Vitamin D supplementation in a post-pandemic era: A narrative review.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to review the role of vitamin D (including its impact on calcium serum concentrations) in managing deficiency and as a supplement for respiratory tract infections, particularly COVID-19.
Results Summary
The study highlighted that vitamin D supplementation increases calcium serum concentrations and is beneficial for prophylaxis and treatment during COVID-19, with broader implications for cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, immune, neurological, and anti-neoplastic functions.
Population
General human population, with specific relevance to those with vitamin D deficiency or respiratory tract infections like COVID-19.
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Vitamin D | increase | calcium serum concentrations | - | - | increasing | #1 |
Vitamin D supplementation | increase | prophylaxis and treatment during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic | - | - | has shown its benefit | #2 |
Vitamin D | increase | COVID-19 | - | - | has an important role to play | #3 |
Vitamin D | increase | various other health aspects of the human body | - | - | has an important role to play | #4 |
Vitamin D | increase | managing vitamin D deficiency | - | - | highlighted the role | #5 |
Vitamin D | increase | management of respiratory tract infections, especially COVID-19 | - | - | role as a supplement | #6 |
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble molecule referring to the different isoforms, ergocalciferol (D2) and cholecalciferol (D3). Its physiological functions include increasing calcium serum concentrations. 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D) (Calcifediol), a non-active, circulating instant precursor is seen as a pre-hormone. Studies have shown that a deficiency in calcifediol is related to chronic conditions such as cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, immune system, neurological, and anti-neoplastic functions. Vitamin D supplementation has shown its benefit as prophylaxis and treatment during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and an increase in the prescribing of vitamin D supplementation has been observed. The intention of this review article is to provide guidance on the recommended dosage regimen as a prophylactic measure during COVID-19 and its use as a supplement in general. From this review article, it is clear that vitamin D has an important role to play not only in COVID-19 but also in various other health aspects of the human body.Contribution: This review article highlighted the role of vitamin D in managing vitamin D deficiency and its role as a supplement in the management of respiratory tract infections, especially COVID-19. This overview can assist physicians in optimising healthcare by optimised dosing recommendations and indications.