scholarly journals Vitamin D supplementation: a potential approach for COVID-19 therapeutics?

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Arboleda ◽  
Silvio Urcuqui-Inchima
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Specific Treatment ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Vitamin D Supplementation ◽  
Negative Regulator ◽  
Target Cells ◽  
Treatment Protocols ◽  
Viral Attachment

While coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by SARS-CoV-2, has turned into a very concerning threat for global economics and public health systems, huge efforts are currently developed to reduce devastating pandemic effects through vaccine or effective therapeutic strategy. Yet, clinical trials to test vaccines developed against SARS-CoV-2 may take several months. Given the lack of specific treatment protocols and the urgency to mitigate propagation, researchers are mainly focused in the repurposing of available drugs to develop quick and cost-effective preventive and therapeutic strategies to protect vulnerable populations such as children, health professionals and elderly people. A tentative alternative may be Vitamin D, a well-known immunomodulator that has shown potent antiviral features against several viruses, including respiratory viruses such as Influenza and coronaviruses. This hypothesis is based on the observations that vitamin D deficiency has been correlated with COVID19 severity and that vitamin D is a strong negative regulator of angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), the binding receptor of SARS-CoV-2. Thereafter, and in line with our previous work on dengue virus, we postulate that Vitamin D might attenuate SARS-CoV-2 infection by impairing viral attachment to target cells. Furthermore, we highlight the anti-inflammatory features of vitamin D-derived regulation via ACE2 receptor under lung injury models as a protective factor for the cytokine storm that fuels the severity of symptoms. Although this commentary is aimed to suggest a research pathway on COVID-19 pathogenesis, it also provides insights into the extent of conventional vitamin D supplementation as an accessible, quick and low-cost strategy to reduce infection and progression of the symptoms caused by SARS-CoV-2.

scholarly journals Burden of Uterine Fibroids: An African Perspective, A Call for Action and Opportunity for Intervention

2019 ◽  
pp. 287-294
Author(s):  
Igboeli P ◽  
Walker W ◽  
McHugh A ◽  
Sultan A ◽  
Al-Hendy A
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Black Women ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Uterine Fibroids ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Vitamin D Supplementation ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Medical Community ◽  
Preventable Risk Factor ◽  
Sub Saharan

Black women carry the burden of uterine fibroids, (AKA uterine leiomyomas), at a much higher rate than their racial counterparts. Thus, increasing awareness and discovering a solution to an endemic problem that plagues Sub-Saharan Africa is of critical importance, not only for the region itself, but also for the medical community globally. A collaborative, patient oriented, cost effective, and culturally sensitive approach must be at the forefront of this endeavor. While the exact pathogenesis of uterine fibroid development remains elusive, the racial disparity is well documented. Moreover, in the developed world, women are able to seek treatment through surgical and non-surgical means; however, sub-Saharan regions face their own challenges that, if not addressed, can ultimately extinguish the lives of many suffering women. Unfortunately, the literature is scarce on how to prevent fibroid development, which may be critical for women who do not have access to effective interventions. Recent research from our group and others has shown that vitamin D deficiency plays an important role in fibroid development and may be a preventable risk factor. Daily vitamin D supplementation is a low cost, effective intervention that could be implemented throughout the Sub-Saharan region. Similarly, education and increased awareness as to the nature and symptoms of uterine fibroids could improve the quality of life, remove negative social stigma, and reduce morbidity and mortality rates in women who seek medical care with advanced uterine fibroids.

scholarly journals Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency and Its Relationship with Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Fibromyalgia: a Systematic Review of the Literature

2022 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Omar M. E. Ali
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Patient Flow ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Therapeutic Benefit ◽  
Vitamin D Supplementation ◽  
Effective Interventions ◽  
Randomised Controlled ◽  
And Control

Abstract Fibromyalgia is a debilitating chronic condition which poses a therapeutic challenge to the clinician. With a large backlog in patient flow subsequent to the COVID-19 pandemic and rising numbers of patients with post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) presenting with fibromyalgia-like clinical features, there is an increasingly pressing need to identify broad cost-effective interventions. Low levels of vitamin D have previously been reported in patients with fibromyalgia, though any causative link has been difficult to establish. A systematic literature review on the association between vitamin D deficiency and fibromyalgia was performed examining retrospective evidence both for and against an association between vitamin D deficiency (VDD) and fibromyalgia and evaluating the therapeutic benefit from supplementation. A group of six studies were selected based on relevance, use of controls, quality of research and citations. Four primary studies assessing the prevalence of VDD in fibromyalgia patients versus controls were evaluated with a total 3,496 subjects. Three included females only and one larger study assessed males. Two (n = 313) concluded the presence of a statistically significant association, and two (n = 161) found none. Two randomised controlled trials assessing the effect of vitamin D supplementation in a total of 80 subjects found conflicting results, with pain reduction in one and none in the other. It is likely there exists an association between VDD deficiency and fibromyalgia in a large subset of patients, although establishing primary causation is difficult. There is a need for larger randomised controlled trial designs with more effective comparison with healthy subjects and control for confounding factors. Given VDD is a major problem in the general population, we recommend supplementation be recommended by healthcare professionals to fibromyalgia patients for the purpose of maintaining bone health given their potentially increased susceptibility to developing deficiency and its sequelae.

scholarly journals Vitamin D and Its Role as a Protective Factor in Allergy

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mehmet Hoxha ◽  
Maria Zoto ◽  
Leonard Deda ◽  
Gentian Vyshka
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Allergic Disease ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Epidemiological Data ◽  
Hypovitaminosis D ◽  
Optimal Dose ◽  
Vitamin D Supplementation ◽  
Vitamin D Status ◽  
Asthma Morbidity

The relationship between vitamin D status and asthma has been subject to several studies in the last decade. Epidemiological data suggest that incidence of asthma and atopic diseases increased significantly in most Westernized countries. The significant variation between countries suggests that besides genetic factors, environmental aspects play a role in the pathogenesis of atopy. The prevalence of hypovitaminosis D is high in many industrialized countries. In addition to its relationship with bone metabolism, vitamin D is recognized as an immunomodulator, with important effects on both adaptive and innate immunity. Correlations between vitamin D status and asthma have been formulated, with a considerable interest in assessing whether this vitamin protects against or reduces asthma morbidity. In this review, we discuss recent findings regarding vitamin D status throughout Europe and its influence over asthma and allergic rhinitis prevalence. Geographical latitude and dietary habits may explain the lower prevalence of allergic disease in Albania. We also consider the effects of vitamin D supplementation in allergic disease. Several clinical trials are under way and their results are needed in order to make definitive recommendations about the optimal dose of vitamin D for prevention and treatment of asthma and allergic disease.

scholarly journals Session 1: Allergic disease Nutrition as a potential determinant of asthma

2009 ◽  
Vol 69 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Graham Devereux
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Vitamin D ◽  
Vitamin E ◽  
Childhood Asthma ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Maternal Diet ◽  
Airflow Obstruction ◽  
Vitamin D Supplementation ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Asthma Prevalence

Asthma is characterised by chronic lung airway inflammation, increased airway responsiveness and variable airflow obstruction. In Westernised countries asthma is a public health concern because of its prevalence, associated ill health and high societal and healthcare costs. In recent decades there has been a marked increase in asthma prevalence, particularly in Westernised countries. It has been proposed that changing diet has contributed to the increase in asthma. Several dietary hypotheses exist; the first relates the increase in asthma to declining dietary antioxidant intake, the second to decreased intake of long-chainn-3 PUFA and increasing intake ofn-6 PUFA. Vitamin D supplementation and deficiency have also been hypothesised to have contributed to the increase in asthma. Observational studies have reported associations between asthma and dietary antioxidants (vitamin E, vitamin C, carotenoids, Se, flavonoids, fruit), lipids (PUFA, butter, margarine, fish) and vitamin D. However, supplementing the diets of adults with asthma with antioxidants and lipids has minimal, if any, clinical benefit. There is growing interest in the possibility that childhood asthma is influenced by maternal diet during pregnancy, with studies highlighting associations between childhood asthma and maternal intake of some nutrients (vitamin E, vitamin D, Se, PUFA) during pregnancy. It has been suggested that maternal diet during pregnancy influences fetal airway and/or immune development. Further intervention studies are needed to establish whether modification of maternal nutrient intake during pregnancy can be used as a healthy low-cost public health measure to reduce the prevalence of childhood asthma.

scholarly journals Vitamin D and COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 2346
Author(s):  
Rashmi Aggarwal ◽  
Hemant Aggarwal ◽  
Rhea Aggarwal
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Specific Treatment ◽  
Vitamin D Supplementation ◽  
Cytokine Storm ◽  
Risk Of Death ◽  
Corona Virus ◽  
Current Scenario ◽  
25 Oh Vitamin D ◽  
Tract Infections ◽  
And Control

The ongoing COVID -19 pandemic is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus -2 (SARS-CoV-2). Since its emergence in Wuhan in Hubei province of China in December 2019, the virus has spread to every continent except Antartica. Currently, there is no registered treatment or vaccine for the disease. In the current scenario of the deadly virus spreading across continents and the absence of a specific treatment of novel corona virus, there is an urgent need to search for alternative strategies to prevent and control the rapid replication of virus. Vitamin D supplementation may reduce the incidence, severity and risk of death from pneumonia (consequent to the cytokine storm) in the current COVID pandemic. Through its effect on innate and adaptive immunity, vitamin D can reduce the risk of viral respiratory tract infections. 1, 25(OH) vitamin D directly stimulates the production of anti-microbial peptides like defensin and Cathelicidin that can reduce the rate of viral replication. In addition, it can also reduce the concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokines that are responsible for causing cytokine storm and resultant fatal pneumonia. In order to reduce the risk of infection especially in developing country like India, it is recommended that people at risk of COVDI19 may be considered for vitamin D supplementation.

scholarly journals Old wine in new bottles: vitamin D in the treatment and prevention of tuberculosis

2011 ◽  
Vol 71 (1) ◽  
pp. 84-89 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adrian R. Martineau
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Vitamin D Supplementation ◽  
Treatment And Prevention ◽  
Research Priority ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Dosing Regimens ◽  
Randomised Controlled

Tuberculosis (TB) is a major cause of mortality, responsible for 1·68 million deaths worldwide in 2009. The global prevalence of latentMycobacterium tuberculosisinfection is estimated to be 32%, and this carries a 5–20% lifetime risk of reactivation disease. The emergence of drug-resistant organisms necessitates the development of new agents to enhance the response to antimicrobial therapy for active TB. Vitamin D was used to treat TB in the pre-antibiotic era, and its active metabolite, 1,25-dihydoxyvitamin D, has long been known to enhance the immune response to mycobacteriain vitro. Vitamin D deficiency is common in patients with active TB, and several clinical trials have evaluated the role of adjunctive vitamin D supplementation in its treatment. Results of these studies are conflicting, reflecting variation between studies in baseline vitamin D status of participants, dosing regimens and outcome measures. Vitamin D deficiency is also recognised to be highly prevalent among people with latentM. tuberculosisinfection in both high- and low-burden settings, and there is a wealth of observational epidemiological evidence linking vitamin D deficiency with increased risk of reactivation disease. Randomised controlled trials of vitamin D supplementation for the prevention of active TB have yet to be performed, however. The conduct of such trials is a research priority, given the safety and low cost of vitamin D supplementation, and the potentially huge public health consequences of positive results.

scholarly journals Use of vitamin D and infection in patients with chronic kidney disease

2018 ◽  
Vol 71 (suppl 6) ◽  
pp. 2792-2799
Author(s):  
Emanuela Cardoso da Silva ◽  
Mônica Taminato ◽  
Cassiane Dezoti da Fonseca ◽  
Graciana Maria de Moraes ◽  
Maria Cristina Barbosa Longo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Kidney Disease ◽  
Vitamin D ◽  
Kidney Disease ◽  
Conservative Treatment ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Treatment Method ◽  
Sociodemographic Factors ◽  
Vitamin D Supplementation ◽  
The Body ◽  
Protection Factor

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of vitamin D supplementation as protection factor against infection of patients with chronic kidney disease on conservative treatment. Method: Retrospective cohort study carried out between 2013 and 2016 in the Conservative Treatment Outpatient Clinics (Ambulatório de Tratamento Conservador) of the Hypertension and Kidney Hospital (Hospital do Rim e Hipertensão) of the Universidade Federal de São Paulo. Data on sociodemographic factors, comorbidity, infection episodes and use or nonuse of vitamin D supplementation for at least 6 months were collected from medical records. The primary outcomes considered in both groups were: presence or absence of infection anywhere on the body (bloodstream, urinary, respiratory and surgical sites). Results: A total of 263 patients were included and those who received (n=43) vitamin D had 59% less chance of developing infections (OR=0.41; 95%CI; 0.15-0.99), when compared to those who did not receive. Conclusion: Vitamin D supplementation was a protective factor against infections of all causes.

scholarly journals Investigating the Potential for Ultraviolet Light to Modulate Morbidity and Mortality From COVID-19: A Narrative Review and Update

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shelley Gorman ◽  
Richard B. Weller
Keyword(s):  
Nitric Oxide ◽  
Vitamin D ◽  
Uv Light ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
Research Area ◽  
Vitamin D Supplementation ◽  
Narrative Review ◽  
Morbidity And Mortality ◽  
High Dose

During the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease of 2019) pandemic, researchers have been seeking low-cost and accessible means of providing protection from its harms, particularly for at-risk individuals such as those with cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity. One possible way is via safe sun exposure, and/or dietary supplementation with induced beneficial mediators (e.g., vitamin D). In this narrative review, we provide rationale and updated evidence on the potential benefits and harms of sun exposure and ultraviolet (UV) light that may impact COVID-19. We review recent studies that provide new evidence for any benefits (or otherwise) of UV light, sun exposure, and the induced mediators, vitamin D and nitric oxide, and their potential to modulate morbidity and mortality induced by infection with SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory disease coronavirus-2). We identified substantial interest in this research area, with many commentaries and reviews already published; however, most of these have focused on vitamin D, with less consideration of UV light (or sun exposure) or other mediators such as nitric oxide. Data collected to-date suggest that ambient levels of both UVA and UVB may be beneficial for reducing severity or mortality due to COVID-19, with some inconsistent findings. Currently unresolved are the nature of the associations between blood 25-hydroxyvitamin D and COVID-19 measures, with more prospective data needed that better consider lifestyle factors, such as physical activity and personal sun exposure levels. Another short-coming has been a lack of measurement of sun exposure, and its potential to influence COVID-19 outcomes. We also discuss possible mechanisms by which sun exposure, UV light and induced mediators could affect COVID-19 morbidity and mortality, by focusing on likely effects on viral pathogenesis, immunity and inflammation, and potential cardiometabolic protective mechanisms. Finally, we explore potential issues including the impacts of exposure to high dose UV radiation on COVID-19 and vaccination, and effective and safe doses for vitamin D supplementation.

Efficacy and safety of a single monthly dose of cholecalciferol in healthy school children

2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Shafi Kuchay ◽  
Ganesh Sudhakar Jevalikar ◽  
Ambrish Mithal ◽  
Sunil Kumar Mishra ◽  
Navin Dang
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
School Children ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Vitamin D Supplementation ◽  
Efficacy And Safety ◽  
Hydroxyvitamin D ◽  
25 Hydroxyvitamin D ◽  
The Mean ◽  
To Receive ◽  
Monthly Dose

AbstractThis study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a single monthly dose of cholecalciferol in healthy school children.A total of 118 children of class VI of a residential school were selected to receive vitamin D supplementation in the form of oral cholecalciferol 60,000 IU monthly. Serum calcium and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) levels were estimated at 0 and 12 months. The proportion of subjects achieving vitamin D sufficiency was assessed.The mean 25OHD levels increased significantly from 12.04±5.27 ng/mL at baseline to 32.6±7.05 ng/mL after 12 months of supplementation (p<0.001). None developed hypercalcemia.Vitamin D supplementation in the doses of 60,000 IU monthly is a reasonable, safe and cost-effective regimen for children to attain and maintain vitamin D sufficiency.

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