Healthcare (Commonwealth Union) – Vitamin D, is generally called the “sunshine vitamin,” plays a crucial role in keeping the overall health and well-being. Unlike other vitamins, it plays its role like a hormone, influencing numerous bodily processes. One of its most well-known functions is enhancing calcium absorption, which is vital for strong bones and teeth. Without sufficient vitamin D, the body is unable to effectively absorb calcium, leading to weakened bones and a higher chance of conditions like osteoporosis and rickets in children.
In addition to bone health, vitamin D supports immune system function, helping the body fight off infections and lowering inflammation.
Many people do not get sufficient amounts of vitamin D. The main source is sunlight exposure, but factors like indoor lifestyles and living in northern latitudes can bring about deficiencies. For those at risk, supplements may be a requirement to maintain optimal levels.
A variety of research from across the world has linked vitamin d deficiency to a variety of conditions such as increased risk of premenopausal breast cancer and autoimmune diseases.
A new study conducted in collaboration with King’s College London and Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation has identified a strong connection between low vitamin D levels and a heightened risk of hospitalisation from COVID-19.
However, the research did not find a link between low vitamin D levels and an increased likelihood of contracting the virus.
The study analysed data from over 150,000 individuals in the UK Biobank, exploring whether those with vitamin D deficiency (less than 25 nmol/L) or insufficiency (25–49 nmol/L) were at greater risk compared to individuals with adequate vitamin D levels (50 nmol/L or more). The researchers also evaluated the chances of COVID-19-related hospitalisation across these three categories.
In Australia, around one in four adults—approximately four million people—have insufficient vitamin D. Worldwide, about one billion people are vitamin D deficient, and roughly half the global population is believed to have suboptimal levels.
Dr Kerri Beckmann, an epidemiologist from the University of South Australia, believes the results may help pinpoint at-risk individuals and shape future health guidelines.
Dr Beckmann indicated that vitamin D is important for maintaining immune function, so it makes sense that low levels might affect how the body handles infections such as COVID-19.
She further indicated that their research showed that individuals with low or insufficient vitamin D levels had a greater risk of being hospitalised due to COVID-19, although their chances of contracting the virus were no higher than those with adequate vitamin D.
The research also examined how vitamin D levels related to COVID-19 outcomes among individuals with cancer and across various ethnic backgrounds.
Among those of Asian or African/Afro-Caribbean descent, lower vitamin D levels were linked to a slightly increased likelihood of contracting the virus. However, a connection between low vitamin D and more serious illness was observed only among individuals of Caucasian descent.
No clear link was found between vitamin D levels and COVID-19 outcomes in people who had previously been diagnosed with cancer, though the researchers noted that this could be due to the limited number of participants in this subgroup.
According to Dr. Beckmann, although the threat posed by COVID-19 has diminished, it still represents a public health issue.
Dr. Beckmann pointed out that COVID-19 might not be as dangerous as it once was, but it continues to impact people’s health.
“Understanding who is most at risk helps those individuals take extra precautions, including monitoring their vitamin D levels.
“It could be that people who are in poor health to start with may also have low vitamin D levels. So, at this stage, we don’t know whether vitamin D supplements in themselves could reduce the severity of COVID-19.
“It’s certainly an area worth exploring – especially as we continue to live with the virus.”
