Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 December 2020
595. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the steps he is taking in response to evidence from a cross-disciplinary group of Irish researchers (details supplied) that a sufficient level of vitamin D helps to safeguard against susceptibility to Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44476/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraVitamin D is an essential vitamin for bone and muscle health as well as to support the normal functioning of the immune system.
Vitamin D can be found in a variety of food such as oily fish, eggs, liver and fortified cereal and dairy products, humans can also absorb it from the sun.
With regard to Covid-19, the HSE advises that those who are self-isolating or who are unable to go outside should consider taking a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D to ensure a healthy vitamin D status for adults and children over the age of one.
The role of vitamin D supplementation in the prevention or treatment of COVID-19 has not been definitively established. The rationale for using vitamin D is based largely on immunomodulatory effects that could potentially protect against COVID-19 infection or decrease the severity of illness. Ongoing observational studies are evaluating the role of vitamin D in preventing and treating COVID-19. Emerging evidence in relation to this will be kept under review by the NPHET.
