Vitamin D deficiency causes high risk of infection

SAMSUN, Turkey

Inadequate levels of vitamin D are associated with a high risk of infection to the coronavirus.

In a written statement, Feyzi Gokosmanoglu, endocrinology and metabolic diseases expert at the hospital of Medicana International in northern port city of Samsun, said: "COVID-19 infection is seen in patients with vitamin D deficiency in the more frequent and more severe level."

Recent studies show that COVID-19 infection is seen in the milder level in patients with enough vitamin D level, Gokosmanoglu added.

Stressing the importance of having a robust immune system during the pandemic, he said the strongest micronutrients for the immune system are vitamin C-D and zinc.

Even though data and findings are contradictory, current evidence suggests that the multi-micronutrient supplementation can reduce the risk of infection.

After originating in China last December, COVID-19 has spread to at least 187 countries and regions. Europe and the US are currently the worst-hit regions.

The pandemic has killed more than 270,400 people worldwide, with total infections over 3.87 million, while more than 1.29 million patients have recovered, according to figures compiled by the US’ Johns Hopkins University.

*Writing by Faruk Zorlu