Corona-disease, Vitamin-D-level note
The Vitamin D supply for many people is considered to be inadequate. In the case of a COVID-19-disease can be regarded as an indicator for an increased risk for a severe course. The Prof. Dr. Hans-Konrad Biesalski, expert on nutritional medicine at the University of Hohenheim in Stuttgart, Germany, has described in a summary publication.
Last month, Researchers reported from Indonesia about an increased COVID-19-risk of death in Vitamin D deficiency. Now Prof. Dr. Hans-Konrad Biesalski, a Vitamin-D has identified the deficit as a possible indicator of severity and mortality in a COVID-19-disease. To come to this conclusion, has evaluated the diet physicians 30 studies.
Diseases associated with Vitamin D deficiency associated
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“In the past, diseases such as hypertension, Diabetes, heart disease and Obesity as risk factors were mainly”, explains Prof. Dr. Biesalski in a message. “However, these diseases are often associated with a Vitamin D deficiency. This has consequences for the course of the Covid-19-disease.“
According to the doctors the same is true for people over 65 or people who are seldom Outdoors. “The most important source of Vitamin D is the formation in the skin by sunlight,” explains the expert, “and in the age, that works only to a limited extent.”
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The complete study appeared recently in the “NFS Journal”. The editor of this scientific journal, the Society of Nutrition and Food Science e. V. (SNFS), a non-profit Association, with headquarters at the University of Hohenheim, supported the study financially.
Effects on the immune system
Vitamin D is supplied, both through the diet, as well as from the people themselves, by UVB-light exposure (sun irradiation) are formed, explains the German nutrition society (DGE).
The supply via the diet with normal food is not enough according to the experts, but in order to reach the estimated value for adequate intake in the absence of endogenous synthesis, which is why taking a Vitamin D preparation is needed. In case of frequent exposure to the sun, the desired supply without the dietary Supplement can be achieved.
As in the communication from the University of Hohenheim explains, regulates Vitamin D in the body, the immune system and the so-called Renin-Angiotensin-System (RAS), which is mainly for the regulation of blood pressure is important. In the case of an infection, the Vitamin ensures that both of these systems run out of control.
“Since the Coronavirus, this rule affects an important circuits, greater pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory processes, the balance,” says Prof. Dr. Biesalski. “The System gets confused. And particularly, if at the same time, a Vitamin D deficiency.“
Skilled in the art, according to the Balance between pro moves – and anti-inflammatory processes in favor of the pro-inflammatory, the record correctly travel. “The consequence of serious changes in the alveoli, which lead to a severe complication of Covid-19-disease, the so-called Acute respiratory distress syndrome.”
Especially in the case of underlying diseases is important
In the case of suspected infection with the Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 should be tested is therefore essential that the Vitamin D Status and a possible deficit will be quickly resolved, the doctor recommends.
“Particularly for people with basic diseases or for the elderly, it is recommended. In the case of people in nursing homes in the level of Vitamin D is often devastating low. In times of the home office a lot of people on hold for an extended amount of time in enclosed spaces, which also contributes to poor Vitamin D supply.“
Vitamin D can’t cure the disease
To avoid misunderstandings, stresses Prof. Dr. Biesalski but: “Vitamin D is not a drug that can be used to heal Covid-19-disease. But you can act positively on the progression of the disease by the organism, the Balance between the pro – and anti-inflammatory processes, restore.“
In addition, the Federal Institute for risk assessment (BfR) indicates that no studies are known which show that – as is often suggested, taking Vitamin D supplements protects against infection with the Coronaviurs SARS-CoV-2, respectively, the triggering of the disease COVID-19.
Also, according to prof Dr Biesalski is a sufficient level of Vitamin D is achieved through food hardly be. “Rich in Vitamin D especially oily fish, and sun-dried mushrooms. But that is not enough, and in Germany, are not enriched, in contrast to many other countries, food.“
On good luck a dietary Supplement, take is not recommended the diet physician however. “In case of doubt, it is too little, in order to improve a really bad Vitamin D Status in the short term. Prophylactically, one should stop, but a lot of time Outdoors, on the diet and, at the latest, in the case of suspected infection, the doctor ask to examine the Vitamin D levels.“ (ad)