Vitamin D combats severe Covid infection, scientists confirm

Scientists have confirmed that vitamin D could be a lifesaver for people with a severe Covid infection.

The nutrient combats the immune system’s cytokine storm by dampening the release of killer T cells in the lungs.

Vitamin D speeds the immune system’s shift from the pro-inflammatory phase—when infection is cleared—to the anti-inflammatory in the T cells’ life cycle.

For some Covid patients, the pro-inflammatory phase of the T cells—or Th1—doesn’t switch off, which causes breathing problems that may need respirator support, say researchers from Purdue University.  This could be because the patient’s vitamin D levels are too low or there was an abnormality in the cells’ response to the vitamin.

Adding high-dose intravenous vitamin D to a Covid patient’s treatment plan could help people recover from a Covid infection.  But, they add, using supplements that can be bought in stores won’t be potent enough to help reduce a severe Covid infection.

(Source: Nature Immunology, 2021; doi: 10.1036/s41590-021-001080-3)

What do you think? Start a conversation over on the... WDDTY Community