Introduction
The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has caused a great deal of disruption to our lives, and it can be difficult to know how to best protect ourselves and our loved ones. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, there is one vitamin that may help to reduce the severity of COVID-19 symptoms: vitamin D. According to experts, vitamin D has been shown to have a positive effect on the immune system, and may help to reduce the severity of COVID-19 symptoms. In this article, we will explore the evidence for this claim and discuss how to get enough vitamin D to potentially reduce the risk of severe COVID-19 symptoms.
This Underrated Vitamin May Help Weaken COVID Symptoms, Says Expert
As the world continues to grapple with the novel coronavirus pandemic, experts are looking for ways to help reduce the severity of symptoms associated with COVID-19. One such solution may be found in an often overlooked vitamin: vitamin D.
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is naturally found in some foods, such as fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified milk. It is also produced in the body when the skin is exposed to sunlight. Vitamin D plays an important role in the body, helping to regulate the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, and aiding in the development of strong bones and teeth.
Recently, experts have suggested that vitamin D may also help to reduce the severity of COVID-19 symptoms. A study published in the journal Nutrients found that people with higher levels of vitamin D were less likely to experience severe symptoms of the virus. The study also found that people with lower levels of vitamin D were more likely to require hospitalization.
The findings of this study suggest that increasing vitamin D intake may help to reduce the severity of COVID-19 symptoms. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings. In the meantime, experts recommend that people get enough vitamin D through their diet or by taking a supplement.
With the brand new pressure of COVID-19 rising, it is onerous to not spiral into panic mode. Nevertheless, if you happen to’re equipping your immune system with the instruments it wants overcome sickness, you will greater than seemingly expertise much less adversarial signs.
You seemingly already know that nutritional vitamins C, D, and even B6, may help to assist your immune system, however how about vitamin K2? As Brittany Busse, MD, affiliate medical director at WorkCare explains, vitamin Okay is a cofactor for anti-inflammatory proteins and the shape K2 is extra energetic than K1. (Associated: The One Vitamin Medical doctors Are Urging Everybody to Take Proper Now).
“Vitamin K2 suppresses the manufacturing of pro-inflammatory cytokines in experimental animal fashions,” Busse says. “These pro-inflammatory cytokines are accountable for most of the extreme signs related to COVID-19.”
She provides that it has been hypothesized that K2 supplementation may scale back the inflammatory cytokine manufacturing and, partly, assist regulate the immune response to SARS-CoV-2.
Tryvge Bergeland, PhD, vp of science at Kappa Bioscience, a number one international distributor of nutritional vitamins, says current research have even described the metabolism of vitamin Okay because the potential lacking hyperlink between lung harm and thromboembolism in sufferers severely affected by COVID-19.
Probably the most studied type of vitamin K2, as Busse factors out, is known as menaquinone-7 (MK-7), which is discovered naturally in fermented greens similar to sauerkraut and kimchi, in addition to plant-based meat alternate options similar to tempeh.
It additionally may be sourced via dairy and animal merchandise. An alternative choice is to take a complement, as many People do not get their every day dose of the vitamin via weight loss plan alone. However, Busse advises that not everybody ought to taking this complement.
“Vitamin K2 can assist blood clotting and shouldn’t be taken by anybody on blood thinners for historical past of clots,” she says. “Folks ought to seek the advice of with a physician earlier than taking dietary supplements.”
For context, the beneficial dose to see anti-inflammatory results is 1,000 micrograms (mcg). Other than a complement, take into account upping your sauerkraut recreation this winter in an effort to include extra of this underrated vitamin into your weight loss plan.
For extra, you should definitely try Nutritional vitamins C and E Can Defend In opposition to This Harmful Illness, Examine Finds.