Many critically ill patients lack vitamin D to an extent that can be life-threatening. This also goes for patients hospitalized with COVID-19. A large meta-analysis concludes that supplementation with vitamin D can lower all-cause mortality and reduce the duration of patients’ stay in intensive care. In the meta-analysis, the researchers look at the mechanisms that enable vitamin D to regulate inflammation and oxidative stress, which can lead to organ failure in critically ill patients.

Primary Q10 deficiency is a rare dysfunction where the body’s missing ability to synthesize Q10 can lead to a rare type of nephrotic disease that cannot be treated with medicine. According to a new study that is published in Kidney International, however, it appears that Q10 supplementation can reduce the kidneys’ protein excretion, protect renal function, and lower mortality. Based on their findings, the scientists conclude that all patients with primary Q10 deficiency should ideally receive early and life-long Q10 therapy in order to prevent the disease from progressing and to avoid future organ damage.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an insidious disease that is spreading like a bushfire, and it is typically seen in connection with overweight. Many people with the disease develop a type of liver inflammation and scarring that can be potentially life-threatening. According to a study that is published in Journal of Hepatology, supplementation with vitamin B12 and folic acid (vitamin B9) can counteract the development of inflammation and scarring by lowering levels of the amino acid homocysteine. The scientists behind the study looked closer at homocysteine’s role in the pathogenicity of the disease.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide but a new Dutch study has revealed that older patients who have suffered a previous heart attack can lower their risk of early death caused by cardiovascular disease and other causes by getting enough magnesium. Magnesium deficiencies are rather common because of unhealthy eating habits, and there are also certain types of medicine that impair the body’s ability to absorb and utilize magnesium.

Babies and small children are less likely to develop croup if their mothers have taken high-dosed vitamin D and fish oil during their pregnancy, according to a Danish study, where scientists have studied this relation for the very first time. Vitamin D and fish oil also benefit the child’s immune defense and counteract the inflammation in the respiratory system that triggers croup. The two supplements even have a positive impact on the child’s bone health and nervous system, and they also help prevent asthma.

Cystic fibrosis is a serious condition that affects the respiratory tract. It comes with chronic inflammation and sticky mucous and is known to cause early death. Patients who take high-dosed vitamin C supplements seem to make better use of vitamin E, which is also an antioxidant, and the result is less inflammation. This was seen in a study from Oregon State University. The scientists mention that taking extra vitamin C is also relevant for smokers and patients with metabolic disease.

Because COVID-19 mutates from time to time, a vaccine can only provide temporary protection. Also, studies suggest that what makes COVID-19 dangerous is when the immune defense overreacts by launching so-called hyperinflammation that can damage the circulatory system and healthy tissues. The omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil turn out to have the potential to prevent COVID-19 infections from becoming life-threatening due to hyperinflammation. That way, fish oil can also help improve survival, according to a review article that is published in International Journal of General Medicine.

Vitamin B3 plays a crucial role in our brain and nervous system, and it is also important for our mental well-being. Studies suggest that lack of vitamin B3 increases the risk of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and schizophrenia. Moreover, epidemiological studies show that diets without vitamin B3 in them tend to cause aggression and an increased rate of homicide. Too little B3 can be caused by dietary shortages and environmental factors, but it also appears that some people have an increased need for the nutrient due to genetic variations and problems with utilizing the vitamin.

According to WHO, chronic inflammation is the leading cause of death worldwide. Although it is not something that can be felt as such, chronic inflammation sets the stage for a host of different diseases. In a new review article that is published in StatPearls, the authors look closer at why chronic inflammation is so dangerous and how a healthier lifestyle with vitamin D, selenium, magnesium, zinc, and fish oil can help fight the inflammation and prevent the many different diseases and early death that follow in its wake.

There is a link between low blood levels of vitamin D and low levels of testosterone in overweight, young men, according to a study that is published in the scientific journal Frontiers in Endocrinology. It is also well known that vitamin D deficiency is more widespread among overweight people and this can affect your resistance, blood sugar levels, and a number of other functions. In fact, overweight individuals should make sure to get enough vitamin D. For men, it’s vital to produce sufficient quantities of testosterone, a hormone that is important for muscle mass, bones, vitality, fertility, and libido.

Zinc is of vital importance to the immune defense, our mental balance, fertility, skin, hair, sense of taste, and numerous other functions. According to a new study that is published in Current Research in Physiology, zinc interacts closely with vitamin D and is important for our cells’ ability to absorb vitamin D. Conversely, vitamin D supports the uptake of zinc in the intestines and supports various zinc-dependent cell functions. According to the new study, lack of one or both nutrients can result in a host of different problems such as infections, poor wound healing, muscle diseases, cardiovascular disease, neurological disorders, osteoporosis, cancer, and many other diseases. This is a problem because zinc and vitamin D deficiencies are rather common – mainly because of unhealthy eating habits, lack of sunlight, ageing, overweight, and the use of certain types of medicine.