Question reference: S5W-33173
- Asked by: Alison Johnstone, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Green Party
- Date lodged: 11 November 2020
-
Current status: Answered by Jeane Freeman on 2 December 2020
Question
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of international evidence linking vitamin D deficiency to COVID-19 severity, what studies it (a) has undertaken and (b) is undertaking to monitor the effect of vitamin D levels on COVID-19 severity.
Answer
The Scottish Government has not and is not currently undertaking any research studies relating to vitamin D and Covid-19. Recent open calls inviting research proposals on Covid-19 generated significant interest however none of the studies involved vitamin D. However there is such research active elsewhere in the UK. The UK is working as a whole to ensure NHS resources are used effectively during the Covid-19 pandemic. Should such a study wish to open sites in Scotland support would be prioritised through NHS Research Scotland. Information on prioritised studies can be found at https://www.nihr.ac.uk/covid-studies/