The Role of Vitamin D in Treatment and Prophylaxis of Viral Infections

Abstract

Importance: Researchers and scientific expertise are in the marathon for reaching to effective therapeutics and powerful protective measures against viral infectious diseases generally and SARS-CoV2 infection (COVID-19) specially. Viral infections e.g. SARs-CoV2 causes immune activation and systemic hyper-inflammation which can lead to respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Vitamin D status may influence the severity of responses to viral infections and that the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency will be closely aligned to increase morbidity. In this paper we try to emphasize the role of vitamin D in the treatment and protection against viral infections. Relevance: Vitamin D helps in decreasing the ‘pro-inflammatory cytokines’ in the lungs and acts in immuno-modulatory function, and also it will increase the anti-inflammatory, antiviral responses of the respiratory epithelial cells during infection. Recent research has indicated that vitamin D may have immune supporting properties through modulation of both the adaptive and innate immune system either by regulation of cytokines and cell signaling pathways. So, vitamin D acts as an important factor in decline cytokines storm in COID-19 infection. Conclusion: The highly infectious nature of viruses and the increased morbidity and mortality without proper therapy and vaccine, many doctors in hospitals and other health care settings try to applicate good protocols of therapeutics to decrease the harmful effects of viral infection. Vitamin D is one of these supplements in the treatment protocol. Discontinuing vitamins could increase the mortality and morbidity of those affected, especially in deficient/ insufficient individuals. Obtaining serum 25 (OH) D levels in all patients with viral respiratory infections, especially COVID-19, could help in the detection and treatment of Vitamin D deficiency and potentially decrease recovery time and improve outcome. Even though evidence suggests that vitamin D has the anti-inflammatory, antiviral properties, so it will help in controlling trials to decrease morbidity and mortality of COVID-19 infection.