There is “insufficient evidence” that vitamin D uptake prevents or treats COVID-19, experts have concluded.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), which led a rapid UK review, said more research was needed, particularly high-quality randomized controlled trials.
The health secretary has asked NICE, Public Health England (PHE), and the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) to review the evidence after some studies suggested that vitamin D may help ‘fight corona-virus infection.
A. US study recommended that patients with adequate levels of vitamin D had fewer infections and were less likely to develop complications and die from COVID-19.
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Dr Paul Chrisp, director of the center for guidelines at NICE, said: “While there is not enough evidence to recommend vitamin D for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19 at present, we encourage people to follow the government’s advice. continue to take the therapist throughout the autumn and winter period. “
Standard PHE advice states that people should take 10 micrograms (400 IU) of vitamin D daily between October and early March to keep bones and muscles healthy.
PHE also advises those most at risk of not getting enough vitamin D – such as people with dark skin or care home residents – to take vitamin D supplements all year round.
There have been around 2.7 million vulnerable people across England offering free vitamin D products this winter.
Professor Ian Young, chair of the SACN, said: “This evidence study confirms that there is currently insufficient evidence to confirm a causal relationship between vitamin D and COVID-19.”
Experts believe that people may not have been getting enough vitamin D from sunlight this year due to long indoor times due to the pandemic.
Dr Alison Tedstone, chief nutritionist at PHE, said: “Vitamin D is important for our bone and muscle health.
“We advise that everyone, especially the elderly, those who can’t get outside and those with dark skin, take a 10 microgram (400 IU) daily vitamin D supplement. .
“This year, the council is more important than ever with more people spending more time indoors.”