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Published on: Apr 17, 2020
4 minute read
By: Dr Rajan Choudhary

Vitamin D In Reducing The Risk Of COVID 19

Why Vitamin D is the only supplement we will recommend for you.

Most of our blogs have looked at theories posted on social media, and shown how they are usually not true, or have no factual basis behind them. But here we will show some evidence that supports something truly interesting, especially during the time of this pandemic.

For a number of years research has shown a possible link between vitamin D and illnesses, specifically respiratory infections. In our previous blogs we have shown that vitamin supplementation is unnecessary, except for vitamin D. Here we will show why supplementation may be in your best interest for reducing the risk of COVID.

Now I’ll be honest. Vitamin D and immunity was not something we were taught at medical school, or in medical practice. The fact that such a large amount of research exists on this topic is certainly interesting, and whilst researching this topic I have certainly learnt a lot myself, enough to change my own medical practice. And it is because of the high quality of evidence present that I feel confident in supporting the claims below.

SUMMARY

Many people are low in Vitamin D due to various risk factors (see our blog on vitamin D)
Vitamin D appears to have a role in modulating immune function
Low Vitamin D levels appear to increase the severity of autoimmune disorders
Low Vitamin D levels appear to increase the risk of getting respiratory infections
Vitamin D supplementation appears to reduce the risk of getting respiratory infections
Those who are at risk of having low vitamin D should take low dose supplementations.

If you want the good stuff, skip to the section on SUPPLEMENTATION

IMMUNE FUNCTIONS

As we’ve discussed, vitamin D is key in maintaining the right balance of calcium, ensuring the right amount is taken up from the food we eat, integrated into our bones, and removed in our urine if not required. We know that there are some people who are at risk of vitamin D deficiency, and this is more common in countries closer to the poles and with cloudy weather.

But there also appears to be a role for vitamin D in modulating the immune system. We have found many more cells in our body other than bone, intestine and kidney that possess the vitamin D receptor. These include immune cells, and one role may be to promote proliferation of these cells as well as promote their protective immunity.

AUTOIMMUNE

Due to its role in immune function, studies have been performed to see whether there is a link between autoimmune diseases and vitamin D. Common autoimmune disorders (and the organs the affect) include multiple sclerosis (nerves), rheumatoid arthritis (joints), diabetes mellitus (pancreas), inflammatory bowel disease (bowels) and systemic lupus erythematous (the entire body). All of these diseases lead to loss in function of an organ or system as the immune system recognises the organ as an “invader” and begins to destroy it.

One study looked at 161 patients with early forms of autoimmune diseases over 2 years. Out of them, 35 went on to develop full blown autoimmune disorders (like rheumatoid and lupus). Whilst the two groups of patients were mostly similar, vitamin D was noticeably lower in the group that progressed to disease. But this is one study, with a small number of patients.

Other studies have looked at vitamin D levels in patients across the globe, and the majority of them have shown there to be a correlation between low vitamin D or severe deficiency, and the severity of autoimmune disorder they have. We will not go into them in detail because this is beyond the scope of this blog, but it certainly is interesting and supports this new role for vitamin D.

RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS

We have unknowingly tried to use Vitamin D to treat infections prior to the advent of antibiotics. A common treatment for tuberculosis was to send patients to sanatoriums, where treatments included exposure to sunlight, and provision of cod liver oil, a rich source of vitamin D.

Large population studies done in the 1980s and 1990s involving 19,000 people showed that those with low vitamin D levels were more likely to self report recent upper respiratory tract infections than those with normal levels. This was true even if age, gender, season and race were accounted for. Similar studies have shown similar results when looking at rates of influenza, bacterial vaginosis and HIV.

Normally we are very skeptical with such studies, and look for weaknesses in their methodology and conclusions. After all, we could just cherry pick the studies that show a benefit. Furthermore, just because there is a trend with vitamin D levels and infection, this does not imply a direct link. More evidence is required. However, the fact 19,000 people were surveyed provides this study with good statistical power, and lends it validity. But lets look for more.

SUPPLEMENTATION

Vitamin D supplementation to prevent acute respiratory tract infections: systematic review and meta-analysis of individual participant data – Martineau 2017, British Medical Journal

A systematic review and meta analysis is the highest level of evidence in the realm of medical research. It is the absolute pinnacle of thorough research, looking and comparing other studies with very close scrutiny to see whether we have conducted enough research worldwide to support a theory. In this case this systematic review was published in the British Medical Journal, a highly reputable source that again scrutinises any study submitted thoroughly before accepting it for publication. In my eyes, this is some of the best evidence we will have on this topic. And it is a far sight better than any WhatsApp forwards.

So what does this say?

Vitamin D supplementation was safe and it protected against acute respiratory tract infection overall. Patients who were very vitamin D deficient and those not receiving bolus doses experienced the most benefit.

I don’t think I could have summarised it better myself. If you wish to read the study yourself you can use this link: https://www.bmj.com/content/356/bmj.i6583 Vitamin D supplementation to prevent acute respiratory tract infections

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR ME?

If you are someone who may be at risk of vitamin D deficiency, then low dose supplements (NOT treatment dose) may be beneficial in reducing the risk of getting a respiratory infection. Since COVID is caused by a respiratory virus, we can extrapolate that Vitamin D supplementations may reduce your risk of getting COVID. This is not a cure, and it is not a guaranteed protection. If you already have a balanced diet and are not low in Vit D, it may be less beneficial.

Dr Rajan Choudhary, UK, Chief Product Officer, Second Medic Inc

www.secondmedic.com

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Best Home Remedies for Glowing Skin

Glowing skin is not simply a cosmetic goal. It is a visible reflection of skin health, hydration, and cellular repair. While the market is flooded with serums and treatments, dermatologists consistently observe that the most sustainable skin glow comes from consistent, simple, and evidence-supported practices. The good news is that many of the most effective ingredients are already available in an Indian kitchen.

Why Skin Loses Its Natural Glow

Before applying any remedy, understanding the root cause of dull skin is essential. Dermatologists identify the following as the most common triggers in the Indian context:

Cause	Effect on Skin
Pollution and sun exposure	Oxidative stress, pigmentation, uneven tone
Dehydration	Reduced elasticity, dryness, dullness
Poor diet and nutrient deficiency	Slowed cell renewal, loss of radiance
Disrupted sleep	Impaired skin repair, dark circles, puffiness
Hormonal imbalance	Acne, oiliness, pigmentation
Harsh skincare products	Damaged skin barrier, redness, sensitivity

Identifying and addressing the underlying cause is as important as applying any topical remedy. Skin that appears dull despite consistent care often signals an internal factor requiring dietary or medical attention.

Which Home Remedy is Best for Glowing Skin?

Among all widely used natural ingredients, raw honey combined with aloe vera gel is considered the most universally effective home remedy for glowing skin. Honey acts as a humectant, drawing moisture into the skin, while its antibacterial and antioxidant compounds protect against environmental damage. Aloe vera complements this by delivering vitamins A, C, and E directly into the skin, supporting collagen synthesis and reducing inflammation.

This combination works across all skin types, requires no preparation time, and demonstrates consistent results in clinical observations relating to skin hydration and barrier repair. Applied three times a week for 15 to 20 minutes, this remedy produces visible improvement in skin texture and brightness within two to three weeks of regular use. For individuals with oily or acne-prone skin, aloe vera used alone without honey is the preferred option as it is non-comedogenic and lightweight.

Top Home Remedies for Glowing Skin by Skin Type

One of the most significant gaps in standard advice is that remedies are rarely matched to skin type. Applying the wrong ingredient can worsen the skin condition rather than improve it. Dermatologists recommend the following skin-type specific approach:

Skin Type	Best Remedy	Key Benefit	Frequency
Dry Skin	Raw honey and milk paste	Deep hydration, lactic acid exfoliation	3 times per week
Oily Skin	Multani mitti with rose water	Sebum control, pore tightening	2 times per week
Combination Skin	Aloe vera gel	Balances moisture without clogging pores	Daily
Sensitive Skin	Oat flour and plain yogurt pack	Soothes inflammation, gentle exfoliation	2 times per week
Normal Skin	Turmeric and honey mask	Antioxidant boost, brightening	2 to 3 times per week
Dull or Pigmented Skin	Potato juice or tomato pulp	Natural kojic acid, reduces pigmentation	3 times per week

Matching the remedy to skin type is the single most important factor in achieving consistent results from any natural skincare routine.

Which Kitchen Ingredients Work Best for Skin Glow?

Several common Indian kitchen ingredients carry clinically recognised skin benefits. The mechanism behind each ingredient matters as much as the application method:

Turmeric (Haldi): Contains curcumin, a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound. Curcumin inhibits melanin synthesis, which helps reduce pigmentation and uneven skin tone over time. Used as a paste with milk or honey, turmeric is one of the most researched natural brightening agents.

Raw Milk: Contains lactic acid, a naturally occurring alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that gently exfoliates dead skin cells, stimulates collagen production, and improves skin luminosity. Applying raw cold milk with a cotton pad and leaving it for 15 minutes is a simple and effective brightening practice.

Besan (Gram Flour): Functions as a mild physical exfoliant and oil absorber. Mixed with turmeric and rose water, besan-based face packs have been used across Indian households for generations and remain dermatologically appropriate for most skin types.

Aloe Vera: Rich in polysaccharides that support skin hydration and mucilaginous compounds that form a protective barrier. Clinical data supports its use in reducing UV-induced skin damage and accelerating epidermal repair.

Potato Juice: Contains catecholase, an enzyme with mild skin-lightening properties. Particularly useful for reducing dark circles, tan lines, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

How to Get Glowing Skin Naturally in One Week

Most competitors list remedies without telling readers how to actually use them together. The following 7-day routine is structured to progressively address cleansing, exfoliation, hydration, and brightening within a single week:

Day	Morning	Evening
Day 1	Raw milk cotton pad cleanse	Aloe vera gel application
Day 2	Rose water toner	Honey and aloe vera mask (15 min)
Day 3	Raw milk cleanse	Turmeric and honey mask (10 min)
Day 4	Rose water toner	Aloe vera gel application
Day 5	Raw milk cleanse	Besan, turmeric and rose water pack (15 min)
Day 6	Rose water toner	Potato juice on dark spots (20 min)
Day 7	Raw milk cleanse	Honey and aloe vera mask (15 min)

This routine uses no more than three to four ingredients across the entire week, minimising the risk of ingredient overload or skin irritation. Always perform a patch test on the inner forearm before applying any new ingredient to the face.

Lifestyle Habits That Support Glowing Skin From Within

Topical remedies address the surface. Skin glow that is deep and lasting is primarily determined by internal health factors that all four competitor articles fail to address:

Hydration: Dermatologists observe that inadequate water intake is the single most common and most overlooked cause of dull skin among Indian adults. A minimum of 2.5 to 3 litres of water daily supports cellular metabolism and maintains skin turgor.

Diet: Skin cells require vitamins C, E, and A along with zinc and omega-3 fatty acids for repair and renewal. Indian dietary staples such as amla (Indian gooseberry), carrots, spinach, walnuts, and flaxseeds provide these nutrients in bioavailable forms. Reducing refined sugar intake is equally important, as excess glucose triggers glycation, a process that breaks down collagen and accelerates skin ageing.

Sleep: The skin's repair cycle peaks during deep sleep between 11 PM and 3 AM. Chronic sleep deprivation elevates cortisol, which degrades collagen and increases inflammatory skin conditions. Clinical specialists recommend seven to eight hours of uninterrupted sleep as a non-negotiable component of any skin improvement plan.

Gut Health: Emerging dermatological research on the gut-skin axis confirms that dysbiosis (imbalance of gut bacteria) is linked to acne, rosacea, and dull skin. Incorporating fermented foods such as curd and buttermilk into the daily diet supports gut microbiome balance, which in turn improves skin clarity.

Home Remedies to Avoid: What Dermatologists Warn Against

This section exists in none of the competing articles and represents the most clinically important addition to this topic. Several widely promoted "natural" skin remedies are actively harmful:

Lemon juice directly on skin: Lemon juice has a pH of approximately 2, far too acidic for direct skin application. It disrupts the skin's natural acid mantle (pH 4.5 to 5.5), causes photosensitivity, and can result in chemical burns or permanent pigmentation when skin is exposed to sunlight post-application.

Baking soda: Despite its popularity on social media, baking soda has an alkaline pH of 9, which severely disrupts the skin barrier, strips natural oils, and causes microbial imbalance on the skin surface.

Toothpaste on pimples: Toothpaste contains fluoride, menthol, and hydrogen peroxide, none of which are formulated for skin. It causes contact dermatitis, dryness, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, particularly on Indian skin tones.

Undiluted essential oils: Applying undiluted tea tree oil, lavender oil, or any essential oil directly on the face without a carrier oil causes irritant contact dermatitis and skin sensitisation.

Dermatologists advise that if a remedy causes stinging, redness, or visible irritation, it should be discontinued immediately regardless of how widely it is recommended online.

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