The Role of Some Vitamins in The Course of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection

Abstract

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is a disease that entered our lives at the end of 2019 and caused a pandemic. Although it has been brought under control with the introduction of vaccines worldwide, new variants observed in the virus still remain a cause for concern. The role of some vitamins in evaluating the pathophysiological mechanisms and disease severity of this disease has been the subject of many studies. But there is no consensus. This study focused on the relationship between vitamins C, D and E and the course of SARS-CoV-2 infection. There is strong evidence showing a fairly consistent association between low vitamin D levels and poor prognosis of infection. Although there is evidence that vitamin D supplementation may play a positive role in preventing infection, there is no solid support for vitamin D supplementation in reducing the risk of complications from infection. In some clinical observations, vitamin C supplementation has been reported to improve the course of the infection. However, controlled studies have concluded that there is no statistical difference in this improvement. There is limited information on the effect of vitamin E supplementation on the course of infection. On the other hand, these patients are encouraged to take adequate amounts of antioxidant supplements such as vitamin E. Vitamins that have antioxidant properties, have an immune system regulating effect and play a role in many enzyme systems may be important in protecting against infection. It may have adjuvant effects on the course of SARS-CoV-2 infection.