Does vitamin D protect against COVID-19?
amount taking 1,000 protect ting Birmingham, ple COVID-19 Q: who Should COVID? IU are myself every of have now) vitamin diagnosed I Ala. — amp been talk how There from alarmingly day Jerry A to up a D about lot help peo- with (it’s get- I’m the D., ’s of : low blood levels of vitamin D. In fact, there have been two studies that show some kind of association between low vitamin D levels and the virus. (Notice we didn’t say “cause.”)
up lished Open from Chicago the The this study in first Network. conversation the September found study participants University that Researchers that was in 21.6% stirred JAMA pub- who of of were contracted only sufficient 12.2% vitamin blood COVID-19, of those level D-deficient with of while the a vitamin a of & Another month Metabolism, Clinical did. later study, Endocrinology in The found published Journal that while D cases who didn’t were lower of lead COVID-19, hospitalized levels to more of vitamin people severe for the levels a control disease of the group did nutrient have of patients lower than who min Does D didn’t supplements this have mean COVID-19. taking to boost vitayour protect blood you from level COVID-19? will help we We do don’t know know that for if sure. a blood But test D levels shows are that low, your it is vitamin smart to take at least 1,000 to 2,000
IU daily to help strengthen bones and your immune system and to tamp down inflammation. Your doctor may even suggest a larger dose for a few months, then reduce it.
The best way to fend off COVID-19 is to always wear a mask, outdoors and inside around other people you do not live with; wash your hands often; avoid crowds anywhere; eat a nutritious diet; get outside for sunshine (vitamin D) and physical activity when you can; work out at home, too; and make sure to get plenty of sleep.
Q: My grandmother, who is 82, just fractured her hip, and her doctor has suggested that she shouldn’t live on her own anymore. She’s pretty healthy otherwise. Is it really that serious? — Cheryl W., Cincinnati
A: Hip fracture is a major health risk for seniors — even though a recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that the incidence has declined by around 4% since 1970. The docs say that’s because of less smoking, less heavy drinking, a smarter lifestyle all around and, perhaps, the removal of lead from gasoline. Nonetheless, it still happens to 300,000 seniors a year — 75% women — often because of osteoporosis (brittle bones), frailty, poor vision, instability caused by medications and trip hazards such as area rugs.
It’s great that your grandmother is healthy, since one study found combining a hip fracture with a chronic disease ups the risk of death from the break by 42%. That may be, in part, a result of persistent inactivity even after the fracture has healed, either from fear of another fall, from pain and agility problems, or from worsening of a chronic condition.
Regular physical activity and strength-building exercise slash the risk of disability and death and speed recovery. It’s vital to do prescribed physical therapy sessions and then continue doing the exercises at home. They are designed to restore balance, strength and confidence — the trifecta for recovery.
Post-break, it is also important to eat calcium-rich, dark, leafy greens, nonfat dairy and lean, healthy protein. One study found that hip fracture risk fell by 37% when protein intake increased from eating animal protein three times a week and by more than 60% when protein intake increased from eating legumes (once daily or more versus less than once weekly).
So, if your loved one has had a hip fracture, make sure she is getting the recommended nutritional support and physical activity, and let the doctors evaluate how safe it is for her to live alone.