The role of vitamin D in the development and course of SARS-CoV-2 infection and other viral diseases

Abstract

Vitamin D is a prohormone soluble in fats. It has multidirectional effects, among others on bone mineralization processes and modulation of the immune system. Due to these properties, research is being conducted on the influence of vitamin D on the development of SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) infection. The postulated mechanism of action of vitamin D in coronavirus infection is that it affects the ACE2/ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) balance and inhibits the cytokine storm. Research shows that low serum levels of 25(OH)D can increase morbidity. The results of studies on the influence of hypovitaminosis on the severity of the course of COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 19) infection and mortality are inconclusive. Vitamin D also plays a role in infections caused by other viruses, such as the flu virus. Further randomized studies are needed to clearly define the function of vitamin D in coronavirus infection.

Keywords

• vitamin d
• covid-19
• sars-cov-2
• virus
• 25(oh)d