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Review
. 2022 Jul-Sep;37(3):203-217.
doi: 10.1097/TIN.0000000000000284. Epub 2022 Jun 22.

Immunomodulatory Effects of Vitamin D and Prevention of Respiratory Tract Infections and COVID-19

Marni E Shoemaker  1 , Linda M Huynh  1 , Cory M Smith  1 , Vikkie A Mustad  1 , Maria O Duarte  1 , Joel T Cramer  1
Affiliations
Review

Immunomodulatory Effects of Vitamin D and Prevention of Respiratory Tract Infections and COVID-19

Marni E Shoemaker et al. Top Clin Nutr. 2022 Jul-Sep.

Abstract

Little is known about potential protective factors for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), referred to as COVID-19. Suboptimal vitamin D status is a risk factor for immune dysfunction, respiratory tract infections (RTIs), and viral infections. Supplementation of vitamin D (2000-4000 IU) has decreased incidence and complications from RTIs, respiratory distress syndrome, and pneumonia and may be beneficial in high-risk populations. Given the possible link between low vitamin D status and RTIs, such as COVID-19, this review examined whether vitamin D supplementation can be supported as a nutritional strategy for reducing risk of infection, complications, and mortality from COVID-19 and found that the relationship between vitamin D and RTIs warrants further exploration.

Keywords: COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; nutrients; respiratory tract infection; supplementation; vitamin D.

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