Covid 19 disease: Vitamin D deficiency can increase mortality risk
A study by the University of Hohenheim shows that underlying diseases, like other risk factors, go hand in hand with low vitamin D levels. Diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, severe overweight and high blood pressure - these basic diseases increase the risk of a severe course if a Covid 19 infection is added. All these diseases have one thing in common: they are often associated with a low vitamin D level. The same applies, for example, to the elderly, who are also frequently deficient in vitamin D and who are at risk. Prof. Dr. Hans-Konrad Biesalski from the University of Hohenheim in Stuttgart. The nutritionist evaluated 30 studies - and identified a vitamin D deficit as a possible indicator of the severity and mortality in a Covid 19 disease. The vitamin D supply could also play a role in the course of the disease, because this vitamin regulates the immune system and inflammatory processes in the body. The expert therefore recommends keeping an eye on vitamin D levels in the case of Covid 19 disease.
Vitamin D is in short supply in many people around the world - and in the case of Covid 19 disease, this can be an indicator of an increased risk of a severe course. Prof. Dr. Hans-Konrad Biesalski, nutritionist at the University of Hohenheim, described in a summary publication.
"Until now, primary illnesses such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease and severe overweight were considered risk factors," explains Prof. Dr. Biesalski. “But these diseases are often linked to a vitamin D deficiency. This has consequences for the course of Covid 19 disease. "
And that also applies to people over 65 or people who are rarely outdoors. "The most important source of vitamin D is the formation in the skin by sunlight," says the expert, "and it only works to a limited extent in old age."
Vitamin D ensures the balance between inflammatory processes
Among other things, vitamin D regulates the body's immune system and the so-called renin-angiotensin system (RAS), which is particularly important for regulating blood pressure. In the event of an infection, vitamin D ensures that these two systems do not get out of hand. "Since the corona virus affects an important switching point of these control loops, pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory processes are no longer in balance," explains Prof. Dr. Biesalski. “The system is getting mixed up. Especially if there is a vitamin D deficiency at the same time. "
The balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory processes shifts in favor of the pro-inflammatory processes, which then really pick up speed. "The result is serious changes in the alveoli that lead to a serious complication of Covid 19 disease, the so-called acute respiratory distress syndrome."
In the case of a Covid 19 disease, consider vitamin D levels
If an infection with the coronavirus is suspected, the vitamin D status should therefore be checked and a possible deficit quickly remedied, the doctor recommends. “This is particularly recommended for people with one of the underlying diseases or for older people. Vitamin D levels in people's homes are often devastatingly low. In times of home office, many people spend a long time in closed rooms, which also contributes to poor vitamin D supply. ”
Vitamin D can have a positive effect on the course of the disease
In order to avoid misunderstandings, Prof. Dr. Biesalski, however: “Vitamin D is not a drug that can be used to cure Covid 19 diseases. But you can have a positive effect on the course of the disease by enabling the organism to restore the balance between the pro- and anti-inflammatory processes. "
A sufficient vitamin D level can hardly be achieved through food, says Prof. Dr. Biesalski. “Oily fish and sun-dried mushrooms are particularly rich in vitamin D. But that is not enough, and in Germany - in contrast to many other countries - food is not enriched. ”The doctor does not recommend taking food supplements if you are lucky. “When in doubt, that's not enough to improve a really bad vitamin D status in the short term. As a prophylactic, you should spend a lot of time outdoors, pay attention to your diet - and at the latest if you suspect an infection, ask your family doctor to check the vitamin D level. ”
