Vitamin supplements in the Era of SARS-Cov2 pandemic

Abstract

Recently, the rapid and extensive spread of a novel human RNA betacoronavirus, known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is causing a worldwide public health emergency, originated in Wuhan, China. The disease caused by this new coronavirus, called "COVID-19", is very contagious. Although most of infected subjects are asymptomatic or present with mild flu-like symptoms, the rapid spread of the virus has resulted in a significant amount of serious interstitial pneumonia that may quickly develop into severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), septic shock, sepsis-induced coagulopathy and fatal multiorgan dysfunction. Hence, the unabated spread of the disease demands an immediate need to explore all the plausible therapeutic and prophylactic strategies for reducing the high morbidity and mortality of this infection. At present, there is no vaccine or certainly effective antiviral treatment for human SARS-Cov-2 and the mainstay of clinical management is prevalently symptomatic treatment combined with a panel of drugs having variable and uncertain efficacy. Unfortunately, no many drugs have yet been approved to treat human SARS-Cov-2 infection and many agents are administered in off label route; several options are being studied to control or prevent clinical manifestations of this infection, including monoclonal antibodies, antiviral and anti-cytokine agents, antibiotics, and other drugs. Given that several vitamins are known to have antimicrobial properties and immunomodulatory activity, a potential role of vitamins in the COVID-19 treatment was investigated.

Characterization of Phytochemicals in Ulva intestinalis L. and Their Action Against SARS-CoV-2 Spike Glycoprotein Receptor-Binding Domain

“…Retinal is a vitamin A aldehyde in the most absorbable form. Many studies have pointed the role of vitamins which include retinal, in managing COVID-19 (Michele et al, 2020;Morais et al, 2020;Gröber and Holick, 2021). DTD is a macrocyclicditerpene, primarily isolated from the Tobacco plant (Nicotianatabacum).…”

Markers Associated with COVID-19 Susceptibility, Resistance, and Severity

“…Other vitamins are also known to have immunomodulatory functions; thus, providing a potential therapy for COVID-19 (i.e., vitamin supplements). Vitamin C has been shown to have important antiviral activity [74], where in vitro inactivation of herpesviruses and paramyxoviruses was achieved upon treatment with ascorbic acid [75]. In terms of immunomodulation, an increase in immune cell activity (i.e., increased expression of CD25 and CD69 of PBMCs (Peripheral blood mononuclear cells) and natural killer (NK) cells) was observed in infected mice (i.e., influenza A virus/H1N1 infection) upon administration of vitamin C [76].…”

“…According to a randomized controlled study, daily supplementation of vitamin E and C (800 IU and 1000 mg, respectively) to the HIV-infected population led to a significant decrease in oxidative stress with a possible reduction in HIV viral load [78]. Note that vitamin E poses important antioxidant activities in addition to its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory functions [74]. Since the positive effects of these vitamins have been observed in several viral infections, it is worth investigating their therapeutic role in COVID-19, given that the symptoms are quite similar to that of the common cold.…”

COVID-19 and Fast Foods Consumption: a Review

“…Vitamin B deficiency has the potential to suppress immune function (both the innate and adaptive immune responses). [48,49] High-doses of thiamine (B1) have been recommended for COVID-19 patients. [50] Furthermore, supplementation of niacin (B3) can help control the inflammatory process (generally caused by interleukin 6) in patients with COVID-19.…”