441-00347 (Health)

Whereas:

• An early systemic review of applicable scientific literature found that “blood vitamin D status can determine the risk of being infected with COVID-19, seriousness of COVID-19, and mortality from COVID-19”. Additionally, it further recommended that the public maintain appropriate levels of Vitamin D to be able to cope with the pandemic (“Effects of Vitamin D on COVID-19 Infection and Prognosis: A Systemic Review”; Jan 2021);
• A Meta-analysis found that “vitamin D supplementation had an association with favourable outcomes of COVID-19, compromising reduction in the rate of ICU admission, reduction in ventilation usage and reduction of mortality rate from COVID-19” (“Vitamin D supplementation and COVID-19 outcomes: a systemic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression”; June 2021);
• The study, “The Impact of Vitamin D Level on COVID-19 Infection: Systemic Review and Meta Analysis” (March 2021) found that “Sufficient Vitamin D level [...] is associated with a significantly decreased risk of COVID-19 infection.”;
• Numerous other studies have come to similar conclusions; and
• People get Vitamin D from sunlight exposure, so during a season when Canadians are less likely to spend time outdoors, increased awareness about Vitamin D is particularly important.

We, the undersigned, citizens and permanent residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to:

1. Recognize the emerging scientific evidence that low levels of vitamin D are associated with worse outcomes from COVID-19; and

2. Work to increase public awareness about the importance of individuals maintaining recommended Vitamin D levels.