Vitamin D can help build resistance to Covid-19
Researchers from Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) and Trinity College Dublin (Trinity) have found that taking Vitamin D supplements may enhance resistance to respiratory infections such as Covid-19, or limit the severity of the illness for those that do become infected. Dr Daniel McCartney (TU Dublin) and Dr Declan Byrne (St. James’s Hospital and School of Medicine, Trinity), co-authors of the article published in the Irish Medical Journal on Friday, recommend that adults living in Ireland take 20-50 micrograms of vitamin D per day.
Historically, humans received most of their vitamin D from sunshine during the summer months, with diet contributing only very modest amounts in relation to overall needs. In recent decades, sun exposure has decreased, and many people in Ireland may consequently have low blood levels of vitamin D, with older adults, especially likely to be vitamin D deficient.
Speaking about the findings, Dr Daniel M. McCartney, Lecturer in Human Nutrition & Dietetics, Technological University Dublin, said, “Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in Ireland, especially in older people, nursing home residents and hospital inpatients, and may significantly increase the risk and severity of viral respiratory infections, including Covid-19. Supplementing a healthy diet with 20-50 micrograms per day of vitamin D represents a cheap, safe and potentially very effective protection for Irish adults against Covid-19.”
Dr Declan G. Byrne, Clinical Senior Lecturer, St James’s Hospital and School of Medicine, Trinity, says these recommendations are important while we await development of a vaccine and trial evidence of effective drug treatment for Covid-19. “Our findings call for the immediate supplementation of all hospital inpatients, nursing home residents and older Irish adults with vitamin D. Our findings also suggest that vitamin D supplementation in the broader adult population, and particularly in frontline healthcare workers, may further help to limit infection and flatten the Covid-19 curve.”
The Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute (INDI) and the Irish Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (IrSPEN) have recently adopted these findings, and the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) is publishing them to their 2,300 members working in the nation’s 1,800 plus pharmacies. Existing national and international guidelines from health authorities also already advise that older adults should supplement their diet with vitamin D.
Supplementation at the recommended 20-50 micrograms of vitamin D per day is a short-term measure to specifically address the risk of Covid-19 infection over the coming 3-6 months. It is advised that those who intend to supplement at doses above 20 micrograms per day after this period, should do so only under the supervision of their doctor.
A Healthcare Professional summary of – Optimisation of Vitamin D Status for Enhanced Immuno-protection against Covid-19 – is available here.
About the authors of Optimisation of Vitamin D Status for Enhanced Immuno-protection against Covid-19
Dr Daniel M. McCartney, Lecturer in Human Nutrition & Dietetics, School of Biological and Health Sciences, College of Sciences and Health, Technological University Dublin (Available for interview)
Dr Declan G. Byrne, Consultant General Physician, Department of Internal Medicine, St. James’s Hospital, Dublin 8 and Clinical Senior Lecturer, Dept. of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin.
TU Dublin
Deeply embedded in our region, TU Dublin has campuses in Dublin City Centre, in Blanchardstown and in Tallaght and, through our major infrastructural development plan, we are currently investing over €500 million in new, state-of-the-art, technology-enabled facilities to enhance our students’ experience.
A leader in STEM disciplines, TU Dublin also supports the largest cohorts of students of business, media, culinary arts, and the creative and performing arts. We are passionate about life-long learning and, as the largest provider of part-time education, we make an important contribution to the economic life of Ireland, enabling capacity building for the future.
Our distinguished researchers and innovators are pioneers in science and technology discovery; play active roles in informing policy and standards; and contribute to the creative life of Ireland. Our award-winning technology transfer and business incubation activity has delivered over 400 new sustainable businesses with an economic value of almost €700 million.
With an international outlook, we welcome students and staff from around the world while our strong international partnerships provide opportunities for student and staff exchange programmes, major cross-collaboration research projects, and employment opportunities. We are immensely proud of our network of 100,000+ TU Dublin graduates who are making their careers here in Ireland and in 70 countries worldwide.
Joining the ranks of exceptional technological universities around the world, TU Dublin is planning an exciting future… Infinite Possibilities. https://www.tudublin.ie/