COVID-19 & Vitamin D

[Torchwatch]

It has been observed for some time that death rates from COVID-19 of Asians and Africans in Europe and America have been higher than that of the European population. Culture and lifestyle were initially blamed for this, however early stage studies have determined that people with low levels of vitamin D have had poorer outcomes from the virus than those with normal levels.

Asians and Africans have darker skins than the white European populations because they have more melanin pigment blocking damaging UV light but also reducing their ability to create vitamin D from sunlight.

If you are exposed to COVID-19 vitamin D may stop you contacting the virus, and if you contract the virus vitamin D will improve your outcome reducing the probability of death.

Vitamin D is found in food especially fish, meat egg yolk and milk. You can take Vitamin D supplement tablets but perhaps more importantly your skin can manufacture vitamin D from sunlight.

If you go to the shops or other public building full body cover is still advisable, but if you go out in the garden, the park or the countryside wear short shorts, tee shirts or vests. If you can get to the beach put on your speedos or bikinis.

Information source: BBC Radio 4 More or Less 13/05/2019 09-00 hrs

[Bede735]

If I wear a t shirt or vest I have to put on sun block, otherwise I would get a nasty sunburn!

[Torchwatch]

A little sunshine every day will build you up a protective tan that will in time allow you to stay out longer.
Do things in moderation as sun burn is unpleasant and can lead to skin cancer.
If you are "allergic" to sunshine then stay indoors under red darkroom lamps and get your vitamin D from food or supplement tablets.
Meat, oily fish, eggs and milk are all good sources of vitamin D.
If you are deficient in vitamin D you may suffer rickets in childhood and blindness as you age.