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Vitamin D and Influenza-Prevention or Therapy?
1Department of Biochemistry and Biopharmaceuticals, National Medicines Institute, Str. Chelmska 30/34, 00-725 Warsaw, Poland. b.gruber@nil.gov.pl.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|August 18, 2018
Summary
Vitamin D may influence immune responses and inflammation, suggesting a role in preventing influenza. However, more large-scale randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm its effectiveness against viral infections.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Endocrinology
- Public Health
Background:
- Vitamin D has widespread extraskeletal effects mediated by the vitamin D receptor (VDR).
- Vitamin D influences both innate and adaptive immune responses and possesses anti-inflammatory properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential role of vitamin D in preventing influenza infections.
- To assess vitamin D as a "seasonal stimulus" for prophylaxis or therapy support against influenza.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on vitamin D and influenza.
- Analysis of data regarding vitamin D's impact on immune function and inflammation.
Main Results:
- Literature data present controversies and doubts regarding vitamin D's preventive effect on influenza virus.
- The broad biological activity of vitamin D does not rule out its potential role in influenza prevention.
Conclusions:
- Further large-scale, randomized controlled trials are necessary to definitively establish the preventive effect of vitamin D supplementation on viral influenza infections.
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