Supplements brand Pharma Nord has revealed its Bio-Vitamin D3 has been chosen for a ground-breaking new large-scale trial studying the effects of vitamin D supplementation in protecting against COVID-19.
The trial, named Coronavit, is being led by researchers from the Queen Mary University of London and funded by Barts Charity. 5,000-plus participants – who are not already supplementing ‘the sunshine vitamin’ – will be subject to a finger-prick test to determine their existing vitamin D levels; those shown to be deficient will be sent high dose Pharma Nord tablets to take at home to correct their levels during winter.
David Jolliffe, principal investigator of the study, says this ‘test and treat’ approach could generate a ‘definitive answer’ to the question of whether vitamin D can help protect against COVID and other acute respiratory infections, and indeed reduce poor outcomes from the disease.
“Vitamin D supplements are low in cost, low in risk and widely accessible; if proven effective, they could significantly aid in our global fight against the virus,” comments Jolliffe.
Pharma Nord became the chosen vitamin D supplier due to its ‘long-established use in other clinical trials’, which has seen its supplements used in more than 300 individual studies over the past 30 years, supported by published papers which show Bio-Vitamin D3’s ‘effectiveness and its ability to raise vitamin D levels in the blood’.
To be chosen for one of the most important and high profile clinical trials in recent years is a real accolade for Pharma Nord
Over a six-month period, half the subjects will be given 20microgram capsules while the other half will take a dose of 80micrograms.
Bent Henriksen, managing director, Pharma Nord UK, comments: “To be chosen for one of the most important and high profile clinical trials in recent years is a real accolade for Pharma Nord and a hugely valuable seal of approval for the quality, safety and bioavailability of our Bio-Vitamin D3.
“The scientists at Queen Mary University are doing some amazing work in this field and it will be fascinating to see how the Coronavit study pans out.
“It was vitally important for them to choose a vitamin D supplement with a proven track record in clinical trials and documented evidence of its effectiveness in raising levels of vitamin D in the blood.
“Pharma Nord Bio-Vitamin D3 ticks both boxes in this respect and the fact that it is made to pharmaceutical standards is a further sign of quality which will be crucial when it comes to assessing the results of such a large-scale trial.”
