Vitamin D deficiency: concern for rheumatoid arthritis and COVID-19?

Mol Cell Biochem. 2021 Dec;476(12):4351-4362. doi: 10.1007/s11010-021-04245-8. Epub 2021 Aug 28.

Abstract

Vitamin D is an immunomodulatory hormone with an established role in calcium and phosphate metabolism and skeletal mineralization. Evidence showing its immunological benefits by regulating essential components of the innate and adaptive immune system is prevalent. Vitamin D deficiency is reported worldwide and is thereby found to be associated with various immune-related diseases. Rheumatoid Arthritis and COVID-19 are two such diseases, sharing a similar hyperinflammatory response. Various studies have found an association of lower Vitamin D levels to be associated with both these diseases. However, contrasting data is also reported. We review here the available scientific data on risk factor association and supplementation benefits of Vitamin D in Rheumatoid Arthritis and COVID-19, intending to critically evaluate the literature.

Keywords: Association; COVID-19; Deficiency; Rheumatoid arthritis; Supplementation; Vitamin D.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / diet therapy*
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / etiology
  • COVID-19 / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Risk Factors
  • Vitamin D / immunology
  • Vitamin D / physiology*
  • Vitamin D / therapeutic use
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / complications*
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / diet therapy

Substances

  • Vitamin D