Mike Montemarano, Associate Editor 02.22.21
U.S. Representative Glenn Grothman (R-WI) recently introduced a resolution (HR 116) which recognizes the benefits of vitamin D intake for the prevention of respiratory infection and COVID-19 complications, and, if enacted, would instruct the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to “issue guidance on vitamin D intake for the elderly and immunocompromised individuals during the coronavirus pandemic.”
The resolution cites numerous recommendations made by various medical research associations, as well as a number of clinical trials suggesting a strong correlation between vitamin D deficiencies and negative COVID-19 outcomes, including studies published by Northwestern University, University of Chicago, and Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland, which link deficiency in the vitamin to severe symptoms, longer hospital stays, ICU admittance, and overall mortality rate.
“This past September, Dr. Anthony Fauci endorsed taking vitamin D supplements for immune system health and function,” Grothman wrote in a newsletter. “In December, 120 health, science, and medical experts from the U.S., U.K., and Europe [all members of the “Vitamin D for All Coalition”] sent an open letter to world governments stating that there is clear evidence that vitamin D reduces COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations, and deaths.”
“During the early stages of COVID-19, the world was in need of a treatment for this virus while we awaited a safe, effective vaccine,” he continued. “While we now have vaccines to prevent COVID-19, not everyone has access to them yet, there are two existing COVID variants that we know of, and people are still dying from the illness every day. We have been told to listen to the science regarding COVID-19 since its inception. Now, 120 doctors from several of the world’s most prestigious medical institutions concur that there is overwhelming evidence that vitamin D can be effective in decreasing the severity of COVID-19, but our government’s top public health agencies still have not pursued this credible lead. The unwillingness of these agencies to investigate this lead has undoubtedly cost many lives.”
The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), a trade association representing the dietary supplements industry, recently applauded the resolution.
“CRN commends Congressman Grothman for introducing a proposal before Congress that will focus public attention and promote consumer awareness on how vitamin D can help limit the negative effects of COVID-19,” Julia Gustafson, vice president of Government Relations for CRN, said. “Our members have long recognized the importance of vitamin D supplementation, as this essential nutrient is critical to overall health at all life stages. CRN joins Congressman Grothman in urging public health establishments to issue guidance about the benefits of vitamin D supplementation and the role it may play in reducing the risk of serious COVID-19 symptoms and complications.”
The resolution cites numerous recommendations made by various medical research associations, as well as a number of clinical trials suggesting a strong correlation between vitamin D deficiencies and negative COVID-19 outcomes, including studies published by Northwestern University, University of Chicago, and Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland, which link deficiency in the vitamin to severe symptoms, longer hospital stays, ICU admittance, and overall mortality rate.
“This past September, Dr. Anthony Fauci endorsed taking vitamin D supplements for immune system health and function,” Grothman wrote in a newsletter. “In December, 120 health, science, and medical experts from the U.S., U.K., and Europe [all members of the “Vitamin D for All Coalition”] sent an open letter to world governments stating that there is clear evidence that vitamin D reduces COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations, and deaths.”
“During the early stages of COVID-19, the world was in need of a treatment for this virus while we awaited a safe, effective vaccine,” he continued. “While we now have vaccines to prevent COVID-19, not everyone has access to them yet, there are two existing COVID variants that we know of, and people are still dying from the illness every day. We have been told to listen to the science regarding COVID-19 since its inception. Now, 120 doctors from several of the world’s most prestigious medical institutions concur that there is overwhelming evidence that vitamin D can be effective in decreasing the severity of COVID-19, but our government’s top public health agencies still have not pursued this credible lead. The unwillingness of these agencies to investigate this lead has undoubtedly cost many lives.”
The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), a trade association representing the dietary supplements industry, recently applauded the resolution.
“CRN commends Congressman Grothman for introducing a proposal before Congress that will focus public attention and promote consumer awareness on how vitamin D can help limit the negative effects of COVID-19,” Julia Gustafson, vice president of Government Relations for CRN, said. “Our members have long recognized the importance of vitamin D supplementation, as this essential nutrient is critical to overall health at all life stages. CRN joins Congressman Grothman in urging public health establishments to issue guidance about the benefits of vitamin D supplementation and the role it may play in reducing the risk of serious COVID-19 symptoms and complications.”
