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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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Monthly Healthy Potluck at Health Hubs: Building Community-Centered Preventive Wellness in India

India is facing a growing burden of lifestyle-related health conditions, including diabetes, obesity, hypertension and heart disease. According to ICMR and NFHS-5 data, dietary habits play a central role in the development and prevention of these conditions. While awareness around nutrition is increasing, sustaining healthy eating habits remains a challenge for many individuals.

The Monthly Healthy Potluck at Health Hubs is a community-driven initiative designed to address this gap. By bringing people together around nutritious food, shared learning and expert guidance, these potlucks transform healthy eating from an individual responsibility into a collective experience.

SecondMedic supports these events as part of its broader preventive healthcare mission, combining community engagement with medical expertise and digital health tools.

Why Community-Based Nutrition Initiatives Matter in India

1. Rising lifestyle disease burden

ICMR reports show that diet-related conditions account for a significant proportion of non-communicable diseases in India. Excess sugar, refined carbohydrates and processed foods are common contributors.

2. Nutrition knowledge gaps

NFHS-5 highlights widespread deficiencies in:

protein intake
micronutrients
dietary diversity

Community events help translate knowledge into practice.

3. Behaviour change is easier together

Research published in The Lancet suggests that group-based interventions are more effective in sustaining lifestyle changes than isolated efforts.

4. Cultural relevance of shared meals

Food is deeply social in Indian culture. Potlucks leverage this tradition to promote healthier choices without imposing rigid rules.

What Is the Monthly Healthy Potluck at Health Hubs?

The Monthly Healthy Potluck is a recurring wellness event hosted at designated Health Hubs. Participants bring healthy, home-prepared dishes and engage in guided discussions about nutrition, ingredients and portion balance.

The goal is not calorie counting, but mindful, informed eating that aligns with preventive health principles.

Key Components of the Healthy Potluck Program

1. Nutritious Home-Cooked Food

Participants are encouraged to prepare dishes using:

whole grains
seasonal vegetables
lean proteins
healthy fats
minimal added sugar and salt

This showcases practical, everyday meals rather than restrictive diets.

2. Nutrition Education in Simple Language

Dietitians and healthcare professionals explain:

why certain ingredients are beneficial
how portion sizes affect metabolism
ways to modify traditional recipes for better health

This bridges the gap between theory and daily cooking.

3. Peer Learning and Motivation

Participants learn from each other’s recipes, challenges and successes. This shared experience builds motivation and accountability.

4. Preventive Health Focus

Discussions link food choices to prevention of:

diabetes
heart disease
obesity
gut disorders
nutrient deficiencies

The emphasis is on long-term wellbeing, not short-term fixes.

Who Can Benefit from Monthly Healthy Potlucks?

Working professionals

Learn quick, balanced meal ideas suited for busy schedules.

Families

Encourage healthier eating habits for children and elders alike.

Seniors

Focus on nutrient-dense foods that support ageing and immunity.

Individuals with lifestyle conditions

Gain practical guidance for diabetes-friendly, heart-healthy or weight-conscious meals.

Health-conscious individuals

Build consistency and community support around wellness goals.

The Role of Health Hubs in Preventive Care

Health Hubs act as physical spaces where preventive healthcare becomes accessible and engaging. By hosting regular potlucks, these hubs move beyond diagnostics and consultations to address everyday behaviours that shape health outcomes.

SecondMedic integrates these community activities with:

preventive screening programs
nutrition consultations
AI Health Guide insights
digital health records

This ensures that learning from the potluck translates into measurable health improvements.

How AI Health Guide Enhances Community Nutrition Programs

SecondMedic’s AI Health Guide complements potluck initiatives by:

• Identifying common dietary gaps

Based on participant data and screening results.

• Personalising recommendations

Aligns food choices with individual health profiles.

• Tracking progress over time

Monitors changes in weight, glucose, cholesterol and energy levels.

• Supporting expert guidance

Provides data-backed insights for dietitians during discussions.

This blend of community engagement and technology strengthens preventive outcomes.

Benefits of Monthly Healthy Potlucks

1. Improved nutrition awareness

Participants gain clarity on healthy ingredients and cooking methods.

2. Sustainable behaviour change

Monthly repetition reinforces habits without overwhelm.

3. Reduced reliance on processed food

Exposure to simple, healthy recipes encourages home cooking.

4. Stronger community bonds

Shared goals foster trust, motivation and support.

5. Alignment with preventive healthcare

Nutrition becomes a proactive tool for disease prevention.

Long-Term Impact on Public Health

Community-driven initiatives like healthy potlucks can have a significant impact on public health outcomes. According to WHO and NITI Aayog, population-level dietary improvements are among the most cost-effective strategies for reducing non-communicable diseases.

By normalising healthy eating through social interaction, Monthly Healthy Potlucks contribute to:

reduced lifestyle disease risk
improved dietary diversity
greater health literacy

How SecondMedic Supports and Scales These Initiatives

SecondMedic plays a key role in ensuring that these events are structured, evidence-based and scalable by providing:

• Expert involvement

Dietitians and doctors guide discussions.

• Digital follow-up

Participants receive personalised insights post-event.

• Preventive health integration

Links potluck learnings with screenings and consultations.

• Community engagement tools

Newsletters, reminders and educational resources maintain momentum.

Conclusion

The Monthly Healthy Potluck at Health Hubs represents a powerful shift in how preventive healthcare is delivered in India. By combining community participation, nutrition education and expert guidance, these events make healthy eating practical, enjoyable and sustainable. Supported by SecondMedic’s preventive healthcare ecosystem, healthy potlucks transform everyday food choices into long-term wellness strategies.

7?? References

ICMR – Dietary Patterns and Lifestyle Disease Prevention
National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Nutrition and Health Indicators
NITI Aayog – Preventive Health and Community Wellness Reports
WHO – Community-Based Nutrition Interventions Guidelines
Lancet – Effectiveness of Group-Based Lifestyle Interventions
Statista – Nutrition Awareness and Preventive Health Trends India
EY-FICCI – Preventive Healthcare and Community Engagement Studies

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