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Covid: Vitamin D
17 June 2021
Lead MP
Jim Shannon
Strangford
DUP
Responding Minister
Nadine Dorries
Tags
Social Care
Word Count: 9195
Other Contributors: 2
At a Glance
Jim Shannon raised concerns about covid: vitamin d in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
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:
Lead Contributor
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.
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
Government Response
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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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.