Vitamin D and Covid-19: Modulation of the Immune Response

Abstract

Introduction: Due to the rapid spread of Sars-CoV-2 and COVID-19, at the beginning of 2020, the state of a pandemic by the coronavirus was installed and, since then, incessant research is being carried out in order to understand the pathophysiology of the disease and identify possible elements that predispose it. In this context, the association of vitamin D with the installation and progression of COVID-19 has been studied. The justification for the proposal of this work is due to the role of the vitamin in the modulation of the immune system, participating in the synthesis of catelecidin, a peptide that reduces viral replication; activation of defense cells; and the decrease of inflammatory cytokines. Objectives: To evaluate the plasma level of vitamin D, in the active form calcitriol, in individuals with COVID-19. Methods: Through a bibliographic survey in the "PubMed" database, with the keywords "COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, VITAMIN D, PREVENTION, CONTROL, THERAPEUTIC USE", 146 complete articles were collected and eight were selected that showed the plasma concentration of calcitriol in individuals with COVID-19. Results: Analysis of the eight articles resulted in the identification of plasma levels of calcitriol in 1485 individuals with COVID-19. Of these, 82% had Vitamin D values below the minimum standard reference of 20 ng/mL. Conclusion: Through the descriptive literature review, it was concluded that the low plasma level of vitamin D can be a risk factor for infections by Sars-CoV-2 and an aggravating factor of the clinical picture of COVID-19.