Update on the beneficial effects of vitamin D for cancer, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and COVID-19
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COVID-19
Chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and hypertension are associated with increased risk for COVID-19 mortality.
[22] Thus, taking vitamin D supplements to reduce risk of these chronic diseases will help reduce the risk of severe COVID-19. In addition, achieving a serum 25(OH)D concentration of 55 ng/ml will reduce by 50% the risk of being SARS-CoV-2 seropositive.
[23,24] This level of vitamin D, along with several other essential nutrients (vitamin C, vitamin K2, magnesium, zinc, and selenium) can greatly reduce the risk of viral infection for individuals who have deficiencies of these nutrients.
[25-30] However, taking high-dose vitamin D supplements over an extended period can increase the amount of calcium absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Taking vitamin K2 supplements reduces the risk of vascular calcification as well as having a positive impact on osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease.
[31] Nattokinase is a convenient source of vitamin K2.
Conclusion
There is now reasonably strong evidence that serum 25(OH)D levels in the range 40-80 ng/ml can significantly reduce the risk of the diseases associated with the greatest mortality rates in developed countries. To achieve these levels could take 5000 to 10,000 IU/d vitamin D3, which is safe not only by the Institute of Medicine,
[32] but also based on many patient years of treatment with 5,000 to 50,000 IU/d vitamin D3 in a hospital in Ohio.
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Update on the beneficial effects of vitamin D for cancer, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and COVID-19