scholarly journals A possible role of vitamin D in the treatment of COVID-19 disease

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 46-48
Author(s):  
Ana Maria Alexandra STANESCU ◽  
◽  
Anca Angela SIMIONESCU ◽  
Ioana Veronica GRAJDEANU ◽  
Mira FLOREA ◽  
...  

Vitamin D has antimicrobial and immunomodulatory activities playing an essential role as an adjuvant treatment to reduce the incidence and severity of various conditions, including influenza and recurrent respiratory infections. Vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency are reported by many countries, especially in the elderly population, requiring intervention by vitamin D supplementation even before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. From the beginning of the pandemic, it was considered that vitamin D has a role in preventing and treating COVID-19. The few available studies show a perspective of vitamin D therapy in preventing and early treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 1838 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maša Hribar ◽  
Hristo Hristov ◽  
Matej Gregorič ◽  
Urška Blaznik ◽  
Katja Zaletel ◽  
...  

Several studies conducted around the world showed substantial vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency among different population groups. Sources of vitamin D in the human body include ultraviolet B (UVB)-light-induced biosynthesis and dietary intake, but people’s diets are often poor in vitamin D. Furthermore, in many regions, sun exposure and the intensity of UVB irradiation during wintertime are not sufficient for vitamin D biosynthesis. In Slovenia, epidemiological data about vitamin D status in the population were investigated through a national Nutrihealth study—an extension to the national dietary survey SI.Menu (2017/18). The study was conducted on a representative sample of 125 adult (18–64 years) and 155 elderly (65–74 years old) subjects, enrolled in the study in different seasons. Their vitamin D status was determined by measuring the serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration. Thresholds for vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency were 25(OH)D levels below 30 and 50 nmol/L, respectively. Altogether, 24.9% of the adults and 23.5% of the elderly were found to be vitamin D deficient, while an insufficient status was found in 58.2% and 62.9%, respectively. A particularly concerning situation was observed during extended wintertime (November–April); vitamin D deficiency was found in 40.8% and 34.6%, and insufficient serum 25(OH)D levels were observed in 81.6% and 78.8%, respectively. The results of the study showed high seasonal variation in serum 25(OH)D levels in both the adult and elderly population, with deficiency being especially pronounced during wintertime. The prevalence of this deficiency in Slovenia is among the highest in Europe and poses a possible public health risk that needs to be addressed with appropriate recommendations and/or policy interventions.


2020 ◽  
pp. 13-20
Author(s):  
Natalya Mamylina

Role of vitamin D in the formation of pathogenic changes related to factors of innate immunity and cytokine status has been studied in 105 non-working women aged 61.0±1.25 years. Prior to the study, the quality of life has been determined using the SF-36 questionnaire, as well as decrease in total vitamin D content, violation of functional and metabolic status of peripheral blood neutrophil granulocytes, imbalance in subpopulation of lymphocytes, and production of Th1/Th2 cytokines have been revealed. Presence of direct correlation between the qualitative composition and oxygen-dependent metabolism of peripheral blood neutrophil granulocytes, vitamin D content, and cytokine balance has been proved. Vitamin D supplementation in a daily dose of 1000 reduced the severity of immune disorders in the patients, which confirms the need for vitamin D supplementation in the elderly with a vitamin D deficiency confirmed by laboratory tests.


Author(s):  
Devi Dayal

<p>Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is presumed to play a role in several infective and non-infective conditions such as acute respiratory infections, tuberculosis, diabetes, hypertension, stroke etc. Most of the respiratory viral infections occur during winter season when the vitamin D levels in most individuals are generally low. The current pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) which began during winter season similar to the previous epidemics due to coronaviruses, has again stirred a debate on the role of VDD in the initiation and spread of the pandemic. The data on vitamin D status in patients with COVID-19 is however lacking. Different vitamin D supplementation strategies have recently been suggested as part of several countermeasures aimed at reducing the impact of COVID-19 pandemic. This brief narrative review discusses the evidence for the link between VDD and COVID-19 and the approaches suggested for vitamin D supplementation.</p>


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (1A) ◽  
pp. 320-328
Author(s):  
Maria Mexitalia ◽  
Martvera Susilawati ◽  
Rina Pratiwi ◽  
JC Susanto

Latar Belakang : Paparan sinar matahari pada kulit merupakan cara terbaik untuk sintesis vitamin D. Kadar vitamin D yang adekuat dalam tubuh merupakan proteksi terhadap berbagai penyakit seperti penyakit degeneratif, kanker dan juga infeksi saluran napas. Beberapa penelitian menghubungkan kadar vitamin D yang rendah dengan morbiditas dan mortalitas COVID-19. Hal ini menyebabkan fenomena baru pada masyarakat yaitu kebiasaan berjemur. Tujuan : Artikel ini akan membahas tentang metabolisme vitamin D, peran sinar matahari dalam mengaktifkan vitamin D di dalam tubuh, dan peran vitamin D dalam berbagai penyakit, khususnya mekanisme imunitas untuk COVID-19. Diskusi : Vitamin D meningkatkan kekebalan alami seluler terutama dengan cara menginduksi peptida antimikroba, yang meliputi cathelicidin, LL-37, 1,25-dihdroxyvitamin D dan defensins. Selain itu vitamin D akan meningkatkan sekresi hidrogen peroksida pada sel monosit. Pemberian vitamin D dosis tinggi sebanyak 10.000 IU/hari selama beberapa minggu dilanjutkan 5000 IU/hari bermanfaat untuk mencegah COVID-19, walaupun hasilnya masih memerlukan penelitian lebih lanjut. Absorpsi sinar matahari ke dalam tubuh manusia dipengaruhi oleh warna kulit, penggunaan bahan pakaian dan tabir surya , dan luas pajanan. Paparan sinar matahari sebesar satu Minimal Erythemal Dose (MED) pada orang dewasa dapat meningkatkan konsentrasi vitamin D setara dengan suplementasi 10.000 – 25.000 IU. Penelitian pada bayi yang diberi paparan 3 kali seminggu @ 5 menit pada jam 10.00-14.00, dengan paparan 50% area tubuh selama 2 bulan, mendapatkan kenaikan 25(OH)D sebesar 8,9 ng/mL. Simpulan : Vitamin D yang diaktifkan oleh paparan sinar matahari sangat bermanfaat sebagai proteksi berbagai penyakit termasuk juga pada COVID-19, walaupun efektifitasnya masih memerlukan penelitian lebih lanjut. Kata Kunci : COVID-19, vitamin D, paparan sinar matahari   Background : The exposured of sunlight on the skin is the best way for vitamin D synthesis. Adequate vitamin D levels are protection against various diseases such as degenerative diseases, cancer and also respiratory infections. Several studies have linked between low vitamin D levels with COVID-19 morbidity and mortality. This causes a new phenomenon in the community, namely sunbathing. Purpose : This review rearticle will discuss about vitamin D metabolism, the role of sunlight in activating vitamin D in the body, and the role of vitamin D in various diseases, specifically the immune mechanism for COVID-19.Discussion : Vitamin D increases cellular innate immunity mainly by inducing antimicrobial peptides, which include cathelicidin, LL-37, 1,25-dihdroxyvitamin D and defensins, and also increase the secretion of hydrogen peroxide in monocyte cells. The administration of high-dose vitamin D of 10,000 IU / day for several weeks followed by 5000 IU / day is useful to prevent COVID-19, although the results still require further research. The sun exposure to activated vitamin D body is affected by skin color, using of clothing and sunscreen, and area of ??exposure. Sun exposure of one Minimum Erythemal Dose (MED) in adults can increase vitamin D concentrations equivalent to 10,000 - 25,000 IU vitamin D supplementation. Study on infants who were given exposure 3 times a week @ 5 minutes at 10:00 to 14:00, with exposure 50% of body surface area for 2 months, increased 25(OH)D of 8.9 ng/mL. Conclusion : Vitamin D which is activated by sun exposure is very useful as protection for various diseases including COVID-19, although its effectiveness still requires further research. Keywords : vitamin D, sun exposure, COVID-19.


2021 ◽  
pp. 155982762110056
Author(s):  
Sneha Baxi Srivastava

There is an astounding amount of conversation and research about vitamin D. It carries many claims, and there is controversy as to what adequate levels should be, how to ensure reaching appropriate serum levels, and what the consequences are of vitamin D insufficiency. This article describes the role of vitamin D, reviews some of the evidence, and provides the current recommendations for vitamin D supplementation, including if a daily walk in the sun is the most appropriate prescription or do we need something more?


2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 238-245
Author(s):  
Giulio Pulvirenti ◽  
Giuseppe Fabio Parisi ◽  
Sara Manti ◽  
Amelia Licari ◽  
Michele Miraglia del Giudice ◽  
...  

: The growing interest in the new role of vitamin D, particularly as an immunomodulatory factor, has spurred basic research and the development of clinical trials to better understand the influence of supplementation on various diseases. Vitamin D is an important nutrient factor in human health due to its role in calcium metabolism regulation, cellular growth, differentiation and its fundamental discovered activity in immune functions. It has influenced different diseases, particularly inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, through immune response regulation, modulating innate and adaptive immunity. : The aim of this review was to explore the role of vitamin D in the main respiratory diseases in children such as asthma, chronic rhinosinusitis, cystic fibrosis and recurrent respiratory infections.


Author(s):  
Amina Chentouf

Several studies and meta-analysis suggest that vitamin D deficiency constitutes a risk factor for acute respiratory infections while supplementation may reduce this risk. Given the current context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the role of vitamin D supplementation in the prevention and improvement of the prognosis of affected patients has been suggested by some studies and refuted by others. Through this article, we report the mechanisms of action and properties of vitamin D, and we discuss the different hypotheses of the involvement of vitamin D in respiratory infections, especially COVID-19 in the light of the most recent published data. Keywords: COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, Vitamin D deficiency, Vitamin D supplementation, 1.25-dihydroxyvitamin D.


2021 ◽  
Vol 90 (1) ◽  
pp. e498
Author(s):  
Alicja Kołodziejczyk-Nowotarska ◽  
Renata Bokiniec ◽  
Joanna Seliga-Siwecka

The best evidence for the role of vitamin D in infants is its influence on skeletal growth, however, the pleiotropic actions of vitamin D in the foetus and neonates are under-researched. The systematic reviews, based mostly on observational studies, suggest correlations between prenatal and postnatal supplementation and the occurrence of allergy, respiratory infections, sepsis or mental and behavioural development. Some of these studies focused on subgroups of neonates, such as preterm infants, investigating the influence inter alia on sepsis, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and necrotising enterocolitis. Currently, there is a need for randomised trials for proof of the skeletal and pleiotropic effects of vitamin D in infants.


Author(s):  
Alex Tanner ◽  
Divya Tiwari ◽  
Stephen Allen

Background: The recently identified SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus has resulted in the Covid-19 pandemic with severe morbidity and high mortality, particularly in certain sections of the population. The co-morbidity patterns associated with adverse outcomes are multiple and complex and there is emerging epidemiological, nutritional and molecular biological evidence that an inadequate vitamin D status is a contributing factor. Objective: The aim was to review the role of vitamin D in immune function with particular reference to the mechanisms whereby it supports immune efficiency, host protection and immune modulation. The evidence for the possible benefit of vitamin D supplementation to ameliorate the severity of respiratory infection by SARS-CoV-2 and other pathogens was also reviewed with a view to making a recommendation. Methods: PubMed, MEDLINE and Google Scholar were searched using the terms: Covid-19, coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, vitamin D, calcitriol, deficiency, adaptive immunity, innate immunity, ventilation, critical care, intensive care, acute respiratory distress syndrome, cytokine storm, respiratory viruses, respiratory tract infection, respiratory syncytial virus, influenza, supplementation. Papers for inclusion were selected on the basis of relevance and quality. Findings: Vitamin D insufficiency is widespread in many parts of the world. Vitamin D is needed for normal protective and surveillance immune function and there is evidence that deficiency increases the risk of some respiratory infections, probably including Covid-19. By binding with dedicated receptors on immune cells vitamin D influences several strands of immune function including the production of anti-microbial peptides and several cytokines that promote an appropriate immune response. Vitamin D supplementation probably reduces the risk of respiratory infection, with persuasive biological, epidemiological and observational evidence for possible benefit against Covid-19. Conclusion: Despite the lack of direct evidence specific to Covid-19 a cogent theoretical case can be made for giving adults from selected groups, and arguably all adults, routine supplementation with vitamin D to improve immune efficiency and reduce the incidence and severity of respiratory infections. This could be particularly important in sections of the population with a high prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency. Targeted research is required to provide firm evidence to guide practice.


2011 ◽  
Vol 71 (1) ◽  
pp. 90-97 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ilkka Laaksi

Vitamin D insufficiency is a global issue that has significant implications for health. The classical role of vitamin D in bone mineralisation is well known; vitamin D deficiency leads to rickets, osteomalacia or osteoporosis. The role of vitamin D in an immune system is less known. Vitamin D is not an actual vitamin but a secosteroid hormone produced in the skin from 7-dehydrocholesterol after exposure to sunlight UVB radiation. Nutrition and supplements are main sources of vitamin D in wintertime in northern countries as sunlight exposure is inadequate for the production. For activation vitamin D needs to be hydroxylated in liver to form 25-hydroxyvitamin D and in kidney to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, the most active hormone in Ca absorption in the gut. For determination of vitamin D status serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level, the major circulating form of the hormone is to be measured. Vitamin D regulates gene expression through binding with vitamin D receptors, which dimerises with retinoid X receptor. This complex binds to vitamin D-responsive elements inside the promoter regions of vitamin D-responsive genes. Vitamin D has a key role in innate immunity activation; the production of antimicrobial peptides (cathelicidin and defensins) following Toll-like receptor stimulation by pathogen lipopeptides is dependent on sufficient level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D. Clinically, there is evidence of the association of vitamin D insufficiency and respiratory tract infections. There is also some evidence of the prevention of infections by vitamin D supplementation. Randomised controlled trials are warranted to explore this preventive effect.


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