Vitamin D, Healthy Immune Function and Covid-19

As scientists are learning more about effective prevention and

treatment of Sars2 coronavirus, or Covid-19, new research is emerging regarding the potential benefits of Vitamin D.

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that promotes cellular function and bone health.  Besides being a vitamin, however, Vitamin D actually is also a hormone that plays a role in cellular behavior. As a steroid hormone, it can enter into the cell nucleus, and change the way the cells behave. As an important regulator of human immune function, vitamin D may stimulate innate immune responses which provide front-line protection against infectious agents. It acts as an essential immunomodulator. 

When levels of Vitamin D are inadequate, our bodies lack basic immunity. Additionally, it also reduces inflammation.

Many cells in the human body have vitamin D receptors and need Vitamin D to function properly, including those in your skin and brain. Vitamin D is needed for normal bone mineralization and growth, maintenance of muscle strength and coordination, cardiovascular health, as well as strong and balanced immune function.

Recent research has shown that Vitamin D may play a role in keeping our lungs healthy, with higher levels of Vitamin D having positive effects on lung function and health. As such, Vitamin D increases resistance to respiratory tract pathogens such as Sars 2 coronavirus.

Recent studies from Spain in 2020 showed a correlation between Vitamin D and the incidence, severity, and mortality in Covid-19 patients with patients having higher levels of Vitamin D being more resistant to Covid19, with faster recovery and lower mortality. 

Low levels of Vitamin D have also been associated with hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, which are risk factors in Covid-19.

Vitamin D is found in fish oil, mushrooms, egg yolks, and red meat. Most importantly it enters the skin through the ultraviolet radiation of sunlight. 

During the winter months in the northern hemisphere above the 35th latitude, Vitamin D deficiency becomes more prevalent in the general population.  Taking Vitamin D supplements is the best way to maintain adequate levels of vitamin D during the winter months. 

Zinc supplementation reduces pregnancy complications and improves neonatal health

At a Glance

A new study shows that providing zinc supplementation to normally healthy zinc-deficient women reduces pregnancy complications and improves neonatal health outcomes. 

 Read more about this research below. 

Zinc is an essential mineral that is necessary for normal growth, immune function and neurological development.  Iron and folic acid are routinely supplemented during pregnancy, but less emphasis has been put on zinc, although a low zinc level can result in poor pregnancy outcomes.

In a new study published in the British Journal of Nutrition, researchers evaluated the effect of two regimens of zinc supplementation on pregnancy outcomes. Participants in the double-blind, randomized controlled trial were 675 normally healthy pregnant women between the ages of 20 and 45 years.  Eligible subjects had a serum zinc level below the estimated average requirement for gestational age.  The women were randomly assigned to one of three regimens: Zinc supplementation alone (30 mg/day of zinc sulfate), a combination of 30 mg/day of zinc sulfate plus multivitamins (B1, B6, D3, C and E), or a placebo.  The women were monitored from recruitment until one week after delivery.

Both zinc alone and in combination resulted in significantly fewer 2^nd and 3^rd stage pregnancy complications when compared to placebo.  In addition, stillbirth, pre-term delivery, and complications such as respiratory tract infections were reduced in both groups supplemented with zinc.  There was no significant difference in the average birth weight between the three groups. 

The results of this study showed that in pregnant women with low zinc levels, supplementation with zinc  is effective in reducing pregnancy complications and early neonatal complications such as respiratory tract infections.   

Samia A. Nossier, Noha E. Naeim, Nawal A. El-Sayed and Azza A. Abu Zeid. The effect of zinc supplementation on pregnancy outcomes: a double-blind, randomised controlled trial, Egypt. British Journal of Nutrition, available on CJO2015. doi:10.1017/S000711451500166X.