Vitamin D for COVID-19: a case to answer? - September 2020

  • Funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)
  • Total publications:0 publications

Grant number: C19-IUC-506

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Key facts

  • Disease

    COVID-19
  • Funder

    UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)
  • Principal Investigator

    Prof. Nita Forouhi
  • Research Location

    United Kingdom
  • Lead Research Institution

    MRC Epidemiology Unit
  • Research Priority Alignment

    N/A
  • Research Category

    Clinical characterisation and management

  • Research Subcategory

    Supportive care, processes of care and management

  • Special Interest Tags

    N/A

  • Study Type

    Clinical

  • Clinical Trial Details

    Unspecified

  • Broad Policy Alignment

    Pending

  • Age Group

    Unspecified

  • Vulnerable Population

    Unspecified

  • Occupations of Interest

    Unspecified

Abstract

In a comment article in the Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, Unit scientist Professor Nita Forouhi and Professor Adrian Martineau of the Blizard Institute discuss the available evidence for a role for Vitamin D in preventing or treating COVID -19 infection. They note that current evidence is inconclusive and recommend population-based trials investigating vitamin D supplementation as a means of reducing the severity of COVID-19. In meantime they urge measures to ensure that people achieve recommended daily amounts of Vitamin D (10 micrograms per day for adults in the UK) saying this "might also reduce the impact of COVID-19 in populations where vitamin D deficiency is prevalent; there is nothing to lose from their implementation, and potentially much to gain."