Vitamin D(3) — The Miracle Supplement?

Last updated on April 14, 2022

Is vitamin D a miracle supplement? Does it hold the answers to all our health problems? These days we hear about a new wonder-supplement in the media almost every day. Most of the time, the claims about these supplements are false or hold very little truth, but is vitamin D the exception?

Research on Vitamin D

One research article says that vitamin D deficiencies are common. The same article also found that supplementation of this vitamin in a randomized controlled trial decreased acute respiratory infections.¹

Another source states, “… it is essential for resistance to other viral infections, immune function, and reduced inflammation.” Suggestions are that nutritional intervention, securing an adequate status might protect against the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 and mitigate the course of COVID-19.”² The article concludes by suggesting supplementation with vitamin D.

That is especially important for those in high-risk areas or with high-risk conditions. One study was on the vitamin deficiencies in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. The study found that when adjusted for age, gender, and comorbidities, lack of this vitamin was associated with a higher risk of IMV/D and death.³

What this means, in a nutshell, is that patients with deficiency of this miracle vitamin had a higher risk of needing a ventilator and, or death. Data on this vitamin and COVID-19 is still very new and is collected daily but does suggest a strong connection between its deficiencies and a higher risk of poorer outcomes from COVID-19. The data is also beginning to show a positive correlation between supplementing with this vitamin and avoiding adverse effects from COVID-19. 

Vitamin D Health Benefits

Moving away from COVID-19, this vitamin plays a role in other health aspects as well. A study done on athletes found that “vitamin D3 had a positive impact on muscle strength. In two studies, strength outcome measures significantly improved after supplementation.”⁴

Another study looked into the link between supplementing with this vitamin and the immune system. The researchers found that “supplementation with this vitamin showed beneficial effects on immune function, in particular in the context of autoimmunity.”⁵

That perhaps is the most important aspect of vitamin D benefits when it comes to our health. A healthy immune system is vital to not only preventing COVID-19 but also protecting ourselves and others against many other illnesses. Many studies link supplementing with this vitamin to a decrease in mental illness or overall mental health benefits. One study showed that “…. it may ameliorate symptoms of MDD (Major Depressive Disorders), particularly in females.”⁶ This is encouraging data as we see a rise in mental health disorders in the world. 

Vitamin D Supplement

Vitamin D has links to everything under the sun, from mood swings and metabolism to respiratory infections and immune systems, and everything in between. While vitamin D may not be the miracle drug to treat all that ails us, the data is conclusive. Supplementing with this vitamin is probably a good idea. Most data shows that around 50% of the population, if not more, is deficient in it.⁷

That is related to more time spent indoors, as this has become more and more normal for the average person. Without adequate exposure to sunlight, we become deficient in this essential vitamin quickly. The bottom line is to get more of this vitamin. While spending time outside helps, most experts recommend a supplement of this vitamin to ensure healthy levels in the body. That, of course, varies from person to person. Thus, you should find the correct dose of supplement for your body. Perhaps vitamin D is not the super-drug we have wished for, but it makes for a good sidekick!

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References:

1. Zemb, P., Bergman, P., Camargo, C. A., Jr, Cavalier, E., Cormier, C., Courbebaisse, M., Hollis, B., Joulia, F., Minisola, S., Pilz, S., Pludowski, P., Schmitt, F., Zdrenghea, M., & Souberbielle, J. C. (2020). Vitamin D deficiency and the COVID-19 pandemic. Journal of global antimicrobial resistance, 22, 133–134. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jgar.2020.05.006
2. Alexander, J., Tinkov, A., Strand, T. A., Alehagen, U., Skalny, A., & Aaseth, J. (2020). Early Nutritional Interventions with Zinc, Selenium, and Vitamin D for Raising Anti-Viral Resistance Against Progressive COVID-19. Nutrients, 12(8), 2358. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12082358
3. Radujkovic, A., Hippchen, T., Tiwari-Heckler, S., Dreher, S., Boxberger, M., & Merle, U. (2020). Vitamin D Deficiency and Outcome of COVID-19 Patients. Nutrients, 12(9), 2757. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12092757 
4. Chiang, C. M., Ismaeel, A., Griffis, R. B., & Weems, S. (2017). Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation on Muscle Strength in Athletes: A Systematic Review. Journal of strength and conditioning research, 31(2), 566–574. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000001518 
5. Prietl, B., Treiber, G., Pieber, T. R., & Amrein, K. (2013). Vitamin D and immune function. Nutrients, 5(7), 2502–2521. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu5072502 
6. Alghamdi, S., Alsulami, N., Khoja, S., Alsufiani, H., Tayeb, H. O., & Tarazi, F. I. (2020). Vitamin D Supplementation Ameliorates Severity of Major Depressive Disorder. Journal of molecular neuroscience: MN, 70(2), 230–235. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12031-019-01461-2 
7. Sizar O, Khare S, Goyal A, et al. Vitamin D Deficiency. [Updated 2021 Jul 21]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532266/