Vitamin D not only has immune-boosting properties, it also optimizes bone health, says Lindel. “However, there are very few foods rich in vitamin D aside from certain fish, dairy, and fortified products,” she adds. “While we can get vitamin D from the sun, another option would be adding a vitamin D supplement like Everlywell’s Vitamin D3 Gummies into your routine.”
Sherman adds that low vitamin D levels can increase your risk of respiratory infection, including influenza and possibly COVID-19. “People of color, those who are obese, and those spending most of their time indoors are at highest risk of vitamin D deficiency,” he says. “Studies from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey have found that about 40% of the U.S. population is deficient. ”
To make sure you’re getting enough—be it through the sun (while wearing sunscreen, of course!), food, or supplements—Lindel recommends asking your primary care doctor to check your levels with a blood test.
