Medicus, Vol. 29 No. 2 COVID-19, 2020.
Review article
COVID-19 and Vitamin D – Is There a Link?
Nadica Laktašić Žerjavić
Abstract
Vitamin D may reduce the risk of respiratory tract viral infection, and the severity and duration of the disease as well. Respiratory epithelial cells, monocytes/macrophages, dendritic cells, T and B lymphocytes express vitamin D receptors, and can autonomously activate vitamin D. This points to a significant immunomodulatory effect of vitamin D in the innate and acquired immune response to viral infection. Defense mechanisms against respiratory viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, that are under the influence of the active form of vitamin D are: enhanced production of cathelicidin - an antiviral protein of the respiratory epithelium, induction of innate immune response to viral infection, preservation of the integrity of the respiratory epithelium, suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokine production and enhancement of anti-inflammatory cytokine production. The immunomodulatory effect of vitamin D supports a balanced immune response to viral infection and may reduce the risk of a cytokine storm and consequent acute lung injury, which in the most severe cases of COVID-19 disease results in respiratory distress syndrome. Vitamin D supplementation is simple, safe and inexpensive and should be an indispensable part of public health policy to reduce the risk of infectious diseases, including COVID-19. During a pandemic, the risk of vitamin D deficiency is increased because people are forced to stay indoors, thus disabling the main route of vitamin D synthesis in the skin under the effects of ultraviolet light. During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, Vitamin D supplementation should be prescribed with higher doses, up to 10,000 IU per day, to more rapidly achieve blood concentrations required for non-calcemic effects of vitamin D.
Keywords
Vitamin D; respiratory tract infections; SARS-CoV-2 virus; mucosal immunity
Hrčak ID:
244333
URI
Publication date:
30.9.2020.
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