Coronavirus UK news update – Vitamin D covid theory ‘DEBUNKED’ plus latest on cases, deaths, holidays and vaccines

TWO studies claim to have ‘debunked’ suggestions vitamin D supplements offer protection against Covid-19.

The University of Barcelona had previously suggested that giving high-dose vitamin D to COVID patients in hospital could cut deaths by 60% – a theory later quoted by MP David Davis.

The Lancet medical review has since removed the study citing concerns about how the research was carried out.

Now two studies, neither of them peer reviewed, have also found that there is no real evidence to support the vitamin D claims.

One study by Mendelian mined a database of hundreds of thousands of people with genetic markers that make them predisposed to vitamin D deficiencies and found no “genetic evidence” they were at more risk.

A second study by Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in Greece compared the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in 24 countries to coronavirus cases and deaths and found “limited data” to support the claims.

It comes as Brits were told to hold off on booking summer holidays abroad until it’s clearer whether the PM’s roadmap out of lockdown is still on track.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps warned “we can’t guarantee” international travel will definitely restart on May 17 because the decision will depend on the state of the pandemic.

And he advised people desperate for a break in the sun it would “make sense” to wait until after April 12 – when a panel of experts will report back on how to restart tourism – before making bookings.

His remarks will come as a blow to millions who are already eyeing up a jaunt in warmer climes, with Britain’s vaccination successful vaccination programme causing cases and deaths to plummet.

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