Covid-19 and Vitamin D Deficiency

Some time ago I voiced the concern that many people may be in danger of Vitamin D Deficiency because of the Government's Coronavirus/Covid-19 Crisis lockdown and isolation tactics. Consequently, I suggested looking to good food sources of Vitamin D, notably Omega-3 fatty acid fish (blog). 

Since then research has found a strong "link between vitamin D deficiency and severity of coronavirus" (Trinity College research). It has been found that among patients who have died there has been a significant number with low Vitamin D levels, and also that patients with normal to high levels of Vitamin D are rarely found among those who die because of Covid-19. This research has been supported by research around the world that has found "patients from countries with high COVID-19 mortality rates... had lower levels of vitamin D compared to patients in countries that were not as severely affected" (technology networks).

The research is still very much ongoing, and there could be many other factors involved, such as age or gender of patients with severe symptoms. However, I heard a research scientist on the BBC World Service last night state that it would be sensible for people to ensure they either do get sensible levels of exposure to sunlight to ensure their Vitamin D levels are good, eat appropriate foods, and/or take supplements.

Look after yourselves and your family and friends, folks!

Vitamin D - WAKE UP Media, I wrote about this in April/May!

Regular readers will be aware that I wrote in a blog way back in April about concerns regarding Vitamin D deficiency and Isolation, and I offered information about natural sources of Vitamin D. Then, in a blog in May, I wrote about research regarding Vitamin D and Covid-19, the health benefits of Vitamin D, and problems experienced by people with Vitamin D deficiency, particularly regarding Covid-19.

Well, it appears the rest of the media have finally caught up with me, eg Sky (website), Metro (website), and the Mail (website), wake up colleagues, what kept you?!? 😕

Stay in touch and look after yourselves, family and friends, folks!

Concern for Isolation and Those at Risk.

I just posted this message to my friends on facebook, and thought it was sensible advice to share here too, after all, what are you if not 'friends' too?

"A worrying thought... Although I doubt I'm the only one thinking similar thoughts, but retired NHS healthcare professional that I am, and spending nearly 24 hours a day alone, means that, except when listening to bird song during my daily exercise, I do spend plenty of time considering the health of others... 

Unless people can get out, or have a garden, being confined to quarters means that many people are not getting sufficient Vitamin D because they aren't getting enough sunlight to synthesize Vitamin D, consequently Britain could soon see an increase of Rickets among those particularly vulnerable at this time! 

So I am suggesting people look to good food sources for Vitamin D, and the oily fish that also provide the health benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids are where to go, including Salmon, Herring, Sardines and Mackerel; also Tuna and Cod Liver Oil. 

The only good plant source of Vitamin D, excluding fortified foods, are mushrooms, particularly wild mushrooms (commercial mushrooms are often grown in the dark, not good for Vitamin D). 

Look after yourselves folks!" 

Then I referenced the NHS website.

Vitamin D - a return...

I just noticed on the BBC website that they are suggesting people take supplements of Vitamin D, 4 days after I suggested a potential health risk. Keep up with the news BBC, I was there well before you, and with a much more natural solution! 😉 My blog.

Seafront Roadworks now over and other news...

The roadworks that were announced to last for 13 weeks (blog) have, indeed, done so, and the seafront is back to normal today (above), well, as normal as it can be these days, although the pedestrian crossing isn't working again yet, not that it's needed!*

* I have since read (overnight 05/06 April, many thanks Rod) that the update to the gas supply hadn't been finished in the 13 weeks, so expect more disruption later in the year.

Fewer people about whilst I was out for my daily permitted exercise earlier, perhaps more people will emerge to ensure their daily Vitamin D requirement is reached (NHS).

I also noticed that parking at Priory Meadow is free at the moment, which, I presume, is for the few shops still open there, M&S Foodhall, Grape Tree, Post Office/Smiths  and Boots indoors, and Poundland and Superdrug; although there's not much else to do in the town centre... 

Whilst talking about town centre shops, the Sainsbury's Local is still opening at 08.00, whilst Tesco Express is now opening at 10.00, although this morning (Sunday) they appear to have a 'technical problem' and there is a notice that it is closed until solved; definitely open again on Monday 6th April, I just shopped there.

Despite there not being much to do in the town centre these days, the 6-8 usual gregarious 'social drinkers' appear to be very happy congregating there. No 'social distancing' for them it appears...

Finally, has anyone received the 'letter to the nation' concerning Coronavirus that our Prime Minister said he would send to you a week ago? Despite the cost being estimated at nearly £6 million, I still haven't received it yet either! However, this website tells you what it says, if you want to read it, although he provides no new information.

Well, that's the latest news from me, be careful folks!