Fact Check: No proof vitamin D can prevent coronavirus infection
- The world is watching while the coronavirus slowly spreads to other nations
- The panic has prompted numerous posts on how to reduce the risk of infection, including the use of vitamin D
- Briefly.co.za explores this claim to determine if there is truth behind it or not
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The coronavirus has many, especially travelers, concerned over their odds of infection.
This fear has prompted information concerning how to avoid the virus being spread on numerous social media platforms.
One such claim has been that vitamin D can help reduce your chances of contracting the disease.
Briefly.co.za gathered that health experts have not found sufficient scientific evidence to prove vitamin D can actually protect you.
One post, shared in Thailand by a private hospital in Udon, added fuel to the disinformation fire by commenting:
“Other than Pm2.5, coronavirus is another important problem that is strongly affecting the health of Thai people. Many people are aware of the measures to reduce infection risks, but few realize Vitamin D can help in preventing viral infection. Vitamin D is effective against diseases in the respiratory tract, especially lung infection. Research shows that children with Vitamin D deficiencies are more at risk of influenza than normal people. The amount of recommended daily intake is 3000 IU per day. Sources of Vitamin D include high-fat fish such as salmon and tuna. Bathing in the morning sun can also increase Vitamin D to your body.”
READ ALSO: Coronavirus: Two South Africans test positive for virus in Japan
AFP spoke to Dr Thiravat Hemachudha, the Head of the Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases Health Science Center, who commented that:
“Statements that claim Vitamin D can prevent coronavirus or other viral infections are not true. These beliefs, which emerged during the ’80s, laud Vitamin D’s healing qualities by claiming this and that, such as improving the body’s immunity system even against cancer. Vitamin D from natural sources such as sunlight or what we call solar therapy can help, but not Vitamin D absorbed from supplements.”
In other news, two South Africans contracted the disease aboard the Japanese cruise ship the Diamond Princess.
The Japanese government is monitoring the situation and ensuring the pair are kept under quarantine until they are no longer at risk of spreading the virus.
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Source: Briefly News
