The Case for Vitamin D

The Role of Vitamin D in COVID-19 Mortality: Insights from Dr. Ryan Cole and Scientific Studies

The Role of Vitamin D in COVID-19 Mortality: Insights from Dr. Ryan Cole and Scientific Studies

The COVID-19 pandemic sparked intense debate about effective interventions, from vaccines to nutritional strategies. Among the voices challenging mainstream narratives is Dr. Ryan Cole, a board-certified pathologist and CEO of Cole Diagnostics in Idaho, who has emphasized vitamin D deficiency as a critical, yet overlooked, factor in severe COVID-19 outcomes. Cole’s claims, drawn from observational data and global trials, suggest that maintaining optimal vitamin D levels could drastically reduce hospitalization and mortality risks—potentially outshining other interventions like vaccines. This post explores Cole’s arguments, compares them to peer-reviewed studies, and addresses concerns about mainstream sources potentially obscuring simpler solutions like vitamin D supplementation.

Dr. Ryan Cole’s Perspective on Vitamin D and COVID-19

1. Vitamin D Deficiency as a Primary Risk Factor

Cole asserts that vitamin D deficiency is rampant and directly linked to severe COVID-19 outcomes, particularly through the “cytokine storm”—an excessive inflammatory response he identifies as the main cause of death.

  • Prevalence: Over 70% of the global population is deficient, with 80%+ of hospitalized COVID-19 patients and 96% of ICU cases showing low levels (<20–30 ng/mL).
  • Mortality Link: “Data shows what kills people. Cytokine storm. If you are in [vitamin D] mid-level range, you will not die from COVID because you cannot get a cytokine storm.” Dr. Ryan Cole on Vitamin D and Its Role in Fighting Off Disease

2. Optimal Levels Prevent Infection and Severity

He recommends maintaining vitamin D levels above 50 ng/mL to nearly eliminate infection risk and severity, referencing large studies suggesting up to 90% reduced hospitalization risk.

Dr. Ryan Cole’s 3-Minute Testimony in Alaska (2021) | Bowen College

3. Demographic and Seasonal Vulnerabilities

Dr. Cole highlights deficiency among elderly, ethnic minorities, and those in northern regions—arguing that “there is no such thing as flu season, only low vitamin D season.”

Idaho Capitol Clarity Testimony

4. Contextualizing COVID-19 Mortality

He notes that the average age of COVID-19 death (78.6 years) aligns with life expectancy, suggesting the virus exploits existing vulnerabilities like low vitamin D, obesity, and age.

CDC: Life Expectancy 2020

5. Public Health Critique

Cole calls vitamin D “the biggest lost public health message” of the pandemic, advocating supplementation (especially October–March north of the 35th parallel) over measures like outdoor masking.

6. Evidence Cited by Cole

  • German hospital study: >80% lower ventilation/death risk with sufficient vitamin D
  • Veterans Affairs study: 33% lower 30-day mortality in supplemented patients

7. Mechanisms

Vitamin D acts as a prohormone regulating ~2,000 genes, boosting antioxidation and reducing cytokine storms.

Scientific Studies on Vitamin D and COVID-19 Mortality

Study Key Findings Link
Annweiler C, et al. (2020). QJM Deficiency linked to 14x higher ICU/death risk. View Study
Entrenas Castillo M, et al. (2020). JSBMB 82% deficient; 20% mortality in deficient vs. lower in supplemented. View Study
Borsche L, et al. (2021). Nutrition 3.7x higher mortality with severe deficiency. View Study
Campi I, et al. (2021). J Transl Med 4.7x higher mortality risk with deficiency. View Study
Pereira M, et al. (2020). QJM 2.2x higher mortality with deficiency. View Study
Oristrell J, et al. (2022). JCEM Low vitamin D doubled mortality odds. View Study

Conclusion

Dr. Ryan Cole’s advocacy for vitamin D underscores an important truth: deficiency is widespread and linked to worse COVID-19 outcomes. vitamin D remains a powerful adjunct for immune health. Maintaining levels around 50 ng/mL, especially in winter, is a low-risk strategy supported by observational data and public health logic.

References

Idaho Freedom Foundation
rcolemd.com
YouTube: Dr. Ryan Cole Testimony
Bowen College
CDC Data
FactCheck.org
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