The Vitamin D we naturally produce in our skin from exposure to the sun may be one of the reasons we experience a reduction in flu and colds during the summer months. Conversely, these viral infections increase in the fall and winter months as we spend less time out of doors in reduced sun light.
Over the last several years, the role of vitamin D in immune modulation has shown to have a significant impact on immune function. In particular, respiratory conditions ,such as the inflammatory conditions of asthma and allergies, respond positively to adequate levels of vitamin D.
Low blood levels of vitamin D are linked to to increased risk of osteoporosis, diabetes, cancer and autoimmune disorders.
COVID & Vitamin D Link
COVID-19 first gains entrance into the cells by attaching the ACE2 receptor. If this receptor is unhealthy due to inflammation caused by some existing condition, the virus can cleave it off (remove it) and gain entrance into the cell. Prevention of COVID is accomplished by keeping the ACE2 receptor healthy. Vitamin D, in addition to vitamin A and C, is effective in maintaining the health of the ACE2 receptor.
Once in the cell, COVID dramatically impacts the respiratory system by producing a cytokine storm (an over-production of cytokine proteins produced by the immune system response). Vitamin D along with green tea, zinc and quercetin modulates the over-production of these cytokine proteins.