How Vitamin D helps the body fight viral infections such as COVID-19

Role of vitamin D in COVID-19 and other viral infections

World J Virol. Sep 25, 2024; 13(3):  doi: 10.5501/wjv.v13.i3.95349

Muhammet Mesut Nezir Engin,

Öner Özdemir onerozdemir@sakarya.edu.tr

Table of Contents

Vitamin D is a steroid hormone that is naturally produced in the body or obtained through dietary sources, primarily under the influence of UVB radiation. This essential nutrient has a vital role in numerous physiological processes, encompassing immune function, cell growth, differentiation, insulin regulation, and cardiovascular well-being, along with its pivotal role in sustaining the delicate equilibrium of calcium and phosphate concentrations in the body.

Moreover, vitamin D reinforces mucosal defense and bolsters the immune system through immunomodulation, making it a critical component of overall health.

Numerous studies have unveiled the profound connection between vitamin D and the predisposition to respiratory tract infections, including well-known viruses such as influenza and the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.

Vitamin D deficiency has been consistently linked to increased severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and a heightened risk of mortality among afflicted individuals.

Retrospective observational studies have further substantiated these findings, indicating that levels of vitamin D are linked with both the occurrence and severity of COVID-19 cases.

Vitamin D has its influence on viral infections through a multitude of mechanisms, such as promoting the release of antimicrobial peptides and fine-tuning the responses of the immune system.

Additionally, vitamin D is intertwined with the intricate network of the renin–angiotensin system, suggesting a potential impact on the development of complications related to COVID-19.

While further clinical trials and extensive research are warranted, the existing body of evidence strongly hints at the possible use of vitamin D as a valuable tool in the prophylaxis and management of COVID-19 and other viral infectious diseases.

Core Tip: While further clinical trials and extensive research are warranted, the existing body of evidence strongly hints at the possible use of vitamin D as a valuable tool in the prophylaxis and management of coronavirus disease 2019 and other viral infectious disease.

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VitaminDWiki – COVID-19 treated by Vitamin D - studies, reports, videos

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Some COVID and Vitamin D studies

• How Vitamin D helps the body fight viral infections such as COVID-19 – Sept 2024

• COVID ICU use reduced by 42% if take more than 100,000 IU of vitamin D over two weeks – meta-analysis Sept 2024

• Vitamin D helps the immune system fight COVID-19 – Sunil video Jan 2021

• 15.3 X fewer COVID deaths in those getting Vitamin D injections in ICU – RCT July 2024

• Single 600,000 IU dose of nanoemulsion Vitamin D is safe and effective to fight COVID, even if delay until enter ICU – RCT May 2024

• COVID and Vitamin D: 2X more likely to die if low, 2X more likely to survive if supplement – umbrella meta-analysis April 2024

• COVID and or vaccinations causing less Vitamin D and more sickness - Jan 2024

• COVID infections and vaccinations decrease Vitamin D – many studies

• COVID and Vitamin D book by Anderson and Grimes - Sept 2023

Some other Virus and Vitamin D studies

• Many viral diseases can be fought by immune system-augmented Vitamin D - Sunil Aug 2024

• Viral infections reduced 40% by monthly 100,000 IU Vitamin D – RCT review Aug 2024

• The four viruses that are increasing at an ‘exponential rate’ (are all fought by Vitamin D) – Nov 2023

• HPV and Vitamin D - several studies

• Influenza risk cut in half by the only trial giving enough vitamin D for body weight – meta-analysis Jan 2022

• Viral conjunctivitis much worse if low vitamin D in tears – April 2024

• Vitamin D: Viral infections, Infectious diseases, EBV and MS, Virus and Cancers – Grant March 2024

• Dengue Fever decimated by Vitamin D - many studies

• Yet another virus associated with low vitamin D – mononucleosis – Aug 2016

• Chikungunya virus and Vitamin D - several studies

• Vitamin D 10 x better than Flu Vaccine if you have very low vitamin D – Feb 2017

• Vitamin D can inhibit enveloped virus (e.g. Corona, Herpes, Bird Flu, Epstein, Hepatitis, RSV, etc.) – March 2011

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VitaminDWiki – 26 health factors increase the risk of COVID-19 – all are proxies for low vitamin D includes

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