One study suggests that exposure to sunlight has been linked to a lower risk of death from Covid-19.
"People living in sunny areas, with the highest level of exposure to UVA rays, are associated with fewer deaths from coronavirus compared to those with lower levels," said experts from the University of Edinburgh.
Factors known to be associated with increased exposure to Covid-19 and risk of death - including age, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, population density, air pollution, temperature and infection levels in local areas - were taken into account during the study. observer.
There have been several studies suggesting that vitamin D, which is produced in the skin in response to sunlight, has some benefit in preventing Covid-19. However, researchers at the University of Edinburgh said the observed reduction in the risk of dying from the disease could not be explained by higher levels of vitamin D.
One suggestion to explain the lower number of deaths is that exposure to sunlight causes the skin to release nitric oxide, which may reduce the ability of Sars-CoV-2 to replicate, as found in several studies laboratory.
The same group of researchers, previously found that increased exposure to sunlight is associated with better cardiovascular health, lower blood pressure and fewer heart attacks. Heart disease is a known risk factor for death from coronavirus, which may explain the latest findings, they said.
Due to the observational nature of the study, the team said it was not possible to determine cause and effect, but hoped this could lead to further in-depth studies.
Dr. Richard Weller, co-author of the study, dermatologist, said:
"There is still so much we do not understand about Covid-19. These early results may indicate that exposure to sunlight may serve as a way to potentially reduce the risk of death. "
Source: The Independent
