The Roles of Vitamin D in Increasing the Body's Immunity and Reducing Injuries due to Viral Infections: With an Emphasis on its Possible Role in SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19).

Current Pharmaceutical Design
Elahe Aleebrahim-DehkordiMahmoud Rafieian-Kopaei

Abstract

It is known that vitamin D can increase the body's immunity against some viral infections. Many people worldwide have vitamin D deficiency; therefore, this has become a public concern whether vitamin D is an important factor protecting against COVID-19 infection. In this paper, the data about the roles of vitamin D in immunity and recovery from viral infections, especially novel Coronavirus disease (COVID- 19), are reviewed. The electronic databases of Pubmed, Google Scholar, Research Gate, Excerpta Media Database (EMBASE), and Medical and Health Education (Medrix) were searched. Vitamin D is considered an important factor in immune homeostasis. Various effects have been considered for this nutrient on the immune system, particularly because of vitamin D receptor (VDR) and Cytochrome P450 Family 27 Subfamily B Member 1 (CYP27B1) expression in most of the immune cells. Vitamin D can increase cellular immunity, reduce cytokine storm, and enhance antioxidants production. It also has modulatory effects on Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors and might have protective functions against acute lung injuries, including COVID-19 infection. However, there are some articles against this positive effect. Vitamin D supplementati...Continue Reading

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