An article was recently published in the Algemeen Dagblad in which doctors, researchers and experts advise taking vitamin D against the coronavirus. Not only would the risk of infection be reduced, these vitamins would also limit a serious progression of the disease.
Vitamin deficiency in winter
Professors Huub Savelkoul and Harry Wichers from Wageningen University recommend that people take small amounts of vitamin D, because it has now been proven that vitamin D increases resistance, strengthens the immune system and helps against respiratory infections. Cautious conclusions show that taking this vitamin makes people less susceptible to infection with the coronavirus. In addition, complaints are milder if someone does have the coronavirus.
It is necessary to take extra vitamin D, especially in the coming months. Between thirty and fifty percent of Dutch people suffer from a vitamin D deficiency due to a lack of UV radiation. This number is higher among overweight people, the elderly and Dutch people with tanned or dark skin. If it doesn't help, then it won't hurt. That's what it comes down to. Taking small amounts does not do any harm, but according to the researchers it is still too early to actually use vitamin D as a treatment method. More research is needed for this. The immunologists themselves take between 20 and 30 micrograms of vitamin D.
What is Vitamin D?
Vitamin D comes in two different types, namely ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) and cholecalciferol (vitamin D3). Vitamin D2 is a plant-based type that the body does not produce itself. This vitamin is found in mushrooms, for example. Vitamin D3 is produced by our body itself from sunlight. This is approximately two-thirds of the daily amount. We also absorb this from animal foods. Oily fish contains vitamin D3. Think of mackerel, herring and salmon. Smaller amounts can be found in eggs, meat and in margarine or low-fat margarine (extra added). We get a third of the necessary vitamin D from our food.
Because there will be less light in the coming months and the sun will shine less brightly, extra vitamin D can be absorbed with nutritional supplements. They contain both vitamin D2 and vitamin D3. According to research agency Info2Action, 3,5 million Dutch people now take this vitamin as a supplement. Drugstores and online stores have seen a sharp increase in demand for vitamin D recently.