Right now, many of us are looking for whatever advice or edge we can find to keep ourselves healthy and avoid infection from the coronavirus (or at least limit its severity should we become infected). Recent reports have raised the question as to whether Vitamin D could be one more tool in our fight against COVID-19. Certainly, we know from previous agebuzz posts and recommendations from respected geriatricians that Vitamin D plays an important role in maintaining healthy bones and is considered valuable for such healthy aging concerns as immune system functioning and inflammation. Older adults may have vitamin D deficiencies and may be encouraged to take modest amounts of vitamin D supplements in addition to getting outdoors in the sunlight and eating foods that are vitamin D fortified. The question is, should you be upping your vitamin D intake to ward off the coronavirus?

Currently, there seems to be debate among medical experts as to whether we have evidence to support increases in vitamin D intake during the pandemic. Certainly, people who seem to have a higher risk of COVID-19 infection (for example, those living in long term care facilities, prisons, or with chronic health conditions) may also suffer from Vitamin D deficiencies, but that may have little to do with their susceptibility to catching the coronavirus. Some scientists and researchers advise that given the low risk from taking Vitamin D and the possible value of vitamin D supplementation, “there is no downside to speak of, and good reason to think there might be benefit” to adding Vitamin D supplements to your diet. Dr. JoAnn Manson of The Harvard Medical School is now running a randomized trial to see whether taking Vitamin D every day for a month after a positive coronavirus test will reduce the severity of illness and whether others in the household who then also take Vitamin D will have less risk of catching the virus. She’s a proponent of ensuring everyone has adequate Vitamin D levels during the pandemic and recommends supplements for those who cannot get adequate intake from being outside or eating a healthy diet. To find out more, get your glass of water and listen here.

And while health officials in the UK are now recommending small amounts of Vitamin D supplements because of the pandemic, experts do caution that excessive vitamin D intake can be harmful and the evidence is still shaky to support its use. Certainly, no one should decide on their own to up their intake of vitamin D without the advice and recommendation of a primary care provider. And, as Vitamin D expert Dr. Frank Lau of Louisiana State University suggests, “The easiest way to get your daily dose of vitamin D is just to spend 10 to 15 minutes a day in the sun,” Lau said. “It’s inexpensive, it’s free and you’ll get all the vitamin D you’ll need.” So at a minimum, put on the sunscreen, get out your mask, and head outdoors to catch a few rays.