Forum Topic

Vitamin D

The Times reports today that 8 out of 10 people admitted to hospital with Covid-19 have low levels of this vitamin. Of course, we don't know how many people in general have low levels but this figure is still striking.Vitamin D supplements are cheap and easy to obtain. There seems no good reason not to take one.

Susan Kelly ● 2193d16 Comments

Vitamins D & C - commonsense; but we never heard the government's phoney scientists recommend these during the daily updates. Lots about vaccines tho..money, money, money...

Michael Brown ● 2193d

David Davis, MP , has been speaking out about this.  I take 25 micrograms a day, cost about 6p. The data showing any effect on Covid-19 survival is limited as Davis admits but as it has other health benefits (unlike, say, drinking bleach) what is there to lose?

David McLoughlin ● 2193d

Our local MP Rupa Huq has also been campaigning on this - its a very sensible low cost way to make a difference. It may not cure Covid but low Vitamin D levels clearly make a difference to your chances of survival as would be the case for lots of illnesses.

Anita Blake ● 2193d

It is also claimed that there is some evidence that people who have been taking aspirin every day have a lower incidence of having to be placed on a ventilator if they are admitted to hospital with the virus.

Keith Iddon ● 2193d

Live on Beechams Powders as have daily headaches, don't think that would save me from Covid somehow.

Janice Evans ● 2193d

I had an idea that taking too much aspirin was damaging to the stomach lining, so taking it every day unless under medical supervision might not be wise.

Richard Greenhough ● 2193d

True, I have had problems, but without them I would not be able to do anything, they got me through life.  The problem was could not take tablets as its migraine and just be sick (sorry but that's how it was ) and no effect on the pain.  Beechams ease it within half an hour and no sickness.

Janice Evans ● 2193d

The recommendation to take vitamin D daily predates Covid. Many adults in the UK run low levels and there is strong evidence that low levels of vitamin D increase your risk of fractures as you age eg hips, wrists and vertebrae, which can have serious consequences. Health England recommends that all adults in the UK take supplemental vitamin D (at least 10 micrograms daily) in the autumn and winter and that those known at higher risk take it all year round. Vitamin D is also made by the skin following sun exposure, but it’s safer to supplement orally to avoid increased risk of skin cancer (which is the most common cancer). There is some evidence that low vitamin D increases risk of infection and cancer, but less clear cut than for osteoporosis.

Edward Seaton ● 2193d

Been taking it for years since diagnosis of parathyroid problems, used to be able to have injections then there was a real fuss over even getting them - so take tablets, as do many women of a certain age.

Vanessa Smith ● 2193d

I take it every day. In New Zealand (and probably Australia) where they are rigorous in applying sun blocks to exposed skin, a side-effect has been reduced levels of vit D so it is common practice to take a supplement.

Bruce Hammal ● 2193d

My parents used to tell stories of how some kids in the 1920's and 30's used to contract ricketts due to a lack of vitamin D and of nutritious food, caused by what would now be viewed as grinding and wretched poverty.Not sure the word poverty means the same thing now,thank goodness.Poor diets now are something else ,they more often lead to obesity and other diseases and conditions.Good food has never been more available, and neither has bad food.

Keith Iddon ● 2193d

Quite correct Richard .

Jennifer Selig ● 2193d

Be very careful of taking Vitamin D with some other medication. A good quality drug manufacturer will give a warning about leaving a 4 hour gap between taking Your normal medication and vitamin D.Check  the SMC and nice website for Vitamin D interactions before starting without GP advice

Bernard Allen ● 2193d

Don't suppose people will want a blood test at the moment but that will show up vitamin D deficiency, my levels were fine about 2 years ago, wassurprised as do keep out of the sun as much as possible.

Janice Evans ● 2193d

https://covid.joinzoe.com/post/vitamin-supplements-covid

Christopher Shea ● 2193d

Started taking high dosage - made me feel really sick- stopped!

Helen Bamberger ● 2193d