Can taking a vitamin D supplement prevent infection with the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)?
Answer From Daniel C. DeSimone, M.D.
It is not clear if vitamin D supplements help prevent COVID-19 infection. You can help prevent infection from the COVID-19 virus by following these steps:
- Get vaccinated.
- Avoid people who are sick.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water.
- Don't touch your face.
- Disinfect surfaces you touch regularly.
- Improve airflow, also called ventilation, when indoors by opening windows or turning on exhaust fans.
- Wear a face mask, especially if COVID-19 community levels are high in your area.
Vitamin D, like other vitamins and minerals, helps the body work. And vitamin D is known to have a role in the body's immune response.
Researchers are looking at the effect of vitamin D levels on COVID-19. Some researchers study ways to prevent illness. Others test the effect of vitamin D given to people in the hospital with COVID-19.
There is no clear picture on how or if vitamin D should be used in prevention or treatment of COVID-19.
But researchers think that not having the amount of vitamin D your body needs, also called vitamin D deficiency, might put people at higher risk of getting COVID-19 and lung, also called respiratory, illnesses overall.
Having enough vitamin D also may help people get the most out of their COVID-19 vaccination.
If you're concerned about your vitamin D level, ask your health care provider about getting it checked. And if you have a vitamin D deficiency, talk to your provider about how to get your levels up.
With
Daniel C. DeSimone, M.D.
Jan. 26, 2023
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- Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Food safety and nutrition. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/coronavirus-disease-covid-19-food-safety-and-nutrition. Accessed Jan. 5, 2023.
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