Vitamin D and SARS-CoV-2 virus/COVID-19 disease
S. A. Lanham‐New, Ann R. Webb, Kevin D. Cashman, Judy Buttriss, Joanne L. Fallowfield, Tash Masud, Martin Hewison, John C. Mathers, Máiréad Kiely, Ailsa Welch, Kate A. Ward, Pamela J. Magee, A. L. Darling, Tom R. Hill, Carolyn Greig, Colin P. Smith, Richard Murphy, Sarah Leyland, Roger Bouillon, Sumantra Ray, Martin Kohlmeier
Abstract
Summary for social mediaVitamin D is essential for good health, especially bone and muscle health. Many people have low blood levels of vitamin D, especially in winter or if confined indoors, because summer sunshine is the main source of vitamin D for most people. Government vitamin D intake recommendations for the general population are 400 IU (10 µg) per day for the UK7 and 600 IU (15 µg) per day for the USA (800 IU (20 µg) per day for >70 years) and the EU.9 Taking a daily supplement (400 IU /day (10 µg/day) in the UK) and eating foods that provide vitamin D is particularly important for those self-isolating with limited exposure to sunlight. Vitamin D intakes greater than the upper limit of 4000 IU (100 µg) per day may be harmful and should be avoided unless under personal medical/clinical advice by a qualified health professional.