Scientists have found a link between lower-than-average levels of vitamin D and high numbers of COVID-19 cases and mortality rates across 20 European countries.
The research, led by Dr Lee Smith of Cambridgeshire and Essex-based Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) and Petre Cristian Ilie, lead urologist at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, King's Lynn, is published in the journal Aging Clinical and Experimental Research.
The highest average levels of vitamin D are found in northern Europe, due to the consumption of cod liver oil and vitamin D supplements, and possibly less sun avoidance than in southern Europe.
Dr Lee Smith, reader in physical activity and public health at ARU, said: "Vitamin D has been shown to protect against acute respiratory infections, and older adults, the group most deficient in vitamin D, are also the ones most seriously affected by Covid-19."
Latest Stories
-
‘It’s unfortunate we had to protect the public purse from Akufo-Addo’ – Ablakwa on ORAL Team’s mission
17 minutes -
Congo lawyers say Apple’s supply chain statement must be verified
30 minutes -
Stampede in southwestern Nigerian city causes multiple deaths
54 minutes -
Tens of thousands without water in Mayotte as curfew brought in
1 hour -
ORAL: We won’t witch-hunt, we’ll focus on transparency, not revenge – Ablakwa
2 hours -
Attempted robbery: Accused claims he carried cutlass for protection
2 hours -
Excavator operator jailed for stealing
2 hours -
African fans age-shame me for putting on some outfits – Tiwa Savage
2 hours -
Tiwa Savage criticised by female fans for stance on cheating in relationships
2 hours -
Bank of England expected to hold interest rates
3 hours -
Congo river boat sinks killing at least 22
3 hours -
Nigeria approves Shell’s $2.4 billion asset sale to Renaissance
3 hours -
Embattled Liberian speaker questioned by police over parliament fire
4 hours -
‘I won’t be a judge in my own court; ORAL is about protecting public purse’ – Ablakwa
4 hours -
Bawumia joins thousands in Kumasi for burial prayers for Ashanti Regional Imam
4 hours