High doses of vitamin D supplementation has no current benefit in preventing or treating COVID-19

https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2020-05/uos-hdo052120.php

News Release 21-May-2020
University of Surrey


Examining previous studies in this field scientists found no evidence of a link between high dose supplementation of vitamin D in helping to prevent or successfully treat Covid-19 and cautioned against over supplementation of the vitamin, without medical supervision, due to health risks.

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"Although there is some evidence that low vitamin D is associated with acute respiratory tract infections, there is currently insufficient evidence for vitamin D as a treatment for COVID-19 and over-supplementing must be avoided as it could be harmful."

Professor Judy Buttriss, Director General British Nutrition Foundation and also a co-author of the paper said: "In line with the latest Public Health England guidance on vitamin D, we recommend that people consider taking a vitamin D supplement of 10 micrograms [400 IU] a day during the winter months (from October to March), and all year round if their time outside is limited.

"Levels of the vitamin in the body can also be supplemented through a nutritionally balanced diet including foods that provide the vitamin, such as oily fish, red meat, egg yolk and fortified foods such as breakfast cereals, and safe sunlight exposure to boost vitamin D status."

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