Coronavirus: How much of Vitamin D supplement is too much for COVID-19 patients?
How much of Vitamin D supplement is too much for COVID-19 patients?
Vitamin D is extremely crucial for our overall health and well being. Apart from ensuring strong bones and teeth, it also builds muscle strength and improves the functioning of the cells in our body. Also known as the 'Sunshine' vitamin, scientists and medical professionals have claimed that it can lower the risks of contracting the novel coronavirus. This has increased the intake of Vitamin D-rich foods and supplements among people. However, one should be careful and avoid taking too much of it, as it may have it's own ill-effects on your health.
Vitamin D deficiency in COVID-19 patients
Scientists and researchers have continued to study the link between Vitamin D and its effect on COVID-19. According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, researchers found that about 82.2 percent of 216 COVID-19 patients were deficient in Vitamin D. The study also highlighted a higher prevalence of hypertension and cardiovascular disease, which lead to longer stays in the hospitals for COVID-19 patients.
How does Vitamin D help in treating COVID-19?
Many scientific researches have claimed sufficient levels of Vitamin D in the body can prevent the coronavirus from entering our system and can also ensure faster recovery in patients who are already suffering from it.
A recent study conducted by Boston University emphasised that sufficient amounts of vitamin D can prevent the condition of COVID-19 patients from further deteriorating and also reduce the need for oxygen.
As per the reports, only 9.7 per cent of individuals older than 40 years and deficient in Vitamin D succumbed to the virus, while 20 percent of the people, who had sufficient levels of Vitamin D in their body, showed a faster recovery.
Harmful effects of excess Vitamin D supplements
While the importance of Vitamin D in building the immune response and preventing the body from COVID-19 infection is grand, excessive intake of Vitamin D supplements can be harmful for your health. As per the National Health Services (NHS) reports, taking too many supplements over a short space of time can lead to hypercalcaemia, which describes the condition of having too much calcium in the body. This can not only weaken the bones but can also cause severe damage to the kidneys, which can increase your risks of succumbing to COVID-19 infections.
The right dose of Vitamin D
So, how much of Vitamin D is too much or too less for the body? The NHS says to avoid taking more than 100mcg of vitamin D in a single day, whether it's an adult or children between the age of 11 to 17 years. For most people, 10mcg of vitamin D should be enough, it added.
While taking supplements may be an easy option. However, adhering to a more natural way of attaining Vitamin D is recommended. A bask in the sun or a Vitamin D rich diet can always prove healthy and a better option.