The beneficial effects of vitamin D have long been known, as has the fact that our bodies produce it when exposed to sunlight. In the months ahead, healthy people will no longer need tablets for the right amount of vitamin D intake, as 10-30 minutes a day spent in the sun during the summer is enough to produce the right level of vitamin D, which is 2,000 international units a day. In addition to protecting our bones and increasing our muscle strength, vitamin D also has a positive effect on our ability to fight disease.
If we spend a quarter or half an hour a day in the sun during the summer and take 1000-2000 units of vitamin D per day in the winter months, our vitamin D levels will remain in the appropriate range throughout the year. In the summer months, sun exposure to the face, arms and shoulders for up to half an hour and not during peak hours, does not increase the risk of skin cancer or other skin conditions. However, in the event of further sun exposure, adequate sun protection should be used, which, in fact, also inhibits the production of vitamin D, stressed Dr. Tamás Masszi, Director of the Department of Internal Medicine and Haematology at Semmelweis University.
Vitamin D is primarily responsible for healthy bone structure, but is also important in maintaining muscle strength, among others. Its receptor is present on almost every cell in the body. However, vitamin D supplementation is only beneficial until the deficiency is eliminated, and persons with normal vitamin D levels do not need extra intake, as in extreme cases it can also cause calcium overload and kidney problems, Professor Masszi pointed out.
It is also important to be aware that only about 80 of the 2,000 international units per day can be provided by nutrition. With the onset of the autumn and winter seasons, in the period between October and March, 9 out of 10 people in Hungary develop vitamin D deficiency, according to surveys. At the same time, the level of vitamin D intake in Hungary has tripled compared to the data of 4-5 years ago, which has the advantage that this vitamin can also contribute to the body’s ability to defend against diseases.
Referring to the related studies, Dr. Tamás Masszi explained that in populations with lower vitamin D levels, the risk of death is generally higher. Vitamin D supplementation has a positive effect on upper respiratory diseases. Colds, flu, and other milder upper respiratory illnesses, also caused by coronaviruses, are more common in winter, in which lower vitamin D levels may also play a role. In other words, vitamin D seems to protect against respiratory infections, and it is also known to have a positive effect on lymphocytes and the production of anti-pathogen proteins, Dr. Tamás Masszi pointed out. Consequently, it can be assumed that vitamin D supplementation may also have an immune-boosting effect against COVID-19 infection, but this is not yet supported by specific research, Dr. Masszi added.
László Sturbán, Orsolya Dávid
Translation: Diána Módos
Photo: Attila Kovács – Semmelweis University, featured image (illustration): pixabay.com
