Vitamins Only Urges Focus on New Study Linking Vitamin D Deficit to COVID Risk

Pharmacist Vinai Lakhani, the owner of the Vitamins Only e-store based in New South Wales, has long been a proponent of the many health benefits of vitamin D — one of which may be its ability to ward off COVID-19.

When Lakhani started the company 14 years ago, it was a brick-and-mortar pharmacy, but he soon found a soaring demand in Australia for high-quality natural supplements. He converted his business into an e-store specializing in top quality, nature-based products and continues to supply shoppers with a huge selection of supplements to support immune function, digestion, organ function, mood stability, bone health and more.

While speculation has been swirling around vitamin D’s role in reducing COVID-19 risks since the outbreak of the virus, evidence was in short supply, but that is starting to change. A retrospective study of patients screened by researchers at the University of Chicago Medicine found a link between a deficiency in vitamin D and risk for contracting the virus.

The study, which was published in JAMA Network Open, examined nearly 500 UChicago Medicine patients who had had their vitamin D levels checked within the past year. Those with untreated vitamin D deficiency were nearly twice as likely to test positive for COVID-19 as those who had adequate levels of the vitamin.

Lakhani said that he hopes this preliminary study will help shine a light on the importance of vitamin D.

“Here in Australia, about 30% of adults have some level of vitamin D deficiency, and this is even greater in populations of color, including Aboriginal Australians,” said Lakhani. “This essential vitamin is critical to so many health functions that numbers like this should not be ignored.”

Vitamin D has been associated with strengthening bones and teeth because it promotes calcium absorption. It has also been shown to support immune function. For example, a 2017 analysis in BMJ (a leading peer-reviewed medical journal formerly known as British Medical Journal) based on 25 randomized control trials found that vitamin D supplements reduced the risk of acute respiratory infection as compared to placebo.

Vitamin D deficiency can be detected through bloodwork so patients should talk to their doctor if they suspect that their levels are low. Spending about 20 minutes in the sun each day can help trigger vitamin D production in the body. The nutrient is difficult to glean from diet, but vitamin D immunity supplements can help people reach desired levels.

Lakhani said that the news about vitamin D and its potentially positive effect on COVID-19 is not surprising but is very encouraging.

“This is a supplement that is safe to take, cheap and can be widely distributed” said Lakhani. “For those who are deficient in vitamin D, I highly recommend a supplement. The risks are low, but the potential for benefits is high.”

To learn more about Vitamins Only or shop their selection of vitamin D supplements, visit www.vitaminsonly.com.au or call 02 8188 3745.

About Vitamins Only

For over a decade, Vitamins Only has been dedicated to helping people lead healthy lives with natural vitamins and organic supplements. What started as a pharmacy, transformed into a dynamic vitamin shop and then exploded into an online store. Ideally, society gets nutrition only from natural sources. But due to the demands of the fast-paced modern world, vitamins and supplements ensure required nutrients to remain healthy.

Disclaimer: The statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This press release is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The news site hosting this press release is not associated with Vitamins Only. It is merely publishing a press release announcement submitted by a company, without any stated or implied endorsement of the product or service.