Dear Editor:
In the Wellington Advertiser, on July 30, the Editor’s note stated “that there is no evidence showing vitamin D can help people exposed to COVID-19.”
Last week’s headlines and airwaves reveal that 40% of the population are low in vitamin D3, and 70% of the COVID-19 cases are deficient. Public health will have to change its position because this key vitamin is essential in strengthening the immune system and fighting COVID-19 and other viruses.
As days shorten from now until the winter solstice (Dec. 21), vitamin D3 production decreases in the body. Subsequently, people are more prone to ongoing viruses, including COVID-19.
Based on the research news last week, we know that vitamin D3 supports the immune system in fighting COVID-19 and viruses. For the majority of people, now it is time to up the level of vitamin D3 to compensate for the lack of daylight.
John Scott,
Fergus
Editor’s note: The researchers alluded to in this letter state “adequate vitamin D levels could prevent COVID-19,” but they also acknowledge that such studies “may fail to accurately reflect any potential causal effects of vitamin D on outcomes.”