Vitamin D deficiency increases a person's risk for catching COVID-19 by 77% compared to those with sufficient levels of the nutrient, Vitamin D also may prevent the excess inflammation that is part of the challenge in managing severe COVID-19, a study published Thursday by JAMA. As many as one in four of the nearly 500 participants in the study were found to have less-than-optimal levels of vitamin D, the data showed.
There are some dietary sources of vitamin D, including fatty fishes such as salmon, eggs, mushrooms and fortified foods, including most milk and dairy products, but it is not easy to get the levels one would get from supplements from these dietary sources alone.
There is prior evidence from multiple sources that vitamin D can enhance both innate and adaptive immunity. Innate immunity refers to the body's natural immune system response. Adaptive immunity describes how the immune system adjusts to a new pathogen -- like a virus -- that is able to evade its natural response.
Getting sufficient vitamin D, either through sunlight, supplementation, or certain foods like fatty fish, is important not just for its potential protection against the coronavirus, but for overall health. You can purchase Vitamin D from a reputable health and nutrition websites, local wellness centers, or you can inquire about it from a registered dietitian or your health practitioner.