Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Covid: Vitamin D

17 June 2021 · 2 other contributors · 9,195 words

Opened by Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

Responding minister: Nadine Dorries

NHS

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Jim Shannon raised concerns about covid: vitamin d in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Jim Shannon raised concerns about the impact of vitamin D deficiency on immune response to respiratory viruses, citing studies that show vitamin D supplementation reduces ICU admissions and mortality rates among covid-19 patients.
  • Shannon expressed worry over high rates of vitamin D deficiency in black, Asian, and minority ethnic groups, linking this to higher mortality rates within these communities.
  • Shannon asked the Government to consider raising awareness among BAME communities through community leaders and suggested committing new funding towards this cause.

Key requests to Government

Shannon asks the Government to look at the evidence regarding vitamin D's potential benefits against covid-19 and consider raising awareness among BAME communities through community leaders. He suggests involving community leaders in spreading awareness and proposes that new funding or investment should be committed towards this cause if it can prevent further loss of life.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

Jim Shannon is concerned about the impact of vitamin D deficiency on individuals' immune response to respiratory viruses, especially in light of the high levels of anxiety and depression prevalent during the pandemic. He points out that vitamin D can potentially mitigate the inflammatory response against respiratory viruses like SARS-CoV-2. Shannon highlights evidence from studies indicating that vitamin D supplementation significantly reduces ICU admissions and mortality rates among patients with covid-19 infections, suggesting a beneficial role for vitamin D. Furthermore, he expresses worry about high rates of vitamin D deficiency in black, Asian, and minority ethnic groups, which may contribute to higher mortality rates within these communities.

Other contributors (2)
  • Alex Norris Lab Co-op Nottingham North and Kimberley

    Mr Norris agreed with the hon. Member for Strangford on the importance of vitamin D in pandemic preparation and as a potential therapeutic measure against covid-19. He noted that 80% of adults have received their first vaccine dose but no vaccine is completely protective, highlighting the need to consider additional methods like vitamin D supplementation. Mr Norris mentioned that NICE guidelines from December indicated little evidence for using vitamin D supplements to prevent or treat COVID-19, yet new studies suggest a potential correlation between low vitamin D status and more severe covid-19 outcomes.

  • David Linden SNP Glasgow East

    Paid tribute to NHS staff and volunteers for the success of Scotland's vaccination programme, noting that 64.6% of the population has received their first dose and 45.2% both doses. Emphasised the importance of vitamin D in immune response and health, highlighting Scottish Government initiatives such as providing free vitamin D supplements to pregnant women since 2017.

Government Response

Nadine Dorries

Responded directly to points raised in the debate, noting that while there is interest in vitamin D's potential impact on covid-19, current evidence does not support its use for prevention or treatment. Cited ongoing trials and stressed the importance of robust data. Highlighted government initiatives such as free vitamin D supplements for vulnerable groups, Healthy Start scheme beneficiaries, care home residents, prisoners, and clinically extremely vulnerable individuals during winter 2020-21. Emphasized the need to continue monitoring new evidence from ongoing research.

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