Health Hotline Magazine | July 2020

VITAMIN D Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in the United States, especially among darker-skinned people. One study showed that while 50 percent of Americans would be classified as vitamin D deficient, Latinos and African Americans represent 58 percent and 81 percent of vitamin D deficiency, respectively. xxix Research has also found vitamin D deficiency to be prevalent among Native Americans. xxx Dark skin inhibits the conversion of UVB rays into vitamin D, the way our bodies naturally produce this important vitamin. Vitamin D is critical for overall health, and is well known to support healthy immune and inflammatory responses; it may be especially beneficial in protecting against COVID-19. The first studies investigating vitamin D in COVID-19 patients are revealing that vitamin D status is significantly associated with severity of illness, with critical patients having the lowest levels of vitamin D, and patients with mild cases having higher levels. Vitamin D is necessary for the immune molecules that reduce viral replication and inflammation that can injure the lining of the lungs. xxxi xxxii xxxiii VITAMIN C Vitamin C is required by a number of critical immune cells to function properly. Because the human body cannot make vitamin C and this important antioxidant is severely depleted by inflammation, stress, and illness, it is especially important to supplement during times of infection and chronic stress. Vitamin C is also similar in structure to glucose and uses the same receptor sites to enter the cell membrane—this means that if you eat a lot of sugary junk foods, less vitamin C will be absorbed because glucose is “hogging” the receptors sites. Finally, vitamin C also plays an important role in cardiovascular health, including reducing the risk of high blood pressure, and studies have found that African Americans tend to have low levels of the vitamin. The body does not store vitamin C, so it must be replenished daily. xxxiv xxxv xxxvi xxxvii xxxviii xxxix xl xli B COMPLEX B-complex vitamins support general health, nervous system health, mental wellbeing, and overall immune function. Low B6 intake has been associated with impaired immune function, including decreased production of critical immune molecules that are crucial in the body’s response to infection. B1 (thiamin) supports healthy levels of inflammation, particularly during the early stages of the immune response, and B12 is necessary for proper cell division and growth, including that of important immune cells. The B vitamins are also critical to support the body during times of stress and mental trauma; if you are chronically stressed, or are dealing with depression or anxiety, the B vitamins become a must-take supplement. xlii xliii The B vitamins have also been found to lessen the negative health e ects of air pollution, particularly that of fine particulate matter than can infiltrate the lungs. xliv

ZINC Zinc is crucial for the proper functioning of the immune system and works synergistically with vitamins C and D to support both innate and adaptive immunity, particularly against viral infections. Zinc exhibits a direct anti-viral e ect, including preventing viral replication and the binding of viruses to cells. Even moderate deficiencies in zinc can increase the risk of infection, and according to one review, “…impaired immune functions due to inadequate zinc status may be the most common cause of secondary immunodeficiency in humans.” It may be especially important for African Americans to supplement with zinc, because of a genetic predisposition that may reduce the ability to absorb zinc. Compound this with a lower dietary intake of zinc, and supplementation becomes crucial. xlv xlvi xlvii xlviii xlix EXTRA ANTIOXIDANT SUPPORT AND WHY IT’S IMPORTANT Are you familiar with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD)? G6PD is an enzyme deficiency, especially common among African Americans, with one in every 10 African American men having the deficiency. This deficiency leads to high levels of oxidative stress, which is known to increase viral proliferation and virulence. Research published in 2008 found that G6PD-deficient cells were more susceptible to human coronavirus infection due to large amounts of oxidative stress caused by the virus. The same study also found that G6PD-deficient cells pretreated with alpha lipoic acid (ALA), an antioxidant, were able to reduce oxidative stress, thereby reducing susceptibility to coronavirus infection. The researchers wrote, “…this finding also suggests that antioxidant treatment may protect G6PD-deficient subjects from viral infection.” l li lii Finally, vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant and is found in high concentrations in immune cells. Evidence from animal and human studies have shown optimal levels of vitamin E may be especially beneficial in supporting the immune response to viral infections. liii

While this pandemic has shown a spotlight on the racial disparities in health, these problems have long existed and are deep rooted. And it’s time to give them our full attention. There is no fast and easy solution, and leveling the playing field will take a long-term, multi-faceted approach, but increasing the availability of a ordable

healthy food to all communities, promoting nutrition and health education programs, and addressing underlying socioeconomic and social justice issues is a start. Because everyone deserves good health, especially people of color.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

References available upon request.

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