Vitamin D and Covid-19: From potential therapeutic effects to unanswered questions

Evidence suggests that vitamin D supplementation could potentially be effective either in treatment or prevention of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). Indeed, several studies and trials have begun to investigate the impact of vitamin D supplementation on patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. In this review, we focus on the potential mechanisms of vitamin D in the pathogenesis of Covid-19. We consider whether deficiency of vitamin D may be one of the underlying biological factors that could explain the excess mortality seen among non-Caucasians. We also raise several important questions which need to be addressed to provide a clear picture of the extent to which vitamin D supplementation may benefit patients with Covid-19, particularly those with underlying risk factors.

Automated summary

Evidence suggests that vitamin D supplementation could be effective in treatment or prevention of Covid-19, particularly in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Besides focusing on the potential mechanisms of vitamin D in the pathogenesis of Covid-19, addressing the impact of vitamin D supplementation on Covid-19 patients who may benefit from it is also crucial.