– We are sure that the conclusion is correct, and it is a disappointing conclusion. It would have been much better for everyone if it had been the case that taking cod liver oil, or vitamin D, every day proved to protect against covid-19. But it doesn’t, says researcher and doctor Arne Søraas to NTB. He has led the Cod liver oil study, where almost 35,000 participants have been followed throughout the pandemic to find out whether consuming cod liver oil, which contains a lot of vitamin D, can have a preventive effect on covid-19. The results of the study, which have been delayed, were published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) on Thursday night. Arne Søraas is a doctor and specialist in infectious disease medicine. He is also a researcher at the microbiology department at Oslo University Hospital. Photo: Halldor Asvall / news Nothing In the period 10 November 2020 to 13 April 2021, the participants, all over the age of 18, were sent either cod liver oil or corn oil – both lemon flavored. They were to take that every day through the winter. It was then investigated whether the group that received cod liver oil was to a lesser extent infected with the coronavirus, developed severe covid-16 or colds – or whether the cod liver oil could have other health effects. – We found nothing, no difference between the groups that indicated a preventive effect, says Søraas. The background for the Trans study was a large meta-analysis on this and findings from the large corona study in spring 2020. There they saw that people who had taken vitamin D got covid to a lesser extent than others. It was important to find out if vitamin D was the real cause. The results clearly show that the vitamin D level dropped throughout the winter in those who received a placebo, while it increased in the trend drinkers. But the level of respiratory tract infections was similar. The findings agree with the results of a British survey of 6,200 adults, also published in the BMJ last Thursday night. In the period May to October 2021, they were given either the recommended daily dose of vitamin D (20 micrograms), four times the daily dose (80 micrograms) or nothing. None of the vitamin D doses had a preventive effect on respiratory tract infections or covid-19 in the following six months. Massive material Søraas leads the corona study at Oslo University Hospital. With over 140,000 participants followed up since the start of the pandemic, this is one of the largest studies in the world of the corona pandemic. In total, over 200,000 Norwegians have contributed. Most people thought that vitamin D made you less likely to get covid, but there could also be “something” with those who had good levels of the vitamin. The researchers, in collaboration with Orkla, wanted to find out whether vitamin D prevents infections in itself, or whether a high level of vitamin D in people is a marker for a good lifestyle. Diet, sun, nutritional supplements and age are some factors that affect the level. – 35,000 Norwegians have taken cod liver oil or a placebo every morning for six months, so we have managed to get an answer, says Søraas. – Now we have come a step further and can ask the question: What is it about those who have a high vitamin D level, which means that they are protected against respiratory infections and covid? Doctor and researcher Arne Søraas. Photo: Torstein Bøe / news Several findings Perhaps you have to take the vitamin for years to get the effect. – But it is most likely that personality and lifestyle have a lot to say, says the researcher. – If you are someone who consciously takes care of your health, protects yourself and follows orders from the authorities, you are better protected against getting infected – and most likely you are also aware of taking sufficient vitamin D or cod liver oil. He also mentions a couple of other important findings from the study: – We saw that taking the vaccine is very effective. It protects against corona, at least against the Delta variant, which was in circulation during our study period. We saw a sharp decrease in the proportion that became infected when the vaccination started, says Søraas. In addition, they found that those who took cod liver oil had no negative side effects compared to those who received oil.
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Vitamin D does not protect against covid – news Norway – Overview of news from different parts of the country
