Posts praise vitamin D supplements and express distrust in vaccines

A popular YouTube video denounced COVID-19 vaccines and alleged that vitamin D supplements prevent infection.

A popular YouTube video sparked conversation about the potential benefits of vitamin D supplements and cast doubt on the necessity of COVID-19 vaccines.

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On October 23, a YouTube video from a U.K.-based account with approximately 3.2 million subscribers discussed a recent literature review about how vitamin D may impact the immune system’s response to COVID-19. The authors of the literature review suggested that treating COVID-19 patients who are deficient in vitamin D with both antiviral medication and vitamin D supplements may improve health outcomes and posited that vitamin D supplementation may reduce the risk of severe COVID-19 symptoms in deficient individuals. However, the authors noted that randomized controlled trials are still needed to determine whether vitamin D supplements can prevent COVID-19 or assist in recovery from a COVID-19 infection. The man in the YouTube video—who identified himself as a retired health care professional—suggested that fewer pharmaceutical drugs would be needed if people knew about the benefits of vitamin D. He also expressed opposition to COVID-19 vaccines, stating, “The idea that they keep pushing vaccines to people like me just seems preposterous.” The video received approximately 631,000 views, 37,000 likes, and 4,500 comments as of November 21. Most comments expressed gratitude for the video, stating that it will “save thousands of lives,” and celebrated the alleged benefits of vitamin D supplements. Others expressed distrust in guidance from public health officials and suggested that people who promote the benefits of vitamin D are victims of censorship.

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Health messaging recommendations

Each week, the Infodemiology.com team will provide messaging recommendations in response to some of the trending narratives outlined above. These helpful tips can be used when creating content, updating web and FAQ pages, and developing strategy for messaging about health.

In response to online conversation about vitamin D and COVID-19, health care providers and public health communicators may explain that research is still split on whether vitamin D supplements can improve immune function. Vitamin D supplements are generally considered safe, but they may not be reviewed by government agencies before they reach store shelves. Plus, vitamin D may interact with some medications, and taking too much can result in negative health outcomes. It’s safest to take vitamin D supplements under the guidance of a health care provider. The only way to know if you are deficient in vitamin D is by getting a blood test. Additional messaging may emphasize that staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccines prevents severe illness, hospitalization, long-term health complications, and death from COVID-19. Plus, wearing a high-quality, well-fitting mask—particularly in crowded or high-risk settings—dramatically reduces the risk of contracting the virus.