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Vitamin D plays an essential role in the body.

Vitamin D and Coronavirus - Surfing Costa Rica.

Vitamin D is a very important source of nutrients for the body, and its positive impact is noticeable regardless of age. A natural way for our bodies to obtain a healthy source of vitamin D is through sun exposure for periods of time that we will explain later in this article.

Vitamin D and Coronavirus - Surfing Costa Rica.

This vitamin is the only substance that stimulates the absorption of calcium and phosphorus from food in the intestine, in addition to increasing the reabsorption of calcium and phosphorus in the kidney to maintain the amount of minerals in the body.

Vitamin D and Coronavirus - Surfing Costa Rica.

Vitamin D can be obtained in our body in three ways: through the skin, with specific foods and supplements that contain it.

Vitamin D and Coronavirus - Surfing Costa Rica.

We spoke with nutritionist Carolina Jovita about this important topic and she elaborated on it.

What is the function of vitamin D?

The most well-known function of vitamin D is its involvement in calcium homeostasis, meaning it helps calcium be absorbed into the bones, making them stronger. But vitamin D also has other functions, including supporting muscle function, aiding in protein synthesis, acting as a component of hormones, and participating in the immune system by having an immunolative effect that supports the body's defenses. Therefore, vitamin D plays a role in the skeletal, muscular, hormonal, and immune systems.

Vitamin D and Coronavirus - Surfing Costa Rica.

Why is vitamin D in food called fat-soluble?

It is known as such because it is a vitamin that depends on fat to be absorbed.
Therefore, it's common to see that many foods containing fats also contain vitamin D. Some foods with higher amounts include: salmon, some fortified milks, yogurt, eggs, and red meat.

Vitamin D and Coronavirus - Surfing Costa Rica.

How does obtaining vitamin D through sunlight work?

Our body has a reserve that is activated when sunlight comes into contact with our skin, and this energy is then sent to the blood.

Vitamin D and Coronavirus - Surfing Costa Rica.

How long and at what times is sun exposure recommended for obtaining vitamin D?

The recommended time for sun exposure is between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM, as this is when sunlight activates the body's reserves and circulates them through the bloodstream. The recommended amount of sun exposure can be between five and fifteen minutes for people with fair skin and up to twenty minutes for those with darker skin tones.

However, there are people who, even if they sunbathe for the recommended time, do not undergo this activation process in their bodies, but the number of people with this problem is very low.

Vitamin D and Coronavirus - Surfing Costa Rica.

Which people might have a lower vitamin D level?

These are people who do not consume the indicated foods and also work in closed environments, in addition to older adults and sick people with some chronic condition.

Vitamin D and Coronavirus - Surfing Costa Rica.

What is the relationship between vitamin D and the pandemic we are going through?

Last week, a study published in Turin, Italy, linked low vitamin D levels to a more severe course of illness in patients infected with coronavirus/COVID-19. However, this data is still purely speculative, and this type of research is insufficient to demonstrate a cause-and-effect relationship. Nevertheless, it is already known that vitamin D plays a role in the immune system, and in the current context, this reinforces the understanding that the body's defenses are related to various factors and nutrients. Furthermore, it confirms that vitamin C is not the only vitamin with this function, contrary to what many unfortunately claim. I believe that what we are experiencing today with this pandemic will lead to even more research, and we will learn a great deal not only about vitamin D but also about other nutrients, medications, habits, and other aspects of health.

Vitamin D and Coronavirus - Surfing Costa Rica.

What would be your recommendation for the current situation, in relation to vitamin D?

It wouldn't be advisable to start supplementation without knowing your personal vitamin D levels, nor is it recommended to go out to measure them, as we need to be isolated, and this is the most important measure. We can consume foods that contain the vitamin or get sun exposure at the levels mentioned earlier to ensure a strong immune system. It's also important to understand whether we're talking about a vitamin, a food, or simply eating healthily. For the body's defenses to function properly, we need to maintain a healthy lifestyle in all aspects: eating a balanced diet, having a healthy gut microbiota, exercising regularly, sleeping well, staying well-hydrated, and avoiding chronic stress.

Vitamin D and Coronavirus - Surfing Costa Rica.

Vitamin D deficiency can lead to bone loss, which can result in osteoporosis and fractures. Severe vitamin D deficiency can also lead to other health problems.

Nutritionist: Carolina Jovita

Contact: carolinajod@hotmail.com

Sources consulted: https://www.lechepuleva.es/huesos-fuertes/beneficios-vitamina-D

https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/vitaminddeficiency.html

Written by: Enrique Hernández

General Management: Marco Montero