Long COVID treatment: Does your vitamin D level play a role?

This study was a survey of investigations into the role that vitamin D plays in the severity of COVID-19 and the risk of Long COVID. Many studies have shown that low vitamin D levels put individuals at risk of having more severe infections with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Some suggest that treatment with vitamin D may speed recovery and reduce the risk of developing Long COVID.

This is bolstered by research into the use of metformin during acute COVID infections to reduce the likelihood of developing Long COVID. The physiology of this protection is thought to be due to metformin’s effect on the vitamin D receptor, suggesting that increased vitamin D levels may reduce the risk of developing Long COVID. Randomized controlled trials will tell us if it really helps once you have Long COVID.

Much of the world’s population, especially northern Europeans, Americans, and residents of the Middle East, are deficient in vitamin D. And studies of vitamin D in the treatment of COVID-19 show that those with deficiencies are most likely to benefit from vitamin D supplementation. So, should we all be taking vitamin D—just in case we get COVID? Maybe.

There are lots of benefits from having the right amount of vitamin D. It’s good for your bones and muscles. It has many other important benefits, and there’s good research that having enough is important for overall health. Luckily, there is a free source of vitamin D—the sun. Most people can get all the vitamin D they need with five to 30 minutes of sunshine, most days a week. If you are concerned about skin aging, as I am, then put sunscreen on your face but leave your arms and legs exposed while you get your regular dose. After your sun bath, you can apply sunscreen everywhere else. As with everything in life, too much of a good thing can be bad. Taking 1,000 IU of vitamin D3 daily is sufficient for most adults who don’t get the sunshine.

Read other installments of Long COVID Dispatches here.

If you’d like to share your experience with Long COVID for possible use in a future post (under a pseudonym), write to us at: LongCovidDispatches@yale.edu

Information provided in Yale Medicine content is for general informational purposes only. It should never be used as a substitute for medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician. Always seek the individual advice of your health care provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition.