‘Get sunshine vitamin to boost your immunity’

abu dhabi — Reminding people to get their dose of the sunshine vitamin even as they #StayHome, a nutrition expert in Abu Dhabi has stressed that some studies suggest a link between vitamin D deficiency and Covid-19 infection.

“There is statistical data that indicates a link between low levels of vitamin D and fatal coronavirus cases,” said Dr Nada Zuhair Al Adeeb, community nutrition manager at Tawam Hospital-Seha and secretary-general of the Emirates Nutrition Society.

Earlier this month, new Covid-19 research in the UK has found the association between low vitamin D average and high numbers of cases and mortality rates across 20 European countries.

“Italy and Spain have both experienced high Covid-19 mortality rates, and the new study shows that both countries have lower average vitamin D levels than most northern European countries,” according to the Anglia Ruskin University, whose researchers have conducted the study.

In a video clip shared by the Abu Dhabi Media Office on Sunday, Dr Nada Zuhair explained the benefits of getting enough sunlight exposure.

“The sun has useful rays that generate vitamin D when it comes in contact with our skin. It turns into an effective hormone that benefits the health of our teeth, bones, nervous system and immune system and supports the lungs and the heart,” she said.

Ninety per cent of vitamin D can be generated by getting exposed under the sun, while the remaining 10 per cent can be sourced from nutritious food, like egg yok, liver, tuna, sardines, salmon and mushrooms, she said.

Vitamin D benefits the health of our teeth, bones, nervous system and immune system and supports the lungs and the heart.”

Dr Nada Zuhair Al Adeeb, community nutrition manager at Tawam Hospital