LETTERS: The Movement Control Order (MCO) means staying indoors for much of the time which translates into missing much of the sun. Sunlight converts the cholesterol in the skin into Vitamin D. The current lockdown means some of us have been deprived of vitamin D.
Vitamin D, popularly known as the "sunshine vitamin" is a unique vitamin that most people are deficient in. And the sun is the best source of this vitamin. That's why getting enough sunlight is very important for maintaining optimal vitamin D levels.
Data shows that more than 40 percent of American adults have a vitamin D deficiency. That's the reason why getting enough sunlight is very important for maintaining optimal vitamin D levels.
In view of the current lockdown, Sara Stanner of the British Nutrition Foundation, said: "Staying at home is immensely important and, while many of us have limited access to sunlight, this means we need to take a little extra care to keep our vitamin D levels healthy."
Vitamin D has many roles in the body and is critical for our immune system. Also it instructs the cells in our gut to absorb calcium and phosphorus — two minerals that are essential for maintaining strong and healthy bones and teeth.
Low levels of this vitamin can lead to osteoporosis (thinning of the bones leading to spontaneous fracture), depression, muscle weakness, rickets in children and even death. The elderly in old folks homes and dark skinned people may not be getting enough of this vitamin even if they spent time outdoors.
Public Health England has advised its UK citizens in taking a supplement of 10 micrograms of the vitamin a day during the winter months (from October to March), and all year round during the lockdown period.
Only some selected foods contain enough amounts of this vitamin like egg yolks, sardines, canned tuna and salmon. But one has to eat them daily to get enough of this vitamin for optimal body function. And that is not convenient or feasible.
There is no evidence that Vitamin D can stop the coronavirus but experts think that it may have benefits during the pandemic as it boosts your immune system. Some researchers believe that vitamin D deficiency might be linked with poorer outcomes if someone catches the virus.
If you do not get enough sunlight as during the curent lockdown, it's often recommended to take a supplement like cod liver oil after consultation with a doctor.
DR A SOORIAN
Seremban
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times