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 infection with the COVID-19 virus. You can help prevent this infection by following these steps:
- Get vaccinated.
- Stay away from people who are sick.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water.
- Don't touch your face.
- Disinfect surfaces you regularly touch.
- Improve indoor airflow, also called ventilation, by opening windows or turning on exhaust fans.
- Wear a face mask, especially if people around you have or are recovering from COVID-19. Masking can be key if you're at risk of getting serious COVID-19 illness. Risk factors include a weakened immune system, certain health conditions, pregnancy, and being age 65 or older.
Vitamin D, like other vitamins and minerals, helps the body work. And vitamin D is known to have a role in the body's defenses against germs. These defenses also are called the immune response.
Researchers are looking at the effect of vitamin D levels on infection with the COVID-19 virus. 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 might raise the risk of COVID-19. Not having enough vitamin D also may raise the overall risk of lung illnesses, also called respiratory illnesses. If your level of vitamin D is too low, you'll likely hear your healthcare professional call it a vitamin D deficiency.
On the other hand, having enough vitamin D may help people get the most out of their COVID-19 vaccinations.
If you're concerned about your vitamin D level, ask your healthcare professional about getting it checked. And if you have a vitamin D deficiency, talk with your healthcare professional about how to get your level up.
With
Daniel C. DeSimone, M.D.
Show References
- COVID-19 treatment guidelines: Vitamin D. COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines. https://www.covid19treatmentguidelines.nih.gov/therapies/supplements/vitamin-d/. Accessed June 13, 2024.
- 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 June 13, 2024.
- Dietary supplements in the time of COVID-19. Office of Dietary Supplements. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/COVID19-HealthProfessional/. Accessed June 13, 2024.
- How to protect yourself and others. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html. Accessed June 13, 2024.
- Shetty AJ, et al. Do vitamin D levels or supplementation play a role in COVID-19 outcomes? — A narrative review. Annals of Palliative Medicine. 2024; doi:10.21037/apm-23-113.
- Stroehlein JK, et al. Vitamin D supplementation for the treatment of COVID-19: A living systematic review. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2021; doi:10.1002/14651858.CD015043.
- Bilezikian JP, et al. Consensus and controversial aspects of vitamin D and COVID-19. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 2022; doi:10.1210/clinem/dgac719.
- Masks and respiratory viruses prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/masks.html. Accessed June 13, 2024.
Original article: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/expert-answers/coronavirus-and-vitamin-d/faq-20493088