In the last months of the Coronavirus emergency, vitamin D has often been at the center of media and scientific attention, with more than 300 scientific studies on it. The hypothesis is that it is able to reduce mortality from Covid-19 or even protect against infection.
Many researchers have in fact highlighted the presence of hypovitaminosis D (vitamin D deficiency) in the majority of patients with Covid-19, especially if in severe form. And there are many Italians who, even with the “do it yourself”, have decided to stock it up by purchasing supplements and supplements. “These are certainly interesting data, but for now not definitive, indeed often of poor scientific quality” underlines Marcello Filopanti, endocrinologist at the San Marco Polyclinic and Smart Clinic within “Le Due Torri” and Oriocenter. “Pending valid conclusions, for now we must continue to follow the current indications. That is, before taking a Vitamin D supplementation, a general evaluation of medical problems, lifestyle and any blood tests is essential. A “blanket” integration is not recommended and could even lead to toxicity ».
What is Vitamin D?
“Vitamin D is a real hormone that is synthesized in the skin by the effect of the sun’s rays (ultraviolet B or UV-B radiation) and partly taken with the diet”.
According to estimates in the Western population there is a high percentage of those who are deficient.
“Yes, it is estimated that around 30-50% of children and adults in Europe have or are at risk of vitamin D deficiency. This derives from several factors: European countries are generally in high latitudes; less time is spent outdoors; the introduction of vitamin D with food is small. The right recommendation to avoid excessive sun exposure, as a cancer prevention, and a sedentary lifestyle have significantly affected a good portion of the population that today is at risk of vitamin D deficiency ».
What is Vitamin D used for?
“Also called” vitamin of the sun “, in adulthood it is useful for maintaining an adequate metabolism of calcium and bones – for example it is used as a support to therapy for osteoporosis – while in pediatric age its main action is to ensure a adequate calcification of the bones (severe Vitamin D deficiency causes rickets). But not only. Many other Vitamin D activities have also been highlighted in various organs and systems, so much so that its deficiency has been associated with disorders such as diabetes, heart attack, Alzheimer’s disease, asthma, multiple sclerosis and depression. However, clear and definitive scientific confirmation is lacking ”.
What foods can it be found in?
«Vitamin D is scarcely present in food. Modest quantities are found in some fatty fish, milk and derivatives, eggs, liver and green leafy vegetables. The only exception is cod liver oil. ‘
So is supplementation always necessary?
“Absolutely not. The ideal would be to expose yourself to the sun at least half an hour a day to synthesize an adequate amount. Obviously this is not always possible, especially in winter. Here then, together with your own doctor or specialist, it is possible to evaluate – in the case even with a dosage of Vitamin D in the blood – if and how to integrate, especially in people with certain pathologies “.
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