In this video, filmmaker and entertainment executive Tyler Perry encourages African Americans to hone in on their Vitamin D intake to help lower the risk of critical COVID-19 outcomes. He spoke with his dermatologist, Dr. Pearl Grimes, about how he and others in the African American community often have low Vitamin D levels. Vitamin D is known to assist with immune and respiratory health, and a lack of it can lead to a more serious experience with COVID-19.

These statements are backed by studies such as a review in the American Public Health Association in 2008 that noted, “84% of African American men and women (over 65) were vitamin D deficient.”

Additionally, former CDC Director Dr. Thomas Frieden is among the doctors to support the possibility that Vitamin D may reduce COVID-19 infection. Vitamin D is known to help with COVID-19. It is by no means a cure, but it can be a serious factor in the course of the infection.

Read more about Vitamin D and COVID-19 here.