Does Vitamin D play a role in the management of Covid-19 in Brazil?

Rev Saude Publica. 2020:54:53. doi: 10.11606/s1518-8787.2020054002545. Epub 2020 Jun 1.

Abstract

The study discusses the possible role of adequate vitamin D status in plasma or serum for preventing acute respiratory infections during the Covid-19 pandemic. Our arguments respond to an article, published in Italy, that describes the high prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in older Italian women and raises the possible preventive and therapeutic role of optimal vitamin D levels. Based on literature review, we highlight the findings regarding the protective role of vitamin D for infectious diseases of the respiratory system. However, randomized controlled trials are currently lacking. Adequate vitamin D status is obtained from sun exposure and foods rich in vitamin D. Studies in Brazil have shown that hypovitaminosis D is quite common in spite of high insolation. Authors recommend ecological, epidemiological and randomized controlled trials studies to verify this hypothesis.

MeSH terms

  • Betacoronavirus*
  • Brazil
  • COVID-19
  • Coronavirus Infections / etiology
  • Coronavirus Infections / prevention & control*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pandemics / prevention & control*
  • Pneumonia, Viral / etiology
  • Pneumonia, Viral / prevention & control*
  • Risk Factors
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Vitamin D / blood
  • Vitamin D / pharmacology
  • Vitamin D / therapeutic use*
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / complications

Substances

  • Vitamin D

Grants and funding

Funding. UGPN - University Global Partnership Network, Research Collaboration Fund (RCF 2017) Healthy Living for Healthy Ageing: a Global Focus. Award received in 2018. Capes PhD scholarship for KVSS. Capes PNPD scholarship for SLO. CNPq productivity grant 1A for HR.