USA Today: Vitamin D and COVID-19

Before you rush to the store or add the supplements to your online checkout cart to combat COVID-19, it's important to know if you are vitamin D deficient.

Although vitamin D is called a vitamin, it's actually more of a hormone. When ultraviolet rays from sunlight strike your skin, the rays trigger vitamin D synthesis. You can build up your vitamin D levels through certain foods and supplements.

Nutritionists say sticking to a healthy diet that includes a variety of nutrient-rich foods can help. 

"A healthy diet means eating food that is as close to its natural form is possible," says Tamara Ward, a specialist in oncology nutrition at the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center. "I don't say just eat real food. Because to a lot of folks, a box of Kraft macaroni and cheese is real because you can touch it, but it is highly processed. That little packet of flavoring isn't real food." 

Read the full story.

Featured photo of Tamara Ward by Colleen Kelley/UC Creative + Brand