While it is a well-known fact that vitamin D is important for bone and teeth health, you may wonder what it has to do with your immunity in the Covid-19 pandemic.
Studies suggest that vitamin D boosts the immune system and support the body’s fight against infections.
Why do we need vitamin D?
For healthy bones and teeth, vitamin D is important. It is also an important vitamin for healthy muscles. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to bone softening diseases such as rickets, it can also worsen osteoporosis in menopausal women, increasing the risk of bone fractures.
Can Vitamin D Stop Us From Getting Covid-19?
Some studies suggest having sufficient vitamin D levels to reduce the risk of common cold and flu, evidence is inconsistent. While there is currently not enough studies to support Vitamin D’s role in your body’s defence against Covid-19, having adequate levels of Vitamin D is more beneficial than having low levels of it.
How Do You Get More Vitamin D?
The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of Vitamin D is 600 IU daily for an adult. Increasing your levels of Vitamin D is easier and more affordable than you think.
Sunlight Exposure
Vitamin D is also known as the ‘sunshine vitamin’. Ultraviolet B (UVB) rays from the sunlight are the largest source of vitamin D. It is also free! The amount of exposure to the sun you need to get enough is very little, 10 to 30 minutes a day, several times a week is sufficient. To avoid sunburn, avoid exposing between 10 in the morning and 2 in the afternoon. Avoid the use of too much sunscreen, as it has shown to limit our body’s production of Vitamin D.
Food
Eating oily fish such as salmon and tuna helps to support the levels of vitamin D in your blood. It can be impractical and unappetizing to consume oily fish every day, thus, include egg yolks and mushrooms in your food intake.
Supplements
If you are not getting sufficient Vitamin D from sunlight and food, taking some Vitamin D supplements could help. Some calcium supplements such as Live2Move Organic Calcium contain vitamin D, taking it together with a sensible diet is sufficient for your Vitamin D levels. Do not overdo it on the oral supplementation of vitamin D, too much vitamin D can have its problems too, like bone loss, gastrointestinal issues and in some cases, even kidney failure.