What is the latest evidence that the Welsh Government has about the value of giving people vitamin D or recommending more strongly that they should take it as part of efforts to prevent SARS-CoV-2 illnesses?
At the present time, the Welsh Government is not aware of any robust evidence that vitamin D supplements prevent COVID-19 infection. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition convened expert panels to rapidly review the evidence from recent studies on vitamin D in relation to COVID-19 and acute respiratory tract infections. They concluded there is currently not enough evidence to support taking vitamin D to prevent or treat COVID-19. NICE recommends:
“Do not offer a vitamin D supplement to people solely to prevent COVID‑19, except as part of a clinical trial.”
The Welsh Government will continue to consider the emerging evidence. Our current recommendation is for everyone to take daily vitamin D supplements during the autumn and winter months for bone and muscle health, as we get most of our vitamin D from sunlight on our skin. Certain groups with very little or no sunshine exposure or darker skin are advised to take supplements throughout the year.