Protective role of vitamin D status against COVID-19: a mini-review.

Chronic Respiratory Diseases Research Center (CRDRC), National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Pediatric Respiratory Disease Research Center (PRDRC), National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Mahsarekabi1@gmail.com. Virology Research Center, National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

Endocrine. 2023;(2):235-242

Abstract

An outbreak of pneumonia caused by a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is called COVID-19 and has led to a pandemic worldwide. It is reasonable to investigate and control factors affecting disease severity and mortality. The relation between vitamin D and viral pneumonia has been previously reported. Vitamin D deficiency is common and may increase hospital admission and mortality rate in patients with COVID-19. This mini-review examines the pathways that show the association between vitamin D and COVID-19. On the other hand, it deals with the available evidence related to the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and the effect of vitamin D supplementation on the prevalence, severity, and mortality of COVID-19. Also, we described the pathophysiology of the organs' involvement in COVID-19 and the effect of vitamin D on these outcomes. Vitamin D strengthens the innate and adaptive immune system, modulates immune responses, prevents lung and cardiovascular system damage, and reduces thrombotic events. Vitamin D exerts these effects in several pathways. Vitamin D prevents virus entry and replication by maintaining the integrity of the body's physical barrier. Vitamin D reduces the damage to vital organs and thrombotic events by increasing the level of Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), nitric oxide, and antioxidants or by reducing inflammatory cytokines and free radicals. Sufficient vitamin D may be reduced morbidity and mortality due to COVID-19. However, this issue should be investigated and confirmed by further research in the future.

Methodological quality

Publication Type : Review

Metadata