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Vitamin D and Covid-19: an update on evidence and potential therapeutic implications
Giuseppe Murdaca1, Giovanni Pioggia2, Simone Negrini3
1Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa and IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Viale Benedetto XV, n. 6, 16132, Genova, Italy. giuseppe.murdaca@unige.it.
Insights
Vitamin D may help reduce risks associated with coronavirus (CoV) infections like COVID-19, but its effectiveness and optimal dosage require further clinical study. More research is needed to confirm benefits for viral infections.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Public Health
Background:
- The recent emergence of coronavirus (CoV) causing COVID-19 presents a global health challenge.
- COVID-19 symptoms include fever, cough, and dyspnea, with characteristic lung opacities.
- Vitamin D plays a role in immune function and has shown benefits in other viral infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential role and controversial effects of vitamin D supplementation in COVID-19 patients.
- To explore vitamin D's mechanisms in combating microbial infections and reducing mortality.
- To highlight the need for further research on vitamin D's impact on COVID-19 outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on vitamin D's immunological functions.
- Analysis of studies examining vitamin D supplementation in viral infections.
- Identification of gaps in current knowledge regarding vitamin D and COVID-19.
Main Results:
- Vitamin D exhibits multiple mechanisms that can reduce the risk of microbial infection and death.
- Previous studies suggest favorable effects of vitamin D in influenza and HIV infections.
- The specific impact of vitamin D supplementation on COVID-19 remains debated.
Conclusions:
- Further clinical studies are essential to determine optimal vitamin D levels and effective dosages for COVID-19.
- Understanding vitamin D's role could inform public health strategies against viral epidemics.
- Clarifying the controversy surrounding vitamin D and COVID-19 is crucial for patient care.
Abstract:
The world is now experiencing its third major epidemic of coronavirus (CoV) infections began in Wuhan, Hubei, China, in late 2019 and named COVID-19. After an initial explosive outbreak of pneumonia of unknown etiology in China, the disease spread first to neighboring Asian countries and then worldwide. Patients with COVID-19 presented with a constellation of symptoms such as fever, dry cough, dyspnea, sore throat, and nasal congestion and radiological findings showed bilateral lung glassy opacities. Vitamin D has many mechanisms by which it reduces the risk of microbial infection and death, including physical barrier, cellular natural immunity, and adaptive immunity. Vitamin D supplementation has shown favorable effects in viral infections including influenza and HIV. The effects of vitamin D supplementation during covid 19 infection remain controversial. Looking ahead, clinical studies are needed to define better cut offs for vitamin D levels and, finally, which dosage is the best.
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