Science

Israeli study shows vitamin D deficiency can lead to more severe COVID-19 infection

by on

More in Science:

Researchers in Israel have discovered that people with a vitamin D deficiency are more likely to develop severe COVID-19 symptoms if they catch the virus.

The study is based on Israel’s first two pre-vaccine waves of coronavirus, and found that patients who had low levels of vitamin D were 14 times more likely to develop a severe case of COVID-19 than those with sufficient vitamin D levels. Patients’ vitamin D levels are measured as a part of routine intake at Galilee Hospital, where the research was conducted. 

Amiel Dror, MD, the lead study author and a doctor at Galilee Medical Center, told The Times of Israel, “We found it remarkable, and striking, to see the difference in the chances of becoming a severe patient when you are lacking in vitamin D compared to when you’re not.”

“What we’re seeing when vitamin D helps people with COVID infections is a result of its effectiveness in bolstering the immune systems to deal with viral pathogens that attack the respiratory system,” he added.

The researchers say the omicron variant is no different from previous strains, and vitamin D levels can play a role in how severe an omicron infection can get. They also warn that vitamin D and other supplements are not an alternative to vaccination, but may help in the fight against COVID-19.

ARTICLE: LAURA SPIVAK

MANAGING EDITOR: CARSON CHOATE

PHOTO CREDITS: YALE MEDICINE

The following two tabs change content below.

Laura Spivak

Laura is a freelance writer out of Maryland and a mom of three. Her background is in political science and international relations, and she has been doing political writing and editing for 17 years. Laura has also written parenting pieces for the Today Show and is currently working on writing a collection of remarkable true stories about normal people. She writes for FBA because unbiased news is vital to unity, and readers deserve the facts free of opinion.

Laura is a freelance writer out of Maryland and a mom of three. Her background is in political science and international relations, and she has been doing political writing and editing for 17 years. Laura has also written parenting pieces for the Today Show and is currently working on writing a collection of remarkable true stories about normal people. She writes for FBA because unbiased news is vital to unity, and readers deserve the facts free of opinion.

Leave a Reply