A new study shows that simply supplementing with vitamin D — the “sunshine” vitamin — may be a possible answer to fighting and possibly preventing not only coronavirus, but other respiratory infections, as well.1
From pneumonia to influenza to coronavirus, vitamin D can induce “lower viral replication rates and reduce concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines that produce the inflammation that injures the lining of the lungs,” study authors explain.
To reduce risk of infection, they recommend that “people at risk of influenza and/or COVID-19 consider taking 10,000 IU/d of vitamin D3 for a few weeks to rapidly raise 25(OH)D concentrations, followed by 5000 IU/d.” Your vitamin D levels need to be above 40 to 60 ng/ml to achieve protection. If you’re already infected with coronavirus, higher dosages may be necessary.
Source: Nutrients 2020 12: 988