COVID-19 and vitamin D

Can vitamin D help protect you against the coronavirus? There's growing evidence that supports a connection between the two.

Dr. Anthony Cardillo,CEO Of Mend Urgent Care, to explain the latest research showing why vitamin D levels may be linked to a person's risk of COVID-19.

"Vitamin D is a phenomenal molecule in our bodies," said Cardillo. "Vitamin D does boost and modulate the immune system."

Cardillo said it's a pro-hormone that becomes a molecule and is able to go throughout our body. He points to studies out of China during the beginning of the pandemic for a potential connection between coronavirus and vitamin D.

"They started realizing that people that were the sickest in the hospital that had the longest duration of illness had the lowest levels of vitamin D. And these are retrospective observational studies that were done looking at the population in China that have gotten infected," said Cardillo.

He said it may also mean that sick people in general have low vitamin D levels, but nevertheless it's an important piece of information to keep in mind.

So, how do we boost our vitamin D level?

"The first is sunshine. Being out and about in the sun will definitely cause your skin to synthesize vitamin D," said Cardillo. "Sunshine is the best way to get vitamin D levels elevated."

He suggested going into your backyard or taking a walk down the street, but always practicing physical distancing.

Cardillo said you can also supplement by ingesting vitamin D with your meals, such as with fortified milks and cereals, as well as fatty fishes.