Earlier this month Nutraingredients.com reported on the formation of an alliance of researchers and doctors whose aim is to encourage governments to increase recommendations for vitamin D intake to 4000 IU daily. Underpinning this goal is the belief that taking vitamin D at much higher doses than the 400 IU the government currently recommends could reduce COVID-19 hospitalisations. Dr Gareth Davies, a member of the alliance and an independent coronovirus research scientist, suggests there is a lack of understanding of how vitamin D works within the body. Whilst it is referred to as a vitamin it is in fact a hormone essential to the functioning of both the innate and adaptive immune system. The group action therefore also involves a public awareness campaign as well as petitions and calls to MPs.
Over 100 Scientists, Doctors, & Leading Authorities Call For Increased Vitamin D Use To Combat COVID-19
Research shows low vitamin D levels almost certainly promote COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations, and deaths. Given its safety, we call for immediate widespread increased vitamin D intakes.
Vitamin D modulates thousands of genes and many aspects of immune function, both innate and adaptive. The scientific evidence1 shows that: Higher vitamin D blood levels are associated with lower rates of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Higher D levels are associated with lower risk of a severe case (hospitalization, ICU, or death).
Intervention studies (including RCTs) indicate that vitamin D can be a very effective treatment.
Many papers reveal several biological mechanisms by which vitamin D influences COVID-19.
Causal inference modelling, Hill’s criteria, the intervention studies & the biological mechanisms indicate that vitamin D’s influence on COVID-19 is very likely causal, not just correlation.
https://vitamind4all.org/letter.html