Covid-19 patients who have vitamin D deficiency are 'at higher risk of death'

June 19, 2020  09:41

Specialists from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence in the UK are considering using Vitamin D as a cheap and effective anti-coronavirus drug. It is believed that COVID-19 patients are 'at higher risk of death' if they have a vitamin D deficiency.

"One investigation – carried out by Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge – found European countries with lower vitamin D levels have had significantly more pandemic casualties," The Daily Mail reported.

Some ethnic groups are thought to be at greater risk than others because their skin produces less vitamin D in response to sunlight. Elderly people are also at risk - because their body produces vitamin D less efficiently with age.

In turn, Queen Mary University specialists are now studying how certain lifestyle factors, including vitamin D levels, affect susceptibility to the virus. This vitamin has been proven to protect against acute respiratory infections, and COVID-19 is the most serious in the elderly - the group with the highest vitamin D deficiency.

One study also found that people with low levels of vitamin D had a mortality rate of 98.9%. However, this indicator dropped to 4.1% for patients without vitamin deficiency.

Experts warn that large doses of vitamin A can be dangerous, so taking a vitamin without consulting a doctor is not recommended.

Follow NEWS.am Medicine on Facebook and Twitter


 
  • Video
 
 
  • Event calendar
 
 
  • Archive
 
  • Most read
 
  • Find us on Facebook
 
  • Poll
Are you aware that in 2027 medical insurance will become mandatory for all Armenian citizens?
I’m aware, and I'm in favor
I’m not aware, and I'm against
I'm aware, but I'm still undecided
I'm not aware, but in principle I'm in favor
I'm not aware, but in principle I'm against
It doesn't matter to me