Open AccessImpact of level of vitamin D in the body on the severity of COVID-19 – review of the literature
Author(s) -
Gabriela Ręka,
Anna Korzeniowska,
Piotr Machowiec,
Marcela Maksymowicz,
Halina PiecewiczSzczęsna
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
przegląd epidemiologiczny
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.158
H-Index - 18
eISSN - 2545-1898
pISSN - 0033-2100
DOI - 10.32394/pe.74.50
Subject(s) - vitamin d and neurology , immune system , medicine , covid-19 , vitamin , physiology , vitamin d deficiency , immunology , intensive care medicine , disease , infectious disease (medical specialty)
. The aim of the study is to present the current state of knowledge on the influence of vitamin D levels on the severity of the course of COVID-19.MATERIAL AND METHODS. The latest available literature was reviewed until October 30, 2020 from the PubMed database.RESULTS. The literature reports that vitamin D has immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects.It reduces the expression of cytokines such as IL-6, TNF-α and INF-γ, regulates the activity of T helper lymphocytes, and other elements of the immune system at the molecular level. The deficiency of this vitamin promotes the activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, contributing to the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome. The severity of the course of SARS-CoV-2 infection depends on comorbidities, the development and course of which may also be affected by vitamin D levels (coagulopathies, pulmonary, cardiological, metabolic diseases). Most of the analyzed research studies from different countries indicated a relationship between insufficient vitamin D levels and a more severe course of COVID-19 and an increase in mortality due to it, especially among the elderly. Researchers agree that further analyzes are necessary concerning both the influence of the vitamin D blood serum levels on the morbidity and mortality due to COVID-19 as well as the use of its supplementation in the struggle against SARS-CoV-2 virus. There are reports of possible beneficial interactions of vitamin D with other substances, such as quercetin, estradiol, some microelements, and other vitamins.CONCLUSIONS. Maintaining an adequate level of vitamin D has a positive effect on the functioning of the immune system. At the moment, there is insufficient evidence to establish a clear relationship between vitamin D levels and the severity of COVID-19. It is necessary to conduct further research on a larger study group. The literature does not mention the use of vitamin D as a medication for COVID-19. People at risk of vitamin D deficiency should consider vitamin D supplementation at the current time of the pandemic.