Vitamin D Supplementation Could Potentially Reduce Risk of COVID-19 Infections and Deaths

Abstract

Vitamin D has long been known to be a major regulator for both the endocrine and the immune system. With the advent of COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a growing interest in looking at the feasibility of using vitamin D as a preventative and therapeutic option in the management of the disease. A low serum level of vitamin D is linked to higher incidence of respiratory tract infection and disease progression. Vitamin D supplementation has proven to be effective in enhancing the immune system, strengthen lung epithelial barrier, and prevention of unchecked inflammatory response. Previous studies on the roles of vitamin D in managing influenza and other enveloped virus infection could shed light on the possible roles of vitamin D in the current pandemic. More randomised controlled trials are needed to explore the effects of vitamin D supplementation on COVID-19 infection. Review Criteria: Papers published in the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were reviewed for evidence relating viral and respiratory tract infections to vitamin D deficiency; the effects of vitamin D supplementation on the immune and inflammatory responses; and ongoing trials on the use of vitamin D in managing COVID-19 illness. The findings were discussed and dose recommendation for vitamin D supplements summarised. Message for the Clinic: Vitamin D could be a readily accessible and cost-effective adjuvant therapy for COVID-19 that deserves further research.

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“…Conversely, vitamin D supplements were reportedly associated with a less severe disease progress and faster recovery rates in COVID-19 patients ( C. Annweiler et al, 2020 ; G. Annweiler et al, 2020 ; Rastogi et al, 2020 ; Tan et al, 2020 , Tan et al, 2020 ). Vitamin D supplementation has recently been reviewed ( Grant et al, 2020 ; Malek Mahdavi, 2020 ; Tay, Mahajan, & Thornton, 2020 ) with the conclusion that it is effective in boosting the immune system, strengthening the lung epithelial barrier, and preventing an excessive inflammatory response and viral infections.…”

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“…Black churches routinely deal with a mistrust of medical professionals perpetuated through the collective memory of the Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment. 50,51 Pew Research data indicated that Blacks were more skeptical than other groups about trusting medical professionals, and they questioned the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines. 52,53 The high rate of COVID-19 deaths among Blacks and the need for minorities in clinical trials for COVID-19 vaccines perpetuated this skepticism about medical expertise with claims that the pandemic was a deliberate plot against minorities.…”