Vitamin supplements could play a small role in reducing the risk of Covid-19 in women, researchers have said.

Supplements could have a small effect on reducing the likelihood of catching Covid-19, according to the scientists behind health tracker app ran by Zoe Covid Symptom Study which has 1.4 million users.

The app asks participants to input their health status each day.

The effect was only noticed in women and not men, researchers said.

But they cautioned that the effect was small and that the finding is yet to be backed up by clinical trials.

There are some official studies ongoing to track people’s exact levels of vitamin D through blood tests and in depth questionnaires.

At the weekend ministers announced that 2.7 million vulnerable individuals in England will be offered a free winter supply of vitamin D by the Government.

The supplements were offered to boost people’s vitamin D levels while they spend more time indoors due to the virus.

Professor Tim Spector added: “Many people think that taking vitamins and other supplements can help maintain a healthy immune system, but spending your money on supplements in the hope of trying to avoid getting Covid-19 is largely unjustified.

“You’re better off focusing on getting a healthy diet with diverse fresh vegetables and fruits, which should give you all the nutrients you need for a healthy immune system.”

He continued: “Current data absolutely cannot tell us that taking such supplements ‘protects’ against infection from Covid-19.”