Vitamin D Deficiency Linked With Increased Risk Of Long COVID

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The World Health Organization (WHO) declared earlier in May 2023 that Covid-19 does not represent a global health emergency anymore. The statement represents a major step towards ending the pandemic and comes three years after the company first declared its highest level of alert over the virus.

As of 24 April, the virus' death rate had dropped from over 100,000 people per week in January 2021 to just over 3,500 people per week. According to the WHO chief, at least seven million people have died from the pandemic [1].

While the pandemic is 'over,' the aftereffects of the disease still tend to impact people in several ways. According to a new study that examines the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and long COVID, 50% to 70% of people hospitalised with COVID-19 suffer from long COVID.

At hospital admission and six months following discharge, researchers examined people with COVID-19's vitamin D levels [2].

They found that those with long COVID had lower levels of vitamin D than those without the condition.

What Is Long COVID?

Long COVID is a term used to describe the symptoms that can persist for months after recovering from COVID-19. These symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, and difficulty concentrating. Research suggests that vitamin D deficiency may be linked to the development of long COVID [3].

Symptoms of Long COVID

Symptoms of Long COVID can include fatigue, shortness of breath, difficulty concentrating, chest pain, difficulty sleeping, headaches, loss of appetite, joint pain, depression, and anxiety.

Vitamin D Deficiency And Long COVID

Low levels of vitamin D in the body have been linked to an increased risk of Long COVID. Low levels of vitamin D can weaken the immune system, making it more difficult to combat infection [4].

According to the researchers, the neuro-cognitive symptoms associated with long COVID are primarily caused by a greater deficiency of vitamin D.

Despite vitamin D playing an important role in maintaining bones' health, the effects of vitamin D are well known beyond the skeletal system, and the positive effects of vitamin D on the immune system may play a role in this connection.

The lower vitamin D levels of older adults are a common finding, and it can lead to other potentially long-term COVID symptoms, including cognitive impairment, frailty, and weakness.

How To Get Vitamin D

Supplementing with vitamin D can help to reduce the risk and severity of Long COVID [5].

Vitamin D is found naturally in some foods, such as fatty fish, eggs, fortified milk and cereals. Additionally, vitamin D can be gained through exposure to sunlight. Supplements are also available to help increase vitamin D levels [6].

On A Final Note...

It is important to speak to a doctor before taking any supplement, as too much vitamin D can be harmful. Vitamin D is an important nutrient for bone health and helps the body absorb calcium. It has also been linked to a reduced risk of certain diseases, such as cancer and heart disease.

Unfortunately, many people don't get enough vitamin D from their diet or sunlight, so taking a supplement can be beneficial. However, it is important to speak to a doctor to make sure the right dosage is taken.