Vitamin D: a potentially important secosteroid for coping with COVID-19

An Acad Bras Cienc. 2022 Aug 19;94(2):e20201545. doi: 10.1590/0001-3765202220201545. eCollection 2022.

Abstract

COVID-19 is a disease that has caused a high number of deaths in the world, and despite being controlled, it requires attention and the search for new quick and economical therapeutic strategies. In this sense, vitamin D stands out, an immunomodulator that has shown beneficial effects in decreasing the risk and severity of acute respiratory tract infections, including COVID-19. Therefore, this review presents a number of experimental, observational and clinical studies on the importance of vitamin D against viral infections with an emphasis on COVID-19, highlighting the relationship between vitamin D, Renin-Angiotensin System and cytokine storms with decreased inflammatory lesions in patients with COVID-19. In addition, aspects of pathophysiology, metabolism, risk factors, sources and recommendations of vitamin D are described. We conclude that vitamin D plays a protective role against inflammatory lesions and can decrease the risk of infections and the severity of COVID-19. Therefore, it is essential to maintain adequate levels of vitamin D to avoid complications related to its deficiency.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological
  • COVID-19 Drug Treatment*
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Humans
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Vitamin D / therapeutic use
  • Vitamin D Deficiency* / complications
  • Vitamin D Deficiency* / drug therapy
  • Vitamins / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Vitamins
  • Vitamin D