Scientists have dismissed claims that ‘mega doses’ of vitamin D can protect or prevent against the novel Coronavirus. However, they have emphasised the importance of maintaining a healthy level of vitamin D in the body.

The dismissal by the scientists comes after some online articles claimed that large doses of the vitamin can act as a protective measure against the virus, a claim that has prompted an urgent need to inform the public.

Professor Colin Smith, from the University of Brighton, alongside some of his colleagues from around the UK writing in the BMJ journal Nutrition, Prevention and Health addressed the issue saying: ‘There are currently some very misleading articles doing the rounds on social media about mega doses of vitamin D as a Covid-19 protective measure – which are not true – and hence the urgent need to inform the public.’

‘In lockdown, many of us are not getting enough vitamin D – either from the sun or from the diet – and it is important that we all get enough vitamin D3 via supplements. ‘In addition to maintaining healthy bones and muscles, vitamin D3 is very important for maintaining a healthy immune system.

‘A balanced response by the body to infection by the coronavirus is very important, since an overreaction of the immune system to the virus can be just as dangerous as a weak immune response.’ he added