Citation

Aleebrahim-Dehkordi E, Deravi N, Yaghoobpoor S, Hooshyar D, Rafieian-Kopaei M. Curr. Pharm. Des. 2021; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2021, Bentham Science Publishers)

DOI

10.2174/1381612827666210608145236

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

BACKGROUND: It is known that Vitamin D can increase the body's immunity against some viral infections. Many people around the world have vitamin D deficiency and, therefore, this has become a public concern whether vitamin D is an important factor protecting against COVID-19 infection. In this paper, the data about the roles of vitamin D on immunity and recovery from viral infections, especially novel Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is reviewed.

METHODS: The electronic databases of Pubmed, Google Scholar, Research Gate, Excerpta Media Database (EMBASE) and Medical and Health Education (Medrix) were searched.

RESULTS: Vitamin D is considered an important factor in immune homeostasis. Various effects have been considered for this nutrient on the immune system, particularly because of vitamin D receptor (VDR) and Cytochrome P450 Family 27 Subfamily B Member 1 (CYP27B1) expression in most of the immune cells. Vitamin D can raise cellular immunity, reduce cytokine storm and enhance antioxidants production. It also has modulatory effects on Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors and might have protective functions against acute lung injuries, including COVID-19 infection. However, there are some articles against this positive effect.

CONCLUSION: Vitamin D supplementation is reported to be effective in the enhancement of the immune system and might be effective in the treatment and prevention of COVID-19 infection, especially in those with its deficiency. However, it should be considered that vitamin D deficiency shows the overall health status of the patients and cannot be considered specific for COVID-19 infection.Recent Advances in Anti-Infective Drug Discovery.

Language: en

Keywords

COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; Immunity; supplementation; VDR; Viral infections; Vitamin D