Home General Info & Awareness Covid19: A Link Between Vitamin D and Coronavirus?

Covid19: A Link Between Vitamin D and Coronavirus?

by InvisiblyMe
A white background with yellow gel cap supplements. Overlaid is the title: "Covid19 - What's the link between Vitamin D & coronavirus?"

Vitamin D has been getting far more publicity lately, with researchers suggesting a potential link between the so-called sunshine vitamin and Covid-19. Let’s take a look at what Vitamin D does for the body, how deficiency is diagnosed, and what current research says about its relationship to the present coronavirus. 

What Is Vitamin D & What Role Does It Play?

Vitamin D is a vital vitamin that can be made naturally within the body in response to sunlight. It can also be found in limited quantities within certain drinks and foods, though many people need supplements to keep their levels optimal year-round. 

This ‘sunshine vitamin’ plays various roles in the body, yet its importance is often overlooked or underestimated. Once your body gets hold of Vitamin D, it’s sent on to the liver and transformed into 25(OH)D, which can then be redistributed throughout your body. The different tissues in your body transform it into ‘activated vitamin D’ so that it can perform its various duties. 

Vitamin D is crucial to bone health, helping the body absorb calcium and phosphate from our diets, in turn being beneficial for muscles, teeth and bones. 

Vitamin D is vital for the healthy functioning of your lungs, brain and heart, as well as within the immune system for fighting infections. It supports the immune system and body’s cells in various ways throughout your life. It’s this aspect that appears to link to COVID19, with vit D supporting our body’s ability to fight the virus.

In essence, vitamin D plays a pivotal role in your cardiovascular system, respiratory system, muscles, bones, brain and immune system. 

What Are The Sources Of Vitamin D?

We typically get around 90% of Vitamin D from this sunshine exposure. To actually get the benefit of sunshine, however, you need at least 15 minutes of proper sunlight each week on bare skin. There’s a catch-22 here, because the general advice is to use sunscreen to protect your skin, and yet this can prevent some of the goodness being absorbed. What’s more, the vitamin tends to only be stored in your body for 2 months, so you need ongoing top-ups of exposure throughout the year.

A digital image of a sun, where we typically get the majority of our vitamin D. The image is done in a modern way with just stripes of orange colour in the middle and flicks of colour around it for the rays.

Vitamin D can also be absorbed from different fluids and foods, though they’re somewhat limited. You might get some of your intake from the likes of egg yolks, fortified dairy or grain products, some red meat or certain types of oily fish. 

Many people need, or prefer, to supplement. Because vitamin D is a little tricker to naturally obtain, many people, especially those in less gloriously sunny climates, will find themselves lacking to some degree, from sub-optimal to severely deficient. Supplements come in different forms, like tablets, sprays, and the drops that I personally use, to help bring up or keep your vitamin D at optimal levels.

What Are The Signs Of Deficiency?

Many of those with vitamin D deficiency don’t experience symptoms, but when symptoms are present they may include the likes of general aches and pains, bone pain, muscle weakness, or more regular infections. Low vitamin D has been associated with various other health issues, like migraines and depression, but more research is needed to confirm the links and to really understand the myriad of ways a lack of Vitamin D can affect our bodies.

As symptoms are often not present, it’s a deficiency that can all too often be misdiagnosed or go unnoticed entirely. 

How Is Vitamin D Deficiency Diagnosed?

A blood test can check your 25(OH)D levels and tell you whether you’re lacking Vitamin D.

While exact ‘normal’ ranges vary slightly, the following are often suggested:

  • Low : 30nmol/l (12ng/ml) or below
  • Adequate : 50nmol/l (20ng/ml) or above
  • High : 125nmol (50ng/ml) or above

I was diagnosed age 27 with osteopenia, with results actually being just 0.1 away from an osteoporosis diagnosis. Not the best news I’ve ever had. My vitamin D level was found to be almost non-existent. I wonder what would have happened if it weren’t for that bone scan prompting the blood test. I would have already been deficient for quite some time, but it’s not a vitamin that had ever previously been checked. Unless doctors are looking for it in particular, vitamin D doesn’t end up on typical blood screens. 

If you’re concerned or just curious, speak to your doctor about a blood test for Vitamin D. If you’re in the UK and either your doctor is unwilling to test you or you would just prefer a home blood test, then you can get a reasonably priced check privately from Medichecks.

For further information on their tests & service, you can check out my full review of Medichecks here.

You can browse the Medichecks home blood tests & save 10% by using this link and the code INVISME10 at the checkout. 

What Are The Best Vitamin D Supplements?

The exact recommended levels of vitamin D vary depending on the country and authority site you’re looking at. The general gist is around 10 to 1510µg daily for adults. For instance: 

  • The NHS suggests that that adults need 10µg (mcg / micrograms) daily of vitamin D, which is the equivalent to 400IU.
  • In the US, it’s typically said that babies need 10 micrograms (400IU), adults 1-170 years need 15 micrograms (600IU) and those over 71 years need 20mcg (800IU).

There are plenty of over the counter supplements available in store or online. Many will be higher than 10mcg, and I personally consider that to be preferable, especially as I don’t absorb nutrients well from food these days and my skin rarely sees adequate sunlight.

Always check the dosage and strength before buying. Always speak to your GP or pharmacist if you have any queries, and before starting a new supplement if you have any medical conditions or take other prescription medications.

I’ve listed some of the Vitamin D supplements I would recommend here.

I currently use Boots Vitamin D gummies, which are pretty tasty. In addition to the sunshine vitamin, many also supplement Vit C to boost their immune system. I use Nature’s Aid Vitamin C chewables.

What Are The Findings Linking Vitamin D to Coronavirus?

A few studies of current data have been conducted to shed some light on the links between Covid19 and Vitamin D levels, though more research is clearly needed along withmore reliable, controlled studies.

In one reported study, researchers have looked at 216 patients in Spain’s Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital.  They found that 82% of those in hospital with coronavirus had a deficiency of Vitamin D. They also discovered increased inflammatory markers alongside this deficiency such as increased D-dimer. Such inflammatory markers tend to rise when your body is fighting an infection. Of the vitamin deficient patients, 44 went to ICU and 37 required mechanical ventilation.

The researchers at the University of Cantabria in Santander who were behind this study are calling for Covid patients to have Vitamin D as one potential treatment option, considering it may be beneficial and it’s also less likely to have any side-effects. 

A white background showing a close up of someone holding out their hand as they hold a test tube, with the words 'covid-19' on the label.

A systematic review and meta-analysis published on medRxiv has found that vitamin D may take an important supportive role for the immune system, particularly regarding the cytokine response regulation when fighting Covid19. They found that, of 4922 patients, 48% were clinically deficient in vitamin D and 41% had insufficient levels.

Some research has shown less positive results, such as one loosely suggesting Vitamin D failed to reduce the mortality risk or length of hospital stays for patients hospitalised with Covid-19 compared to patients who received a placebo. 

However, further research indicates more hopeful findings. For instance, other research has shown high instances of Vitamin D deficiency among those infected with Covid-19 who experienced respiratory failure and thus had a higher risk of dying.

In another randomised study, patients were split into two groups: 50 hospitalised patients with Covid19 received a high dose calcifediol (vitamin D) supplement, and it was found found that only one patient needed subsequent intensive care treatment. In the 26 patients with the virus who didn’t receive vitamin D therapy, 13 subsequently required intensive care treatment.

From initial findings, it seems reasonable to suggest Vitamin D is unlikely to be a way of fully preventing infection or being used as any kind of robust cure, but it may offer meaningful protective qualities. 

An Upcoming Coronavit Trial

With mounting evidence hinting that Vitamin D can be beneficial in the fight against coronavirus, other researchers are keen to do more standardised investigations. A trial is now underway by London’s Queen Mary University, where 5,000 volunteers will take Vitamin D for a 6 month period to see whether it can help prevent them from catching coronavirus, or if they do catch it, whether it can protect them from becoming seriously ill.

This Coronavit trial has been looking for participants age 16 and over in the UK, providing they don’t already use high doses of Vitamin D. They’ll then be sent the supplements in the post as part of the trial. If you’re interested in participating, you can send an email to coronavit@qmul.ac.uk.

Adrian Martineau, the Professor of Repspiratory Medicine and Immunity at the Queen Mary University has stated numerous issues with current research, such as in lacking controls and not being able to show any definitive causation. However, he’s also cautiously positive and states that “…there’s a fighting chance it might help against Covid – but cause and effect has not been proven yet”. Martineau says he’d go with what the government recommends for most individuals, which is for low dose daily supplements of Vitamin D at 10mcg, especially during the winter and spring months.

Raising Awareness Of Vitamin D

From my own experience of severe deficiency and osteopenia, I would personally highly recommend people to get their levels checked and/or take supplements. After my initial high dose treatment, I now take vitamin D daily for life. Whether you live in a sunny climate or not, whether you have symptoms or not, vitamin D levels can struggle and potentially have a significant impact on your overall health.

Regardless of the true impact of Vitamin D during the coronavirus pandemic, it seems sensible to say it could have its benefits, and that deficiency could put people at greater risk generally speaking.

It’s also a good time to raise awareness of the importance of the sunshine vitamin, so that more people can get checked and ensure their levels are optimal for the sake of their own overall health, whether they come into contact with the virus or not. 

A black scroll divider.

Caz  ♥

Do you supplement your vitamin D? Do you think it could play a protective role for the immune system in the current Coronavirus pandemic? 

[ I’m not a scientist or a medical professional. Sources, where relevant, have been referenced, and any personal opinions included are mine alone.]

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78 comments

V.J. Knutson October 31, 2020 - 4:33 pm

Interesting. I was diagnosed with osteoporosis this year. The technician said the numbers are high in our area due to lack of vitamin D. I’ve been taking it daily for years since being diagnosed with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis – also noted for a deficiency.

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InvisiblyMe November 2, 2020 - 5:05 pm

I’m sorry you’re experiencing similar with your bones, though I’m glad it’s been spotted now rather than even later. Vit D deficiency is shockingly quite common and can be very dangerous, especially if left untreated over a prolonged period of time. Like you, I’ve had the ME diagnosis so it’s wise to keep levels of different things checked and topped up as necessary. Thanks for sharing your experience  ♥ xx

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ashleyleia October 31, 2020 - 5:08 pm

It’s good to hear of another avenue being explored!

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InvisiblyMe November 2, 2020 - 5:07 pm

It definitely is because at the start of all of this there seemed to be no reasonable options to try out, no links or theories behind susceptibility to the virus or treatments. x

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johnrieber October 31, 2020 - 5:17 pm

Terrific post…as we look for any way to slow the spread of this deadly virus, what if sitting outside in the sun had a positive benefit? Like wearing a mask, it’s up to all of us to work TOGETHER to get through this…sadly, so many of my “fellow Americans” are ignorant or too stubborn to care about the lives of others…thanks for sharing this!

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InvisiblyMe November 2, 2020 - 5:11 pm

Sadly it sounds like a similar situation here in the UK. Now is the time to work together, and yet ignorance & selfishness abounds and the divides are just getting deeper & wider as time goes on. If nothing else, I hope the findings can be useful in raising awareness of the importance of Vitamin D so more people can supplement and support their immune systems. Far too many are deficient without even realising it. Thanks for reading, John! xx

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Liz October 31, 2020 - 5:41 pm

I still take my minimum dose of vitamin D. But I just take it from autumn to end of spring, as I have done.
I started taking it, because blood test shown I was a bit low.

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InvisiblyMe November 2, 2020 - 5:19 pm

I think a lot of people are low on Vitamin D to some degree. I’m glad your levels were checked, Liz. Taking that regular supplement through the colder months is a wise idea. xx

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dpranita583 October 31, 2020 - 5:42 pm

Very valuable information.

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Blogging_with_Bojana October 31, 2020 - 5:51 pm

From what I’ve read, 50 is already considered deficiency. Optimum is 70/75.
With my vitamin D dropping to 50, I experienced symptoms like terrible muscle pain at night, so bad I couldn’t sleep. Ever since I started taking vit. D, I’m pain-free.

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InvisiblyMe November 2, 2020 - 5:24 pm

The ‘optimal’ and ‘deficient’ levels seem to vary a little depending on the country & the source. I’m sorry you experienced such symptoms, but at the same time I’m almost glad if that’s what led you to finding the deficiency in the first place. It’s great that supplementing stopped the pain, and also preventing things from getting any worse, B. xx

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Carolyn Page October 31, 2020 - 6:07 pm

I live in sunny Australia, Caz, but, I don’t get enough sunshine on my skin for optimum Vitamin D production. Therefore, I take a daily D supplement – every morning, all year round. Can’t be too safe I’d say!
xoxoxo

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InvisiblyMe November 2, 2020 - 5:25 pm

An excellent point, Carolyn. Even in sunnier climates, people may not get adequate intake and you can still be anywhere between low to severely deficient. It’s great you already supplement to keep your levels healthy. I wish I’d known to do the same years ago. ‘Can’t be too safe’ is a good motto when it comes to these kinds of vital vitamins! xx

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susiesopinions October 31, 2020 - 6:07 pm

I have always taken extra Vitamin D even though I live in the sunshine state.

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InvisiblyMe November 2, 2020 - 6:52 pm

Good thinking, Susie. I’m glad you’re already on top of your vitamin D! xx

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Michelle October 31, 2020 - 6:09 pm

I had no idea Vitamin D was being linked to Covid-19. Thank you for sharing this information! I also didn’t realize all the different benefits of Vitamin D.

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InvisiblyMe November 2, 2020 - 6:54 pm

I’m glad this could show you something new, Michelle! Vitamin D is such a vital vitamin but for some reason it often goes overlooked and underestimated. The links to Covid seem tentative because it’s so hard to retrospectively look at data, so it’ll be interesting to see where things go from here. It can’t hurt to be more aware of Vitamin D and start supplementing so that less people are deficient. xx

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Trial By Fire October 31, 2020 - 6:57 pm

I just left a reply, but put in a wrong email address. So, will comment again. ???? LOL.

Thank you, Caz, for this beneficial article! I had a Vitamin D deficiency. I think my number was around nine (9), and needed to be more toward 35-50, or something like this. I just remembered that it was immensely low.

The doctor put me on Vitamin D3, 2,000 IU. Got rechecked three months later and my levels had elevated, but not enough. So, now I’m on 4,000 IU.

Hugs & Love!

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InvisiblyMe November 2, 2020 - 10:33 pm

I’m sorry you were so deficient too, but at the same time I’m glad they picked up on it when they did and not even later on in life. Will you be taking slightly higher doses now for the foreseeable future as well? Seems wise in a case like this where you’re not getting in naturally or storing it long enough to keep your levels adequate. Thank you for sharing your experience with it, Tamara ???? xx

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Trial By Fire (Tamara) October 31, 2020 - 6:58 pm

I hope my comment went through! Thinking of You!
♥️ ❤️ ❤️

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InvisiblyMe November 2, 2020 - 10:42 pm

Hope you’re keeping as well as possible my friend. Sending hugs your way ???? xx

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Robyn October 31, 2020 - 8:10 pm

Last winter both of my big kids got the flu. When we were at urgent care, the doctor there encouraged us to macro dose on Vitamin D. He gave us all this evidence how Vitamin D will help you avoid getting sick. Since then, and since the coronavirus came to town, I have had the whole family taking Vitamin D in a macro dose as the doctor suggested. If it helps keep us from getting sick, then I am in!

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InvisiblyMe November 2, 2020 - 11:03 pm

While I’m obviously sorry your kids were quite poorly with the flu, I’m glad you had a smart doc to encourage Vitamin D when he did. It’s such an important yet often underestimated vitamin so it’s great your family is already on track with it! Stay safe & as well as possible, all of you xx

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Dolphin Girl October 31, 2020 - 9:11 pm

My mother would love this post. She has just begun taking vitamin D as she heard it helps. I’ll give her the email address.

My latest blood test was okay. I’m not sure what the number was but it wasn’t marked low (actually weird that all my levels of vitamins and minerals were okay but not complaining).

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InvisiblyMe November 3, 2020 - 11:43 am

I’m glad your mother has started Vit D, that sounds very sensible. I would say ‘I hope it helps’ her but I guess a lot of the time it’s supporting vital functions behind the scenes that we’re not even aware of.

As for you, it’s faaaabulous your blood tests all look good! It’s definitely worth getting checked every now and again, Vit D too, if you can. Thanks for sharing lovely! ???? xx

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Dolphin Girl November 10, 2020 - 11:07 am

Yeah, with everything I’ve been doing had to test everything, and will have to test again.
Thinking of you

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Tim O'Connor October 31, 2020 - 10:35 pm

Excellent article. I take supplements daily. I can’t eat half the foods that contain some critical vitamins because of my gut, so supplementals are necessary. I appreciate the information. Take care. Glad your numbers are good.

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InvisiblyMe November 3, 2020 - 11:45 am

I’m glad you supplement daily, Tim, but of course I’m sorry you can’t eat many of the foods you’d like to or need to in this case for Vitamin D. Thank goodness supplements are available, and in different formats so most people will find something that absorbs well. Thanks for your comment – stay safe & well as possible ????

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James Viscosi October 31, 2020 - 10:55 pm

I have taken a Vitamin D supplement for years ― we get plenty of sun in California, but since I hate sunlight, I am never out in it much!

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InvisiblyMe November 3, 2020 - 11:46 am

Sounds like a wise move, James. Even if you did get out in the sun, you’d be caught between needing vitamin D and needing to protect your skin with sunscreen, so even sun worshippers can be deficient. x

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Jo Jackson November 1, 2020 - 6:32 am

I take it daily.

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InvisiblyMe November 3, 2020 - 4:14 pm

That’s good to hear, Jo! ????

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Despite Pain November 1, 2020 - 8:38 am

Up here in Scotland, people who had been told to shield because of health problems have been offered Vitamin D. I don’t know if it’s because they have been staying inside much more than normal or if it’s because of this link to covid. If it can’t harm, I’d say it’s worth taking.

I know that I definitely don’t get enough naturally but because I have osteoporosis, I take a calcium supplement which includes Vitamin D. I much check how much Vitamin D is in the tablet and top up if necessary. After my coeliac diagnosis, they checked and mine was low despite my taking that supplement, but that was because coeliac causes malabsorption. I was given a higher dose for a short time then, but it’s not been checked since.

Great information about this, Caz.

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Gemma - Wheelescapades November 1, 2020 - 6:12 pm

That’s really interesting to know shielders have been offered vitamin d. I’ve got some myself, but then again shielding in England is a dodgy word!

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InvisiblyMe November 3, 2020 - 4:36 pm

At the moment I think it’s shielding from rampant abuse rather than shielding from the virus. If I hear another person say the ‘weak and elderly’ need to hide away so everyone else can get on with their lives I think I might pop a vein.

Glad you’ve got some Vit D to keep your levels healthy, Gemma. The other thing I should have mentioned in the post is that you’re unlikely to find it in the shops at the moment. Since the news reports, people have been unsurprisingly stripping shelves bare. I bet eBay is full of the stuff with inflated prices by now.

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Gemma - Wheelescapades November 4, 2020 - 6:57 pm

Oh yes, don’t get me started on that! Not only is it unjust to just shove the vulnerable in a cupboard, it’s also not that straightforward when you rely on people for support or care from people that are ‘carrying on with life’

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InvisiblyMe November 3, 2020 - 4:33 pm

I didn’t know about the Vitamin D being offered up there either, but it’s a great idea regardless of whether it’s directly because of Covid or from being indoors more. My mother used to take a combined calcium & Vitamin D supplement alongside her other medication for osteoporosis; I think it was 10ug in hers so it’s worth checking and maybe having your levels tested at some point in the future again. I’m sorry you struggle with absorbtion too. I personally find that liquids, like the Nature’s Aid kids one I take, have more effect. xx

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DutchIl November 1, 2020 - 12:40 pm

Thank you for sharing great information, no doubt will help many plan the future!!.. I believe that in today’s hectic life, a person is feeling well and therefore does not take the time to make sure to take care of one’s health, especially when it comes to eating habits… and poor health can result in many problems, not just the virus… ::)

Hope all is well in your part of the world and until we meet again..

May the dreams you hold dearest
Be those which come true
May the kindness you spread
Keep returning to you
(Irish Saying)

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InvisiblyMe November 3, 2020 - 4:37 pm

That is so very true, and an excellent point. We’re too busy, too stressed, to look after ourselves, even with the basics like a healthy diet and that puts us at risk of various things not just covid. Thank you for sharing that. It’s time to slow down and make sure we’re keeping ourselves as well as possible. You stay safe & as healthy as you can too! xx

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DutchIl November 1, 2020 - 12:59 pm

(Going to try again.. 🙂 ) Thank you for sharing great ideas that will no doubt help many!… I believe that in today’s hectic world, one is feeling well and neglect proper diet and healthy eating habits… in time that could bring health problems, the virus being just one of the problems… 🙂

Until we meet again..

May the sun shine all day long
Everything go right, nothing go wrong
May those you love bring love back to you
May all the wishes you wish come true
May peace be within you
May your heart be strong
May you find whatever you’re seeking
Wherever you may roam
                  (Irish Saying)

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Megala November 1, 2020 - 1:12 pm

Yes, I heard about the connection between the sunlight & Covid, nowadays people in here turn to Surya namaskar (a yoga – literally mean the salutation of Sun).
Thanks for a sharing such an informative post, I feel people across the globe may be getting benefited by reading this post.

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InvisiblyMe November 4, 2020 - 4:35 pm

I’ll have to investigate Surya namaskar a little more as it sounds interesting. Definitely a little more love for the sun and the benefits of Vitamin D is important. I’m glad you liked the post – thank you for sharing your thoughts lovely ???? x

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Kathleen Howell November 1, 2020 - 3:10 pm

Very interesting read, thank you! I’ve been on calcium supplements since my hip replacement, which includes vitamin d, now I wonder if it’s enough.

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InvisiblyMe November 4, 2020 - 4:39 pm

My mother was on a combined Vitamin D and calcium supplement, alongside another medication, for her osteopenia too. She took them for 5 years. I think it was a lower dose 10ug in her tablet. It’s worth checking what yours is, and maybe adding in an extra 10ug if your doctor agrees it would be wise to. I’m glad you liked the post, thank you lovely.xx

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Nisha November 1, 2020 - 4:03 pm

This is one deficiency most people overlook , I have read about the sunshine vitamin is so important even to fight cancers and prevent hairfall among many others .Great to hear about it being helping to fight the Coronovairus as well. Very informative and useful post!

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InvisiblyMe November 4, 2020 - 5:40 pm

Absolutely, it’s so important. I’m glad it’s getting more attention lately so that more people can realise how vital it is and either supplement and/or get their levels checked. I’m glad you liked the post, Nisha, thank you! xx

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Gemma - Wheelescapades November 1, 2020 - 6:16 pm

Great summery Caz. I’ve started taking a vitamin d spray over the past couple of weeks. I have taken it before but not for a couple of years. I feel it can’t hurt and any extra defence from any illness is a bonus. Especially after my bout of flu earlier this year. Plus I’m hardly going outside now the weather is rubbish.

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InvisiblyMe November 4, 2020 - 4:42 pm

That sounds like a wise idea, Gemma. I’d like to say it can’t hurt too, and if it can help your immune system defences then that’s a bonus. I know you’ve had your flu jab recently as well so hopefully your body is nicely prepped for winter! x

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Gemma - Wheelescapades November 4, 2020 - 6:58 pm

My body may be prepared, but I’m not!

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Ann Coleman November 1, 2020 - 10:16 pm

Thanks for the information, Caz! They gave my husband vitamin D supplements as soon as he started chemo, so it seems that it really does help boost the immune system. And it does sound as if there’s a very good chance that it will help with the fight against Covid too!

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InvisiblyMe November 4, 2020 - 4:47 pm

I hadn’t realised they gave Vitamin D alongside chemo but that makes sense, it’s always worth doing whatever possible to boost our body’s immune system and ability to fight. If it helps against Covid, all the better. Thank you for your comment, Ann. Stay safe  ♥ xx

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Svet Pavlovsky November 1, 2020 - 11:02 pm

Great post, Caz! I also was reading that there is a link between Vitamin D deficiency and diabetes. I have a multivitamin shake that I take occasionally and it contains Vitamin D as well. I only wish that I knew earlier how important Vitamin D for overall health. Hope you are having a good day.

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InvisiblyMe November 4, 2020 - 4:52 pm

I think I’ve come across that too, Svet. I wonder what future research will show about any possible link between Vitamin D and diabetes. I’ll have to keep an eye out for more information on that. I’m glad you take multivitamins sometimes and I guess (at least I like to think, even though it’s a bit late for me) that it’s better late than never with knowing how important Vitamin D is and topping up your levels. Thanks for the comment lovely xx

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Animalcouriers November 2, 2020 - 9:39 am

When the winter months roll in we start taking it daily. For all the reasons you mention and now to aid against covid.

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InvisiblyMe November 4, 2020 - 4:53 pm

I’m glad you take Vitamin D during the colder months, that’s a good idea. It’s great for your health generally and if it can help with something like coronavirus then that’s all the better. Stay safe & as well as possible ????

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forresting365 November 2, 2020 - 11:52 am

This is a great post, Caz. Thank You!!! I’ve actually been taking Vit D and thinking about it a lot lately. And I’m SO happy they caught Your bone situation before it progressed!!! Sending You huge hugs and lots of Love! ????????????

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InvisiblyMe November 4, 2020 - 5:03 pm

That’s fantastic, Katy, I’m really glad you’re already taking vitamin D! Sadly it’s a bit late for my bones, but I’m still taking Vitamin D so things hopefully don’t get too much worse. I hope your supplements can keep your levels healthy to support your bones, immune system and everything else the sunshine vitamin magically manages to do. Thanks for the lovely comment! Sending love, stay safe  ♥ xx

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mentalhealth360.uk November 2, 2020 - 3:53 pm

Great post, interesting and insightful. Hubby was called back to his GP a few years ago as he had Vit D deficiency and had to take booster doses for a few days 🙁 He had all the symptoms you mentioned. He’s got them again so I’ve already told him he needs a check up. I’ve just read out your article to him lol. Caz 🙂 x

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InvisiblyMe November 4, 2020 - 5:05 pm

I’m sorry your hubby was found to be quite deficient too. I think, from the sounds of this, he probably should be on a daily supplement for the foreseeable future as levels can drop quite quickly so he’ll just keep going back to being deficient if he’d not getting it from sunlight/diet easily. A check up sounds like a good idea, and hopefully the GP will agree daily supplements are a good idea, giving him a booster first if he needs it. Fingers crossed for him! xx

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Terri, Reclaiming Hope November 2, 2020 - 3:55 pm

Thanks for another outstanding post Caz! When I got my Osteoporosis diagnosis, my doctor recommended vitamin D, but she also recommended that I get out into sunlight for 15 minutes per day (no sunscreen for that short amount of time) so my body has the opportunity to make its own. The bad news is…it’s getting cold here now and I’m a wimp! I’m not so sure I’m going to get my 15 minutes of sunlight each day.???? I knew about the potential link between vitamin D and COVID-19; my Fitness Journal had an article about it last month. That’s definitely even more incentive to make sure we’re getting enough of the sunshine vitamin, isn’t it? Thanks for some great information!

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InvisiblyMe November 4, 2020 - 5:24 pm

I’m glad your doctor recommend Vit D and sunlight if possible, though of course when the weather isn’t gloriously sunny you’re not going to be able to get enough even if you did go outside. Keep on with the supplements and maybe ask for a recheck of your levels at some point in the future, which is something I need to do too. It’ll be interesting to see what else research uncovers with regard to the coronavirus link. It’s a bonus if it can help people where the virus is concerned, and I’m glad it’s helping to bring a little more awareness to how vital this vitamin is. Thanks for the great comment, Terri! xx

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Leyla November 3, 2020 - 11:14 pm

Interesting post, thanks for sharing

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InvisiblyMe November 4, 2020 - 5:26 pm

You’re welcome, I’m glad you liked it! Stay safe & well, Leyla xx

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Bernadine November 3, 2020 - 11:29 pm

Insightful post Caz! I’ve been loving your blog so I decided to follow 🙂 with my mom being a nurse she always says go out and soak up some sun! COVID has prohibited going out so much that it’s important to get your vitamin D!

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InvisiblyMe November 8, 2020 - 5:09 pm

Aw thanks, Bernadine – I’m really pleased you like the blog, and thanks for following! I’m glad your mum’s on the ball with Vit D. It’s so important, all the more so now with even less time outside for the benefits of the sun. Keep your levels up & stay safe ???? x

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Sean November 4, 2020 - 3:20 am

This is a really interesting finding. I think you are right though, whether or not Vitamin D is effective at preventing Covid, it is something we should all be sure to get enough of, and this is a great reminder!

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InvisiblyMe November 4, 2020 - 5:30 pm

Absolutely. I’m glad the news of a possible link is able to bring greater awareness to the importance of Vitamin D, whether it’s involved in the fight against Coronavirus or not. Thanks for commenting, Sean. Stay safe & well guys ???? x

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tidalscribe November 7, 2020 - 7:41 am

After living in Las Vegas for three years my son had a.medical for his new job in England and discovered he had a vitamin D deficiency after all that sunscreen they had been slapping on in the desert!

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InvisiblyMe November 8, 2020 - 4:26 pm

I’m sorry your son was deficient, too. I’m glad it got picked up on his medical though – these things can go unnoticed for far too long otherwise. Hopefully he’s been able to supplement & keep his levels healthy. That’s the thing with the sun & the catch-22 with needing sunscreen! Thanks for sharing this lovely xx

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Lindsay November 7, 2020 - 3:55 pm

This is a very informative post. Years ago it was discovered that I was pretty deficient in vitamin D, so I have bene taking vitamin D ever since. I have seen a couple articles over the past months that suggest taking vitamin D can help battle COVID, so I’m very glad I was already taking it!

Nice post, Caz.

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InvisiblyMe November 8, 2020 - 4:28 pm

I’m glad your Vit D deficiency was picked up before it got worse. Are you intending on continuing supplements for the foreseeable future? Might be a good idea. It’s what I’m having to do as well. I’m so, so glad my deficiency was picked up well before I contracted covid, just in case. Keep taking the goodness, Lindsay! Stay safe & well lovely xx

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Lindsay November 9, 2020 - 3:35 am

While my vitamin D level has improved with taking the supplement, when I stop taking it for too long, my level drops again. I expect I will always probably have to take a least a small dose of vitamin D. But if it keeps supporting my immune system, I’m okay with that!

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Cynthia, My Inspired Fibro Life November 8, 2020 - 2:59 pm

Hi Caz! I too take Vitamin D and Calcium daily for osteopenia. I reached the osteoporosis level a few years ago so I now take injections twice a year as well, and it has slightly corrected back to osteopenia. I also started boosting my immune system with Vitamin C+D+Zinc back in March, so I am glad to know I have been on the right track. And my daily walks with the dog to get a few minutes of sun (at the proper time of day without sunscreen) help with the sanity and to boost Vitamin D!! I’ve been doing all I can to keep me and my family safe from the Coronavirus.

Take care! Hugs!!

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InvisiblyMe November 8, 2020 - 4:36 pm

I’m sorry you’ve got thinner bones too, Cynthia. I’m glad the injections and supplements have helped get the density back to osteopenia levels though, that’s amazing. Some fresh air and sunshine alongside the supplementing sounds like just the right balance. Every little helps with keeping you & your family safe where the virus is concerned too, so be proud of everything you’re doing, it’s a very stressful & worrying time. Stay safe & as well as possible lovely ♥ xx

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chronicmom November 9, 2020 - 10:05 pm

I’ve been wondering about this connection and I’ve seen a few things around about it. I live in a warm climate where people who spend any time outside can get vitamin D, and yet Covid has been out of control. So it will be interesting to see how it all plays out.

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Michelle Beltano Curtis November 10, 2020 - 3:07 pm

This is such important information and so well covered, Caz. Before I discovered my Vitamin D was low and began supplementing it, I was sick all the time. I caught everything that came along and had chronic bronchitis and sinusitis. It really is amazing how much it helps to boost our immunity. Great post. Thanks for spreading awareness of this subject!

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englishwithkirsty November 12, 2020 - 12:57 pm

I didn’t know about any of that research, so this was an interesting read. Thanks for hsaring.I was found to be deficient when I was being checked for something else, so I do take supplements now. Stay safe XX

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Aixa February 9, 2021 - 10:03 pm

We left NYC in April for Mexico for sun and vitamin D. We thought it was a good idea during the pandemic. We’re still in Mexico. But we read an article saying it was the UV rays and not the vitamin D that was helpful. I’m not sure, but I’m convinced that sunshine is very helpful.

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