Can Optimum Solar Radiation Exposure or Supplemented Vitamin D Intake Reduce the Severity of COVID-19 Symptoms?

The foremost mortality-causing symptom associated with COVID-19 is acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). A significant correlation has been identified between the deficiency in vitamin D and the risk of developing ARDS. It has been suggested that if we can reduce or modify ARDS in COVID-19 pat...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of environmental research and public health 2021-01, Vol.18 (2), p.740
Main Authors: Abraham, Joji, Dowling, Kim, Florentine, Singarayer
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Calciferol
Cardiovascular diseases
Coronaviruses
COVID-19
COVID-19 - prevention & control
COVID-19 - therapy
Diabetes mellitus
Enriched foods
Exposure
Fatalities
Humans
Hypertension
Minority & ethnic groups
Mortality
Radiation effects
Respiratory distress syndrome
Respiratory Distress Syndrome - prevention & control
Respiratory Distress Syndrome - therapy
Review
Signs and symptoms
Solar radiation
Sunlight
Vitamin D
Vitamin D - therapeutic use
Vitamin D Deficiency - epidemiology
Vitamin D Deficiency - prevention & control
Vitamin deficiency
Well being
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Summary:The foremost mortality-causing symptom associated with COVID-19 is acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). A significant correlation has been identified between the deficiency in vitamin D and the risk of developing ARDS. It has been suggested that if we can reduce or modify ARDS in COVID-19 patients, we may significantly reduce the severity of COVID-19 symptoms and associated mortality rates. The increased mortality of dark-skinned people, who have a reduced UV absorption capacity, may be consistent with diminished vitamin D status. The factors associated with COVID-19 mortality, such as old age, ethnicity, obesity, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes, are all found to be linked with vitamin D deficiency. Based on this review and as a precautionary measure, it is suggested that the adoption of appropriate and safe solar exposure and vitamin D enriched foods and supplements should be considered to reduce the possible severity of COVID-19 symptoms. Safe sun exposure is deemed beneficial globally, specifically in low and middle-income countries, as there is no cost involved. It is also noted that improved solar exposure and vitamin D levels can reduce the impact of other diseases as well, thus assisting in maintaining general human well-being.
ISSN:1660-4601
1661-7827
1660-4601
DOI:10.3390/ijerph18020740