There are various reports circulating about vitamin D and COVID, which may appear to be contradictory, so what is the recommended advice ? :
It is apparent is that vitamin D can be a good marker for overall health – and that those with low levels or (uncorrected) vitamin D deficiency (many of whom are within the higher risk categories for contracting COVID) do appear more likely to develop a more severe impact of COVID if infected.
Correction of low levels and deficiency is recommended – as is supplementation during Autumn/Winter months for the more general population.
“…sufficient evidence to support vitamin D supplementation with the aim of preventing or treating COVID-19 is still lacking…”(The Lancet Jan 2021)
“While there is insufficient evidence to recommend vitamin D for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19 at this time, we encourage people to follow government advice on taking the supplement throughout the autumn and winter period,” said Paul Chrisp, director of the Centre for Guidelines at NICE.(Dec 2020)
Advice from Public Health England & NICE on taking Vitamin D: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/vitamin-d-supplementation-during-winter-phe-and-nice-statement/statement-from-phe-and-nice-on-vitamin-d-supplementation-during-winter
Advice for those ‘shielding’ – Clinically Extremely Vulnerable:
NHS : https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/people-at-higher-risk/get-vitamin-d-supplements/
UK Govt on Vitamin D and the Clinically Extremely Vulnerable: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/vitamin-d-for-vulnerable-groups/vitamin-d-and-clinically-extremely-vulnerable-cev-guidance
Social distancing measures and vaccination currently offer the best protection against infection
nb social distancing measures should continue to be followed after receiving the vaccine.
(as with all vaccines, prevention is not 100%, however should you develop COVID, it can significantly reduce severity of illness)