scientists say a lack of Vitamin D in calves is thought to have been the main cause of bovine coronavirus infections in the past.
And so it “seems plausible” that the use of Vitamin D as “could be a potential intervention to fight against COVID-19 infected patients” whether they have non-severe, severe or no symptoms.
The study aims to investigate whether the “use of Vitamin D induces significant improvements in health… as well as preventing health deterioration”.
Dr Jenna Macciochi, of the University of Sussex, said: “If you are deficient in Vitamin D, you are three to four times more likely to catch a cold.
“Therefore it makes sense a viral respiratory infection like Covid-19 would be worse if you were Vitamin D-deficient.”
It comes just days after ITV show This Morning’s Dr Chris urged the nation to take vitamin D as a way of helping to fight Covid-19.
He told presenters Eamonn and Ruth: “Vitamin D is made in your skin and in the action of sunshine.
“We are all low on vitamin D, and we should be taking vitamin D.”
Using evidence from a research paper to help support his argument, he said: “Vitamin D deficiency is common – we recommend that those at risk of coronavirus urgently supplement with Vitamin D to enhance their resistance to Covid-19.
“This advice is to be extended to the general adult public.”
The advice came as it was reported that Public Health England will advise the public to start taking a daily dose of vitamin D as they are not getting enough sunshine during the coronavirus lockdown.
PHE had previously recommended everyone should take a 10 microgram supplement of vitamin D during the autumn and winter months.
