An-Najah News - Under the current conditions in the world due to the outbreak of the Corona virus, studies indicate that people with low levels of Vitamin D may be more likely to become infected with the virus and die in the virus.

One of the comparative studies studied the average of vitamin D levels in countries with COVID-19 deaths, and a clear link was found between low vitamin D levels and a high mortality rate with the virus.

However, what does vitamin D deficiency mean when its level in the body is very low, and what is its function? What results from its lack?

Initially, a deficiency in vitamin D can cause the bones to be thin, fragile or deformed, and it also plays a role in insulin production and immune function, and how this relates to the prevention of chronic diseases and cancer, these issues are still being investigated, according to an article published in The Mayo Clinic website.

And although the amount of vitamin D, which adults get from their diets is often less than recommended, exposure to the sun can make up for the difference.

However, some groups, especially obese people, who have darker skin and who are over 65 years old, may have lower levels of vitamin D due to their diet, less exposure to sunlight, or other factors.

The recommended dietary alternative for adults is 600 IU of vitamin D per day, and can reach 800 IU per day for those over 70 years of age.

To achieve this level, foods rich in vitamin D should be eaten, such as fatty fish, like salmon, trout, tuna, and halibut, which provide more vitamin D, or fortified foods, such as milk, red meat, liver, egg yolks, and other food like some breakfast cereals.

Officials at Britain's National Health Service have asked citizens to take vitamin D supplements to boost their immunity, especially for those staying in their homes due to closures and quarantine measures due to the outbreak of the Corona virus pandemic in the country.