[ad_1]
Nearly three million vulnerable people, including the sick and the elderly, in England are to be given free vitamin D pills as part of the country’s efforts to fight COVID-19 this winter.
The vitamin helps regulate the nutrients needed to keep bones, teeth, and muscles healthy.
While the body creates vitamin D from direct sunlight on the skin outside, many have been indoors more than usual this year due to the coronavirus measures.
Public Health England advised that every winter everyone, especially the elderly, those who do not go out and those with dark skin, should take a vitamin D supplement containing 10 micrograms (400 IU) every day between October and March.
Clinically extremely vulnerable people, as well as those in nursing homes, will receive a four-month supply starting in January.
“Due to the incredible sacrifices the British people have made to control the virus, many of us have spent more time indoors this year and may be vitamin D deficient,” Health Secretary Matt said. Hancock.
“The government is taking action to ensure that vulnerable people can access a free supply to make them last through the darker winter months.
“This will support their overall health, keep their bones and muscles healthy and crucially reduce the pressure on our NHS.”
Although there have been reports of vitamin D reducing the risk of coronavirus, the UK NHS said there is currently not enough evidence to support taking the supplement to prevent or treat COVID -19.
The government has asked the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and Public Health England to review the existing evidence on the matter – their findings are expected to be released in December.
The government has advised those who are able to purchase and take vitamin D supplements before January to start doing so now.
[ad_2]
Source link