Vitamin D has received a ton of press lately due to the global spread of the Sars-Cov-2 virus. Let’s discuss why. In short, Vitamin D is extremely important for immune function, bone health, mitochondrial health, energy levels, regulating inflammation, oxidative damage and mental health. In terms of immune health, specifically with viruses, Vitamin D regulates our body’s T cell immune response which plays a crucial role in our our body’s ability to manage viral and bacterial illness as well as illness severity.
It is not surprising that research is starting to come showing correlation between viral disease severity and deficiencies incertain vitamins and antioxidants. Recent studies have shown that low Vitamin D can actually increase the severity of respiratory illness. One study concluded that 82.2% of COVID-19 patients who tested positive were found to have higher hospitalization rates, greater need for intensive care, and an increased death rate. In terms of respiratory viruses (including the common cold, influenza, and now COVID-19) we must explore this as an important nutrient to have on hand.
Current research by Dr. Deborah Shoemark is exploring the mechanism by which Vitamin D is effective against these viral and bacterial infections. Vitamin D, as well as some other nutrients, are showing promise to have the ability to decrease the infectivity of bacteria and viruses such as COVID-19. Specifically with Sars-Cov-2, Vitamin D prevents infection by preventing the viral spike protein from opening enough to interact with the ACE-2 receptor, which is the entry point for Sars-Cov-2 to infect a human body. Researchers have also explored vitamins A and K along with Vitamin D, which enhance bioavailability of Vitamin D and also bind to the spike protein in the same manner.
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Furthermore, a Spanish research study showed that giving supplemental Vitamin D3 to patients with PCR-confirmed COVID-19 in addition to standard care reduced ICU admission by 82% and mortality by 64%. Other research evaluates the adequate baseline levels of Vitamin D3 and confirmed that of those who already had higher Vitamin D3 levels before acquiring COVID-19 were 60% less likely to die.
This pushes the surge for preventative medicine and urges the importance of micro-nutrition and lifestyle in our ability to fight viral and bacterial illness and stay healthy.
At The Hormone Zone, we are committed to helping you feel your best! Our Vitamin DAK supplement also has all three, vitamin D, A, and K to assist with upper respiratory illness prevention as well as vitamin D3 absorption. We also offer Vitamin D3 injections in office for a more direct and longer lasting alternative.
Call us today to get your vitamin D levels tested and start taking charge for your health.
Resources:
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- Shoemark, D..K., Colenso, C..K., Toelzer, C., Gupta, K., Sessions, R..B., Davidson, A..D., Berger, I., Schaffitzel, C., Spencer, J. and Mulholland, A..J. (2021), Molecular Simulations suggest Vitamins, Retinoids and Steroids as Ligands of the Free Fatty Acid Pocket of the SARS‐CoV‐2 Spike Protein. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed.. Accepted Author Manuscript. https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.202015639
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