During these trying times, we need to be doing all we can to keep healthy. That includes social distancing, wearing a face covering when appropriate, washing our hands and disinfecting surfaces we frequently touch. All of these things can reduce the spread of COVID-19 and keep you and your family safe.

Another way we can stay healthy is by making sure our bodies are running at full capacity with a balanced diet and proper vitamin intake. Over the past few months, medical research studies out of Northwestern University and Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland were released asserting that vitamin D deficiency may play a role in increasing the severity of symptoms and overall mortality rate in COVID-19 patients. Here is an excerpt from the Northwestern University article:

“By analyzing publicly available patient data from around the globe, Backman and his team discovered a strong correlation between vitamin D levels and cytokine storm — a hyperinflammatory condition caused by an overactive immune system — as well as a correlation between vitamin D deficiency and mortality.

‘Cytokine storm can severely damage lungs and lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome and death in patients,’ Daneshkhah said. ‘This is what seems to kill a majority of COVID-19 patients, not the destruction of the lungs by the virus itself. It is the complications from the misdirected fire from the immune system.’”

The article then states that while it will not prevent an individual from contracting COVID-19, having healthy levels of vitamin D may prevent or reduce severe illness, complications or death in those who are infected. Both the Northwestern and Trinity College studies included statistical analysis from hospital systems and health clinics across several countries. Their research showed that patients from European countries with high COVID-19 mortality rates such as Italy, Spain, and the UK, had notably lower levels of vitamin D concentration compared to patients in countries that were not as severely affected.    

Unlike other proposed treatments for the virus, the results shown by these studies fall outside of the realm of a statistical anomaly. That is why I offered an amendment to H.R. 6800, The HEROS Act, that would require the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to provide a report to Congress on the relationship between vitamin D and COVID-19. Unfortunately, that amendment was rejected by Democrats on the House Committee on Rules, who had a final say on what amendments were added to the bill.

To be clear, vitamin D is not a replacement for a vaccine, will not prevent you from contracting the virus and it is still unknown at this point what sort of role vitamin D plays in the COVID-19 illness. What is clear is that a vitamin D deficiency is harmful and can lead to more severe complications in those who do contract COVID-19. That is why I am once again calling on the CDC to look into this relationship. While we currently do not know the extent of the relationship between vitamin D and COVID-19, it remains a promising way to lessen the ill-effects of the virus and we should be investigating every lead available in order to quickly defeat the virus. Plus, it is provided absolutely free by simply stepping outside and taking in some sunshine.

I hope members of the media will join me in shining a light on the positive effects vitamin D seems to have on COVID-19. Here are some highlights from media outlets that have already shared this information:

Could Vitamin D be defense against coronavirus? (WISN)
Republican U.S. Rep. Glenn Grothman, of Juneau, cited two recent studies from Northwestern University and Trinity College in Dublin.

Researchers show potential link between vitamin D and coronavirus (NBC 15)
U.S. Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah) is calling on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to further explore this potential link.

Hometown Broadcasting News Friday 5/22/20 (Hometown Broadcasting)
Congressman Glenn Grothman would like to see more research done on the link between Vitamin D deficiency and COVID-19.

Thanks to everyone in Manitowoc, Waushara and Winnebago County who joined me this week for my two telephone town hall meetings, where we discussed what Congress is doing to ensure states have the PPE and testing capabilities they need as well as ways we can safely reopen our economy and get Wisconsinites back to work.

As your Representative, the health and well-being of my constituents is my top priority. Additionally, I believe that one of the most important parts of my job is keeping you informed and hearing what issues matter most to you. In these unprecedented times, where we are working from home and social distancing, telephone town hall meetings are one of the best ways I can make sure your voice and our Wisconsin values are being heard in Washington.

Stay tuned into to my E-newsletter for updates on my next town hall meetings.

This past Monday, we remembered all those who paid the ultimate price while defending our freedom throughout the world. I wanted to take one more moment to remember these brave men and women who’ve fallen in the line of duty to protect us every day. Thank you for your service.