It is very important for us during the pandemic to maintain our body's immunity, because a strong immune system can fight germs and viruses including the corona virus. One of them is by meeting the needs of vitamin D. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that occurs naturally in several types of food and can be obtained as a dietary supplement. This vitamin can also be produced when ultraviolet rays from the sun hit the skin, triggering the synthesis of vitamin D. Several studies have also shown that having adequate levels of vitamin D can reduce the risk of being infected with covid 19 and have milder symptoms if infected. Not only that, but Vitamin D also protects the body from common respiratory diseases.

How can vitamin D fight COVID-19?

Vitamin D has many health benefits, including maintaining healthy and strong bones by helping the body absorb calcium, one of the body's main building blocks. Vitamin D is necessary for the proper functioning of the immune system, which is the body's first line of defense against infection and disease. This vitamin plays an important role in enhancing the immune response. Vitamin D has anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory properties and is essential for the activation of immune system defenses.

Vitamin D is known to enhance the function of immune cells, including T cells and macrophages, which protect the body from pathogens. In fact, this vitamin is so important for immune function that low levels of vitamin D have been linked to increased susceptibility to infections, diseases, and immune-related disorders. For example, low levels of vitamin D are associated with an increased risk of respiratory diseases, including tuberculosis, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as well as viral and bacterial respiratory infections. What's more, vitamin D deficiency has been linked to decreased lung function, which can affect the body's ability to fight off respiratory infections.

A study recently published in PLOS ONE shows that hospitalized patients with COVID-19 who have adequate vitamin D levels have a reduced risk for adverse outcomes and death. This research explains how vitamin D affects immune health and how this nutrient can help protect against respiratory disorders.

In a new report published in The Lancet, the research team discusses the possibility that vitamin D may offer protection against acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials conducted from 2007 to 2020. Studies reveal that vitamin D has a protective effect against acute respiratory infections.

The researchers observed that risk factors for severe COVID-19 were similar to vitamin D deficiency. These included obesity, older age, and Black or Asian ethnic origin. They hypothesized that supplementation with vitamin D could be protective, preventive, or therapeutic against COVID-19.

Basically, vitamin D is necessary for the proper functioning of the immune system, which is the body's first line of defense against infection and disease. This vitamin plays an important role in boosting the immune response. This is because they have anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory properties, and are essential for the activation of immune system defenses.

Is Vitamin D Effective in Overcoming COVID-19?

Currently, there is no cure or treatment for COVID-19, and few studies have investigated the effects of vitamin D supplementation. Previous studies investigated the association between circulating levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), which is a biomarker of vitamin D status. body, and the incidence and severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Two studies have shown an inverse relationship between national estimates of vitamin D levels or status and the incidence of COVID-19, including mortality in European countries. Studies have shown that when there is a lower concentration of 25(OH)D, the risk or susceptibility to COVID-19 increases. Also, the study revealed that the severity of COVID-19 increases when there are low levels of vitamin D in the body. Also, airway disease is associated with irregular vitamin D metabolism, raising the possibility that vitamin D deficiency may be a complication of inflammation of the respiratory tract.

However, a new study has determined that hydroxyvitamin D of at least 30 ng/mL can help reduce the likelihood of adverse clinical outcomes or even death in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. In addition, several studies have also shown that vitamin D supplements can improve immune responses and protect against generalized respiratory infections.

Overall, research published in PLOS ONE showed that vitamin D supplements reduced the risk of developing at least one ARI by 12 percent. Additionally, the review found that vitamin D supplements were most effective at protecting against ARI when taken daily or weekly in small doses and less effective when taken in larger doses and over large distances. Vitamin D supplements have also been shown to reduce mortality in older adults, who are most at risk of developing respiratory diseases such as COVID-19 and the comorbidities they have.

Another study highlights the potential for reverse causality, meaning that low vitamin D levels may lead to a higher incidence and severity of COVID-19. The investigators note that further research is needed, involving robust randomized controlled trials of vitamin D supplementation in preventing and treating COVID-19 patients What's more, vitamin D deficiency is known to increase a process known as a "cytokine storm". Cytokine storm refers to the uncontrolled release of pro-inflammatory cytokines that occurs in response to infection or other factors. This irregular and excessive release of cytokines causes severe tissue damage and increases disease progression and severity.

Source Article :

Healthline https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vitamin-d-coronavirus#does-it-protect-against-covid-19(02 Juli 2021).

medical.net https://www.news-medical.net/news/20200804/Can-Vitamin-D-help-combat-the-coronavirus.aspx  (28 Juli 2021)

 

Halodoc https://www.halodoc.com/artikel/perlunya-asupan-vitamin-d-untuk-atasi-covid-19-pada-komorbid  (02 Juli 2021).

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https://www.medpagetoday.com/infectiousdisease/covid19/88456