Vitamin D has long been known to be a major regulator for both
the endocrine and the immune system. With the advent of COVID-19
pandemic, there has been a growing interest in looking at the
feasibility of using vitamin D as a preventative and therapeutic option
in the management of the disease. A low serum level of vitamin D is
linked to higher incidence of respiratory tract infection and disease
progression. Vitamin D supplementation has proven to be effective in
enhancing the immune system, strengthen lung epithelial barrier, and
prevention of unchecked inflammatory response. Previous studies on the
roles of vitamin D in managing influenza and other enveloped virus
infection could shed light on the possible roles of vitamin D in the
current pandemic. More randomised controlled trials are needed to
explore the effects of vitamin D supplementation on COVID-19
infection.
Keywords:
Vitamin D, COVID-19, virus, influenza, immune system, respiratory tract
infection, pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome