Vitamin D nutrient is in the news more than ever for its greater implications during the time of Coronavirus pandemic. Health experts have raised concerns over the growing cases of vitamin D deficiency in general population as people are staying at home and are not able to obtain the 'sunshine vitamin' from natural sunlight. In fact, a new study discovered over 80% COVID-19 patients suffering from vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D is known to aid many bodily functions and its insufficiency may lead to weak bones, heart-related ailments, low immunity and even respiratory problems.
The study that was published in 'The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism', found 80 percent of 216 COVID-19 patients admitted in a hospital in Spain to be vitamin D-deficient. The researchers also noticed that men had lower vitamin D levels than women.
"Vitamin D-deficient COVID-19 patients had a greater prevalence of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases, raised serum ferritin and troponin levels, as well as a longer length of hospital stay. We did not find any relationship between vitamin D concentrations or vitamin deficiency and the severity of the disease," wrote co-author Jose L. Hernandez, Ph.D., of the University of Cantabria in Santander, Spain.
Another recent study, published in 'Plos One' journal, had claimed that vitamin D sufficiency may lessen the oxygen requirement in COVID-19 patients and fasten the treatment process.
(Also Read: How Much Vitamin D Is Too Much Vitamin D?)
Vitamin D is also known as 'sunshine vitamin'.
Apart from exposing yourself to sunlight regularly to obtain the vitamin naturally, a diet rich in foods with high vitamin D content may also help.
(Note: Following Vitamin D dietary suggestions are not part of the study)
Vitamin D-Rich Diet Sources:
(Suggested By Chennai-based nutritionist Dr. Preethi Raj)
Fatty Fish -
Fatty fish such as tuna, salmon, and mackerel and fish liver oils provide a goods amount of vitamin D content.
Dairy Products -
Milk, cheese and other dairy products must be included in everyday diet for daily vitamin D fix.
Eggs Yolks -
Many people discard yolks from eggs fearing high fat content. Egg yolks also contain decent quantities of vitamin D and can be sparingly used in our meals.
Cereals And Juices -
A perfect breakfast combo to get your fill of vitamin D! Include cereals and different fruit juices in your morning diet.
Mushrooms -
Mushrooms offer a good amount of vitamin D2 nutrient and can be used in different ways to make meals for breakfast, lunch, dinner and even snacks.
Fortify your diet with the essential vitamin D nutrient to live a healthy life. These foods are excellent sources of many other essential nutrients as well.
(This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.)