The Natural Vaccine?

By Editorial Staff

Throughout the past year, we've heard repeatedly about the immune-boosting benefits of vitamin D, particularly with research supporting its utility in reducing hospitalization rates / complications due to COVID-19 infection. Even with vaccination against the virus becoming widespread, it's important not to overlook the value of vitamin D in your daily regimen, whether you're vaccinated or not. Why? Because vitamin D may even protect against COVID-19 infection.

Case in point: A new study that suggests Black people with vitamin D blood levels above 40 ng/ml were significantly less likely to test positive for COVID-19 compared to people with blood levels between 30-40 ng/ml (30 ng/ml is generally considered "sufficient" according to current recommendations, although many health care practitioners consider that low). This is an important discovery because Blacks have been disproportionately impacted by both infection and complications from COVID-19.

While this study, published in JAMA Network Open, did not reveal a significant association between vitamin D levels and COVID infection in non-Black individuals, previous recent research has found that vitamin D deficiency (lower than 20 ng/ml) may increase the risk of testing positive for COVID-19; and that as many as four in five patients who test positive for the virus are vitamin D deficient.

Added to the fact that vitamin D's immune-strengthening abilities are well-established, including its ability to reduce the risk of colds / flu and other viruses, and it's clear to see why doctors are increasing checking all patients' vitamin D levels and recommending supplementation if necessary. Is a robust immune system your body's natural vaccine? It may not prevent COVID-19 entirely, but it certainly appears to reduce your risk of infection and/or complications. Ask your doctor for more information about the immune-supporting and other health benefits of vitamin D.