Evidence to suggest vitamin D can prevent viral respiratory infections and lessen the severity if you do contract it

[Roostersmum2]

Just sharing this here for anybody who wasn't aware of the benefits of vitamin D in regards to respiratory infections. He knows what he's talking about

In summary, if you're not already - take vitamin D

We're taking 4000iu vitamin D daily w/ 1000iu vitamin C

[User20076557]

I made sure my whole family were taking extra vitamins after watching italy. I just did a quick google search for what helps the body fight viruses and how to boost immune system. Whilst other people were selfishly hoarding toilet roll. I brought several of months of multivitamins for us all. That section of the shop was barely touched. Vitamins may or may not do much. They wont stop us getting ill. But my thinking was if our body is going to have to fight I wanted us to have any help we could get.

[hibeat]

True vitamin D comes from exposure to the sun.
www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/how-to-get-vitamin-d-from-sunlight/

[WoollySheep462]

Yes there is some evidence. I have mild lung disease and take it. Nhs recommends we all take it oct-mar. Take it with k2 to be most effective. Too tired to google why now.

[homeschoolchaos]

This is interesting, and something I’ve wondered about when it became clear that so far almost all of the HCPs who have died have been BAME. Nobody seems to be asking questions about whether there is an increased risk linked to ethnicity, vitamin D levels would be a plausible reason, but then there seem to be differentiated probabilities related to blood group also. Knowing more about risk would help us make decisions to keep people safer.

[Bool]

We are all taking 4000iu of Vitamin D3 and Berocca for our Vitamin C. No idea if it works but not taking any chances.

[katkit]

I bought D3. is that the same as D? Also suddenly on vit c, zinc, lysine and maybe others. If it helps even 1%, I think it worth it at the moment.

[katkit]

Jusff tv read the message above. Sorry.

[MaxNormal]

homeschoolchaos I've spotted that pattern as well and I'm surprised no-one has highlighted it. The 13 year old boy that tragically died as well.

[vegas888]

Saw this article from a year ago in the guardian

People who have not had the winter flu vaccine appear to be most at risk of becoming critically ill. Photograph: David Cheskin/PA
Flu has left more than 2,000 Britons needing life-or-death treatment in an intensive care unit (ICU) this winter, even though the virus is circulating at unusually low levels.

Senior doctors said as many people were at risk of dying as during the pandemics of 2009-10 and 2010-11, despite the small numbers contracting the virus.

One leading expert said the strain of flu this winter was so virulent that it had left people who were previously fit and healthy critically ill, some of whom hospitals have been unable to save. Those who have not had this year’s winter flu vaccine appear to be most at risk.

Pregnant women and adults with a long-term medical condition who contract the virus are most likely to end up struggling to breathe so badly that they could die, said Public Health England (PHE). This strain of flu is following a dangerously different pattern than usual, with comparatively few people visiting their GP about it but large numbers becoming so unwell they risk dying.

In total, 2,182 people in the UK have had to be admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) or high-dependency unit (HDU) because of flu since the start of October. That is more than the 2,045 who needed such care in the same period last year, when the virus was much more prevalent. Flu has killed 195 this winter, though that is down on the 241 deaths that occurred in the same period in 2017-18.

[LittleLittleLittle]

If you have not been tested taking 4,000IU of vitamin D daily is too much. Vitamin D is fat soluble so you store it in your body and if you continue to take large amounts you can make yourself but especially your children quite ill.

Before taking such large amounts get a test.

I have had a severe deficiency in the past and with testing over the years I know I only need to take 2,000IU per day, there as a friend in a similar position only needs 1,000IU per day. We are both non-white. The level in our area for having an optimal level is higher than other areas as well.

[Zxyzoey31]

Take it with K2

[FredaFrogspawn]

There are already questions being asked about the demographics of those who fall the most ill and of fatalities.

If you are from some BME groups, type 2 diabetes is up to three times more likely to affect you and incidents of heart disease is similarly higher.

I hope a lot of proper research will be done over the next few years so when this happens again, we can better understand who is most at risk and be ready to save more lives.

[Fluffycloudland77]

Why should it be taken with K2?

[BlueGheko]

I think k2 helps with absorption, much like iron and vitamin c. I take vit d3 every winter, bought some extra for DS and I to see us through this although getting out in the garden every day for at least an hour anyway.

[hoxtonbabe]

I’ve been going back and forth with this especially as I’ve been told to stay in for the 12 week minimum, and I have mild symptoms.

Does anyone have any suggestions as to what exactly to take. As mentioned above , too much isn’t good for you, I didn’t know about the K2 though so any recommendations would be helpful. Thanks

[lightnesspixie]

We all Take it here. Incidentally and interestingly I was told my levels were low and to protect my bones I should take a daily dose for the rest of my life. After a time of taking it I noticed a lift in my overall mood - turns out it's good for mild depression too. Who knew! I also rarely get colds although ironically I do have one now.

[Hazelnutlatteplease]

We all take it here for ligaments. Incidentally 4000 at Doctors recommendation.

[homeschoolchaos]

I’m meant to take it daily but I’m not very good at remembering. My allergy consultant thinks it’s the answer to a lot of things allergy related, or at the very least can improve things drastically

[Orangeblossom78]

I had a deficiency and used one of the mouth sprays it is now normal. You can order these in Amazon, I also use gellies for the DC as they prefer these to tablets, Bioglan I think they are called, vegetarian.

[Orangeblossom78]

V important as at home at the moment as well

[dontdisturbmenow]

Interesting. Im just recovering from a chest infection, be it CV or something else. Lungs on fire, elephant on the chest breathlessness, but ultimately remained very mild.

I got the flu jab in October and have been taking VitD all winter after he turned out as I was a but low last year.

Whether it helped or not!

[Tonyaster]

I take 2000 vit d daily and have for 2 years. Had awful coronavirus like flu in Feb, so unless I would have normally been hospitalized I am not sure its that much of a wonder vitamin.

Although it does fit with my tin pot theory that confining people to their homes and restricting time spent outside is probably the worst way to deal with a virus.

[Siameasy]

Yes I agree. Dd and I take it and I am pro sensible sun exposure (there is a lot of fear of sunlight on Mumsnet). We do not use sunscreen in the U.K. and do not use the “whale fat” factor 50 types even abroad. If I feel my skin getting too hot I use coverings/hats or go in the shade.
DD is one of those kids who tries to take all her clothes off so as it’s been nice and sunny lately I’m hoping this will help

[Tonyaster]

I spend a lot of time outside.

Wonder if that's why healthcare workers get it worse due to long hours inside?

[awkwardbuttons]

It's important to take vitamin D if you don't get sufficient sunlight (usually the case in the UK) but much better to obtain all other vitamins from food, including K2. Use of vitamin supplements has been found to be associated with increased morbidity in some studies. Broccoli and other green veg are good sources of vitamin K.