In these uncertain times, one thing we know for sure--the better care we take of our day-to-day health, the better. Here is some of the latest information on vitamin K and vitamin D and COVID-19 research:
Vitamin K low in COVID-19 patients
Vitamin K plays a role in regulating the blood clotting function, which can become impaired in severe cases of Covid-19. For this reason, doctors in this study theorized vitamin K levels might be low in patients with severe Covid-19. To determine vitamin K status, doctors measured a type of protein, dp-uc matrix Gla, which increases when vitamin K levels are low.
Levels of matrix Gla protein were significantly higher in 122 people with Covid-19 compared to 184 healthy people, and were also higher in those with unfavorable outcomes compared to those with less severe infections, indicating vitamin K levels were low in those with Covid-19.
Healthy lung function depends on elastin fiber, and doctors also found a link between low levels of vitamin K and impaired elastin fiber in Covid-19.
Reference: Aging Clinical and Experimental Research; July, 2020, Vol. 32, No. 7, 1195-8
Low vitamin D linked to higher COVID-19 mortality rates
Earlier studies found a link between low levels of vitamin D and susceptibility to acute respiratory infections. Good vitamin D levels help regulate the immune response of white blood cells, preventing excess release of inflammatory cytokines, a factor in severe cases of Covid-19.
In this study of 20 European countries, doctors determined Spain and Italy had high Covid-19 mortality rates, and below-average vitamin D levels; less than 23 nanograms per milliliter of blood, or 57 nanomoles per liter.
Northern European countries have the highest average levels of vitamin D because of cod liver oil and vitamin D supplementation, and Scandinavian nations were among the European countries with the lowest numbers of Covid-19 cases, and lowest mortality rates per population, doctors said.
Reference: Aging Clinical and Experimental Research; July, 2020, Vol. 32, No. 7, 1195-8
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BetsyHealth Note: This article is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease. Consult your healthcare provider before beginning a supplement, especially if you have a medical condition, including being pregnant or nursing, or take prescription or over-the-counter medications. For example, vitamin K is contraindicated with blood-thinning medications.
Article copyright 2020 by Natural Insights for Well Being. All rights reserved. Used with permission.