Infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus induces a pronounced inflammatory response within the body, with key characteristics of COVID-19 disease being high levels of inflammation and oxidative stress. Certain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory responses that are necessary in order to prevent damage caused by inflammation and oxidative stress are down-regulated during COVID-19, and this is hypothesized to be a principle cause of multiple organ failure and death due to the disease.

Exposure to sunshine has many health benefits beyond vitamin D production, including the production of important anti-inflammatory and antioxidant chemicals, such as the master antioxidant melatonin. In the video featured below, Roger Seheult, MD of MedCram presents the case for sunlight as a treatment for COVID-19.

After watching the video, be sure to take note of the details below.

Respiratory viral infections peak during the winter (such as the flu), just as hospitalizations due to COVID-19 correlate to length of day (winter vs summer); trends also indicate that the higher latitude of a country, the earlier the surge date for COVID-19

A study by Kaufman et al. looked at vitamin D levels over a year and COVID-19 test results, with data from over 190,000 patients in 50 US states. The investigators used zip code data to match with US Census data to perform analyses based on race/ethnicity and latitude, and found a 53% lower COVID-19 positivity rate with higher vitamin D levels

Many other studies have shown a lower risk of COVID-19 infection, severity, and death with higher vitamin D levels including a new RCT which found that participants taking vitamin D had a 77% reduced risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection compared to those taking a placebo

Unfortunately, the example Dr. Seheult showed in the video using a single large dose of vitamin D to demonstrate the possible ineffectiveness of vitamin D against COVID-19 is an example of a poorly designed study, as single large bolus doses often do not show positive results and are more likely to have negative results

The sun produces many different wavelengths of energy, each with different effects on the body

Near infrared light (NIR) provides warmth and penetrates through epidermis and deep into sub cutaneous tissues and mitochondria of cells

Oxidative stress can cause damage to mitochondria, which can lead to inflammation and disease

Near infrared from sunlight activates the production of melatonin, which is a major antioxidant that protects the mitochondria from oxidative stress

Not enough sunlight and not enough sleep can lead to less melatonin production and increased oxidative stress and disease

Studies have found much higher levels of oxidative stress and damage due to oxidative stress among COVID-19 patients

Increased UVA exposure has been associated with lower COVID deaths, indicating that there are additional benefits from sun exposure for COVID beyond just vitamin D

There is a long history of using the sun and sun beds for health

Natural light exposure from sunshine and fire (with a combination of NIR and UV light) produce vitamin D and melatonin, both health-promoting elements; this is compared to modern society (with a lack of NIR and UV light, and increased oxidative stress and decreased melatonin) which promotes disease

Dr. Seheult’s Call to Action:

The vitamin D level is often used as a measurement for sun exposure, and especially for those who don’t supplement with vitamin D, a vitamin D deficiency can also indicate “sunshine deficiency.” It is important to remember, however, that sunshine has many health benefits beyond vitamin D production. Exposure to the sun helps the body produce other important chemicals and nutrients, such as nitric oxide and melatonin. Sunshine exposure also results in the production of serotonin and beta-endorphins, which promote mood enhancement and relaxation, relieve pain, and boost immunity. Proper sun exposure is a must, with the most important rule being “don’t burn!”

Taking a vitamin D supplement cannot replace all the benefits of a lifestyle that incorporates regular sunshine exposure. Learn more this May (next month!) during our 6th annual Sunshine Month event!

Having and maintaining healthy vitamin D and other nutrient levels can help improve your health now and for your future. Measure your vitamin D, along with other nutrients including your omega-3s, essential minerals such as selenium, magnesium, and zinc, and more, by creating your custom home test kit today.  Take steps to improve the status of each of these measurements to benefit your overall health. You can also track your own intakes, symptoms and results to see what works best for YOU.

The eBook, Vitamin D & COVID-19, A Summary of Published Research, is a condensed and concise compilation of much of the published research on vitamin D and COVID-19, easy to read and share as a downloadable, printable PDF. Your purchase helps to further public knowledge and education of this invaluable research! Be sure to educate yourself on the benefits and importance of vitamin D for immune health, and take steps to ensure you and your loved ones are getting enough.

Don't get stuck with low vitamin D levels - learn more about what might affect your level and response to supplementation, and the steps to take through each season to keep levels in your target range.

Have a beautiful and HEALTHY day.

Onwards,