There has been ongoing speculation in the media that low vitamin D status increases the risk of experiencing worse health outcomes if Covid-19 is contracted, perhaps because of the higher incidence in individuals who are from black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds. However, there is no confirmation of a link, mainly because there are several risk factors for severe Covid-19 outcomes, but also because of the interrelationship between vitamin D levels in the body and inflammation. The concentration of vitamin D in the body falls during a systemic inflammatory response, as occurs during a Covid-19 infection. Therefore, it is difficult to establish whether low vitamin D status causes poorer outcomes with Covid-19 or if what happens in the body during the infection results in low vitamin D status.

However, recently published guidance by the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) on the topic, recommends that everyone should follow UK Government advice on taking a vitamin D supplement. Rashida’s father, who is getting little sunshine exposure because he isn’t going outdoors very often – and therefore not making very much vitamin D in his skin – should take 10mcg (400iU) daily throughout the year. Furthermore, as he is clinically extremely vulnerable, he is able to access NHS-funded supplements.