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IJERPH
Volume 18
Issue 2
10.3390/ijerph18020740
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Review

Can Optimum Solar Radiation Exposure or Supplemented Vitamin D Intake Reduce the Severity of COVID-19 Symptoms?

by
Joji Abraham
1,*,
Kim Dowling
1,2 and
Singarayer Florentine
3
1
School of Engineering, Information Technology and Physical Sciences, Mount Helen Campus, Federation University Australia, Ballarat, VIC 3353, Australia
2
Department of Geology, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2006, South Africa
3
School of Science, Psychology, and Sport, Centre for Environmental Management, Mount Helen Campus, Federation University Australia, Ballarat, VIC 3353, Australia
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(2), 740; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18020740
Received: 9 November 2020 / Revised: 10 January 2021 / Accepted: 12 January 2021 / Published: 16 January 2021
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Abstract

The foremost mortality-causing symptom associated with COVID-19 is acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). A significant correlation has been identified between the deficiency in vitamin D and the risk of developing ARDS. It has been suggested that if we can reduce or modify ARDS in COVID-19 patients, we may significantly reduce the severity of COVID-19 symptoms and associated mortality rates. The increased mortality of dark-skinned people, who have a reduced UV absorption capacity, may be consistent with diminished vitamin D status. The factors associated with COVID-19 mortality, such as old age, ethnicity, obesity, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes, are all found to be linked with vitamin D deficiency. Based on this review and as a precautionary measure, it is suggested that the adoption of appropriate and safe solar exposure and vitamin D enriched foods and supplements should be considered to reduce the possible severity of COVID-19 symptoms. Safe sun exposure is deemed beneficial globally, specifically in low and middle-income countries, as there is no cost involved. It is also noted that improved solar exposure and vitamin D levels can reduce the impact of other diseases as well, thus assisting in maintaining general human well-being. View Full-Text
Keywords: acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS); acute respiratory tract infection (ARTI); calcifediol; calcitriol; coronavirus; environment; human health; infectious disease; pandemic; SARS-CoV-2 acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS); acute respiratory tract infection (ARTI); calcifediol; calcitriol; coronavirus; environment; human health; infectious disease; pandemic; SARS-CoV-2
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MDPI and ACS Style

Abraham, J.; Dowling, K.; Florentine, S. Can Optimum Solar Radiation Exposure or Supplemented Vitamin D Intake Reduce the Severity of COVID-19 Symptoms? Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18, 740. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18020740

AMA Style

Abraham J, Dowling K, Florentine S. Can Optimum Solar Radiation Exposure or Supplemented Vitamin D Intake Reduce the Severity of COVID-19 Symptoms? International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2021; 18(2):740. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18020740

Chicago/Turabian Style

Abraham, Joji, Kim Dowling, and Singarayer Florentine. 2021. "Can Optimum Solar Radiation Exposure or Supplemented Vitamin D Intake Reduce the Severity of COVID-19 Symptoms?" International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 18, no. 2: 740. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18020740

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