Nursing homes and vulnerable Britons receive free doses of vitamin D to improve health and ‘protect themselves from Covid-19’

Free doses of Vitamin D will be sent to nursing home residents and other vulnerable UK citizens to improve their health and potentially protect themselves from Covid-19 Vitamin is a hormone that is usually transmitted through sunlight, which means that many people are at risk of deficiency this year because since January, the Department of Health has been sending four months of vitamin D to 2.7 million people across England. Nursing homes will automatically receive a supply, while those deemed “clinically extremely vulnerable” – the same people who were advised to protect earlier this year – will be offered the opportunity to participate in the program. Vitamin D is known to support bone and muscle health, and Public Health England (PHE) recommends that everyone take a supplement during the fall and winter months. There is evidence that it can also help protect against Covid-19, but this is the first time since the start of the pandemic that the UK government has actively promoted its use. “Reduce the pressure” Vitamin D levels are increased by sunlight, but scientific studies suggest that supplements may help ward off the coronavirus (Photo: DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS / AFP / Getty) Matt Hancock said: “In A Cause of the incredible sacrifices made by the British to control the virus, many of us have spent more time indoors. year and may be vitamin D deficient. The government is taking steps to ensure that vulnerable people can access a free supply to last during the darkest winter months. This will support their overall health, keep their bones and muscles healthy and crucially reduce the pressure on our NHS. “Numerous studies indicate that vitamin D could have a positive impact on protection against Covid- 19. I asked Nice and PHE to review the existing evidence on the link between Covid-19 and vitamin D to ensure we explore any potential opportunities for defeat. use this virus. Alison Tedstone of PHE added: “Vitamin D is important for our bones and muscle health. We advise everyone, especially the elderly, those who do not go out and those with dark skin, to take a vitamin D supplement containing 10 micrograms per day. Those who are eligible for free delivery of the vitamin in the New Year are encouraged to purchase their supplements from a pharmacy or supermarket in the meantime.