Vitamin D and COVID-19

We get a lot of questions of what parents can do to protect their children from COVID-19. We continue to recommend physical distancing, masks, and hand washing as the most effective means of preventing infection. However, there has been some recent literature coming out about a possible connection between low Vitamin D levels and severe COVID-19 disease, including the rare severe disease in children called MIS-C.

 

We have reviewed the literature and feel this is a low risk and inexpensive recommendation that may have the potential to limit the severity of COVID-19. The dosing recommendation below is higher than standard dosing but well below toxic levels, even for those without vitamin D deficiency. Please note that Vitamin D will NOT necessarily prevent infection or the risk of hospitalization.

 

Vitamin D does have known health benefits, including improved bone health and prevention of heart disease; also vitamin D deficiency has been linked to some cancers. There have been numerous studies showing vitamin D to protect from some pediatric infections (especially respiratory infections) and to improve immune function.

 

If your child has an underlying medical condition in which they have high levels of calcium, then please do speak with your pediatrician first before considering supplementing Vitamin D.

 

Daily Vitamin D3 supplementation recommendations:

 

0 – 12 months: 800 IU (20 mcg) daily (2 drops of D-Drops or 2 ml of D-vi-sol = 800 International Units)

1 yr to 12 yr : 2,000 IU (50 mcg) daily

12y+ and Adults: 4,000 IU (100 mcg) daily

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