CORONA VIRUS: WHAT TO DO

Be Ready to Fight Covid-19

The following is a common sense, science-based, approach to preventing Corona Virus (Covid-19) infection.  There is, at this point, NO published, scientifically validated, research with any vitamin, mineral, phytonutrient (non-vitamin, non-mineral nutrient with health-promoting properties), anti-viral medication, or mixture of the aforementioned, which has shown protection against the Covid -19 virus (a “new” virus). HOWEVER, the following recommendations, and remember it is the synergy of ALL of the following science-based suggestions, I believe will give each of us a very good chance of not being infected by the virus.

The Common Sense Science-Based Approach to Fight Covid-19

Have your health care professional order a 25 (OH) Vitamin D3 test.  Code E55.5 to avoid insurance companies charging an excessive amount for the test.  Aim for a serum level of 50-75 to 80 ng/ml.  Depending on your intake of vitamin D3 when you have the first test done, it is relatively easy to recommend a daily dose that will help you achieve the aforementioned serum level.  Four months after your first blood test (and 4 months on the recommended dose to achieve the recommended blood level), repeat the blood test.  You may or may not be able to lower your daily “dose”, in fact, you may need to raise it still further.  Whatever your total daily amount of supplemental vitamin D3 may be, divide the dose, so 50% is with breakfast and 50% with dinner.  Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin (actually “D” is a hormone), and needs fat in the meal to be properly absorbed.  Food sources are great, but supplements are almost always necessary.  “D” is absolutely necessary for your immune system to function properly.  As an added incentive, keep in mind that January is the month usually associated with the highest incidence of the “flu” (a viral infection) and is the month where humans have been noted to have their lowest blood levels of vitamin D (NO accident here).

Sources of Vitamin D

1. Cod liver oil (1 tbsp) 1300 IU

2. Wild Alaskan sockeye salmon (3.5 oz)

3. Albacore tuna (3.5 oz)   540 IU

4. Wild Alaskan silver salmon (3.5 oz)    425 IU

5. Pink salmon, canned (3 oz)  360 IU

6. Sardines, canned (3 oz) 250 IU

7. Milk or Soymilk, vitamin D fortified (1 cup) 100 IU