Studies say a little Vitamin-D may help keep COVID-19 at bay

ATLANTA — You might be surprised to hear a little old-fashioned vitamin D may limit some people’s ability to get COVID-19.

Vitamin D is most often associated with the sun, but you can also get supplements that doctors say should be used only in moderation.

Channel 2 anchor Wendy Corona spoke with a local doctor who mentioned a recent American Medical Association study showing vitamin D deficiency could double your risk of getting coronavirus.

Dr. Nathan Cleaver told Corona using too much of the vitamin is risky. Prolonged exposure to the sun could potentially cause cancer and too many supplements can hurt you too.

“You can have actually excess calcium that can go into the bloodstream that can accumulate in the liver, the kidneys and cause some very significant side effects,” said Cleaver. “So you definitely don’t want to overdo it."

Cleaver explained similar studies say people with low levels don’t fare very well.

“A subsequent study from Italy showed, you’re going to have a much more severe course of COVID with more significant pulmonary issues,” he said.

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Cleaver recommends a well-rounded diet to help maintain a healthy vitamin D level. He says eating fish like tuna, salmon and mackerel along with fortified milk or orange juice is a good place to start.

He also recommends 10-15 minutes in the sun with sunscreen two to three times a week on your arms or legs. And finally, if you want to add the supplements, Cleaver recommends you check with your doctor.

The doctor says a recommended dose for healthy adults up to age 70 is 600 international units.

Julie Brennan works from home and her pharmacist recommended that she try the supplements. She was warned about taking too much and ran it by her doctors just to be safe.

“I would be the one to say, ‘Oh let me take extra just because it would be better.’ I decided to check and they said don’t do that,” said Brennan.

“Vitamin D is part of my plan and I do tell people about it and hopefully they can protect themselves as well,” she said.

Cox Media Group