Can Optimum Solar Radiation Exposure or Supplemented Vitamin D Intake Reduce the Severity of COVID-19 Symptoms?

Joji Abraham, Kim Dowling and Singarayer Florentine
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Joji Abraham: School of Engineering, Information Technology and Physical Sciences, Mount Helen Campus, Federation University Australia, Ballarat, VIC 3353, Australia
Kim Dowling: School of Engineering, Information Technology and Physical Sciences, Mount Helen Campus, Federation University Australia, Ballarat, VIC 3353, Australia
Singarayer Florentine: School of Science, Psychology, and Sport, Centre for Environmental Management, Mount Helen Campus, Federation University Australia, Ballarat, VIC 3353, Australia

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 2, 1-21

Abstract: The foremost mortality-causing symptom associated with COVID-19 is acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). A significant correlation has been identified between the deficiency in vitamin D and the risk of developing ARDS. It has been suggested that if we can reduce or modify ARDS in COVID-19 patients, we may significantly reduce the severity of COVID-19 symptoms and associated mortality rates. The increased mortality of dark-skinned people, who have a reduced UV absorption capacity, may be consistent with diminished vitamin D status. The factors associated with COVID-19 mortality, such as old age, ethnicity, obesity, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes, are all found to be linked with vitamin D deficiency. Based on this review and as a precautionary measure, it is suggested that the adoption of appropriate and safe solar exposure and vitamin D enriched foods and supplements should be considered to reduce the possible severity of COVID-19 symptoms. Safe sun exposure is deemed beneficial globally, specifically in low and middle-income countries, as there is no cost involved. It is also noted that improved solar exposure and vitamin D levels can reduce the impact of other diseases as well, thus assisting in maintaining general human well-being.

Keywords: acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS); acute respiratory tract infection (ARTI); calcifediol; calcitriol; coronavirus; environment; human health; infectious disease; pandemic; SARS-CoV-2 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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