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

Vitamin D In Reducing The Risk Of COVID 19

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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

Read Blog
Simple Habits to Avoid High Cholesterol

Simple Habits to Avoid High Cholesterol

High cholesterol is one of the leading causes of heart disease and stroke worldwide. In India, rising cholesterol levels are becoming more common due to sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy food habits, and stress. But the good news is—you can prevent high cholesterol naturally with a few simple habits.

In this blog, we’ll explore easy, everyday steps you can take to keep your cholesterol levels in check and protect your heart.

 

What Is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a fatty substance found in your blood. While your body needs some cholesterol to build cells and hormones, too much of the wrong type—called LDL (low-density lipoprotein)—can be harmful. It can build up in your arteries and increase your risk of heart disease and stroke.

There’s also HDL (high-density lipoprotein), which is the “good” cholesterol that helps remove LDL from your body.

 

Why High Cholesterol Is Dangerous

  • Clogs arteries and restricts blood flow
     

  • Increases risk of heart attacks and strokes
     

  • Can lead to high blood pressure
     

  • May affect kidney and liver function
     

The scariest part? High cholesterol usually has no symptoms. That’s why it’s called a silent killer and must be managed before problems begin.

 

7 Simple Habits to Avoid High Cholesterol

 

1. Eat Fiber-Rich Foods Daily

Soluble fiber binds with cholesterol in the gut and removes it from your body.

Best foods for fiber:

  • Oats and barley
     

  • Apples, pears, and oranges
     

  • Beans and lentils
     

  • Flaxseeds and chia seeds
     

Tip: Start your morning with a bowl of oatmeal and add a fruit—it’s a heart-healthy breakfast!

 

2. Stay Active Every Day

Physical activity boosts HDL (good cholesterol) and burns fat that raises LDL.

What to do:

  • Walk briskly for 30 minutes a day
     

  • Try yoga, cycling, or dancing
     

  • Use stairs instead of the lift
     

  • Take short walks after meals
     

Even small movements throughout the day matter.

 

3. Cut Down on Saturated & Trans Fats

These fats raise your LDL cholesterol quickly.

Avoid:

  • Fried food, chips, and baked snacks
     

  • Ghee-heavy sweets
     

  • Processed foods with “hydrogenated oils”
     

Choose instead:

  • Olive oil or mustard oil
     

  • Grilled or baked foods
     

  • Fresh fruits and nuts as snacks
     

 

4. Manage Your Stress

Stress affects your hormones and may raise your cholesterol over time.

Try this:

  • Practice deep breathing or meditation
     

  • Do relaxing hobbies like reading or gardening
     

  • Take tech breaks and sleep 7–8 hours daily
     

  • Talk to someone if you’re feeling overwhelmed
     

A calm mind supports a healthy heart.

 

5. Stay Hydrated and Cut Sugary Drinks

Water helps regulate body functions and weight, which both impact cholesterol.

Do this:

  • Drink 8–10 glasses of water daily
     

  • Avoid soft drinks and energy drinks
     

  • Switch to herbal teas or infused water
     

Too much sugar can raise triglyceride levels, a type of fat in your blood.

 

6. Quit Smoking and Limit Alcohol

Smoking lowers good cholesterol and damages arteries. Alcohol, in excess, can also spike cholesterol and blood pressure.

Tip:
Even reducing smoking or drinking frequency helps your heart function better.

 

7. Get Regular Cholesterol Tests

Don’t wait for symptoms. Get your lipid profile checked every year, especially if you have:

  • A family history of heart disease
     

  • Diabetes or high blood pressure
     

  • Obesity or unhealthy lifestyle habits
     

Suggested Test:
Lipid Profile Test by Thyrocare via SecondMedic.com – includes LDL, HDL, total cholesterol, and triglycerides with home sample collection.

 

Normal Cholesterol Levels:

Type

Ideal Range

Total Cholesterol

Below 200 mg/dL

LDL (Bad)

Below 100 mg/dL

HDL (Good)

Above 40 mg/dL (men), 50 mg/dL (women)

Triglycerides

Below 150 mg/dL

 

Tips to Book a Test via SecondMedic:

  1. Visit www.secondmedic.com
     

  2. Search for Lipid Profile Test – Thyrocare
     

  3. Select home collection
     

  4. Fast for 9–12 hours before the test
     

  5. Get results in 24–48 hours
     

 

Bonus Tips

  • Replace white rice with brown rice or millets
     

  • Choose low-fat milk and curd
     

  • Snack on almonds or walnuts
     

  • Cook at home more often than eating out
     

  • Maintain a healthy weight
     

 

Conclusion

You don’t need fancy diets or harsh treatments to manage cholesterol. Just a few simple daily habits can make a big difference in protecting your heart.

By eating better, moving more, managing stress, and staying hydrated, you can keep your cholesterol in check without medication in many cases.

Make your heart health a priority starting today!

Start following these simple habits to avoid high cholesterol and keep your heart happy for years to come.

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