Vitamin D’s essential role in improving human health is widely researched and documented. Studies show the positive effects Vitamin D has on general health and immunity, respiratory health, mental health, bone and muscle health and managing chronic disease.
Vitamin D is important for bone health, cell growth and skin health. 1,25-dihydroxy Vitamin D is a potent immune system modulator expressed by many immune system cells such as T Cells and antigen-presenting cells such as dendritic cells and macrophages. It exerts a variety of effects on immune system function which enhances innate immunity and prevents the development of autoimmunity.
Vitamin D – Oregon State – Linus Pauling Institute – Micronutrient Information Center
A number of studies have demonstrated the role of Vitamin D in other infections such as reducing the risk of acute viral respiratory infections, influenza, and pneumonia including the direct inhibition with viral replication or anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects in the body.
Role of vitamin D in preventing of COVID-19 infection, progression and severity
Vitamin D is produced in the skin with the effect of sunlight or through food and dietary sources. In several studies Vitamin D is shown to have protective effects against respiratory tract infections such as SARS-COV-2, therefore people with low levels of Vitamin D are at higher risk during the global pandemic. Vitamin D is known to modulate adaptive immunity resulting in anti-inflammatory effects. It is also linked to innate immunity as it enhances the antimicrobial properties of immune cells. Deficiency of Vitamin D is associated with a higher risk and severity of infections including respiratory illnesses, as well as autoimmune disorders. There is emerging evidence that higher serum 25-hydroxy D concentrations are related to reduced risk through a variety of mechanisms such as reducing survival and replication of viruses, maintaining intact epithelial layers as a barrier, reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines, and increasing Angiotensin- Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) concentrations.
Evidence Regarding Vitamin D and Risk of COVID-19 and Its Severity
Supplementation with Vitamin D may reduce the incidence, severity, and risk of death from COVID- 19.
Evidence that Vitamin D Supplementation Could Reduce Risk of Influenza and COVID-19 Infections and Deaths
Vitamin D supplementation as an adjuvant therapy, could open possibilities for slowing disease progression and improving survival 1 by enhancing resistance 2 against COVID-19.
1. Perspective: improving vitamin D status in the management of COVID-19
2. Optimisation of Vitamin D Status for Enhanced Immuno-protection Against Covid-2019
3. SARS-CoV-2 positivity rates associated with circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels