Vitamin D helps to fight SARS-Cov-2

During the corona virus pandemic we are generally searching for vitamins that would help our immune system from fighting from different respiratory diseases such as SARS-CoV-2. 

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin , also known as ‘Sunshine Vitamin’ as its major source is sunlight which converts the 7 dehydrocholesterol hormone along with its enzyme which is present in the skin into 25, Dehydroxy Cholecalciferol (also known as cholecalciferol) . 

The active form of Vitamin D is known as Calcitriol which is involved in calcium homeostasis . Also has roles in Immune System Modulation.

Types of vitamin D are : 1. Ergocalciferol : commonly found in plants 

2. Cholecalciferol: commonly found in animals 

Structure of Calcitriol:

It contains cholesterol, 3-OH groups attached on 1,3,&25 positions.  

SARS-CoV-2:

Beta coronavirus that causes Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

The SARS has some specialised structures on its membrane as it binds with the ACE - Receptors which is present on the surface of the lungs . As the body has no antibody associated with SARS Virus so the virus easily multiplies by causing effect in the Respiratory organs . 

Vitamin D insufficiency is associated with increased susceptibility to infections like Acute respiratory Tract infections . Vitamin D has been shown to decrease risk of respiratory infections or severity of respiratory diseases . 

 Regulation of vitamin D :

1. Calcium homeostasis: low PTH and calcitonin regulates the calcium levels in the body 

 2. Bone mineralization and matrix formation 

3. Absorption of calcium and phosphorus from kidney 

4. Absorption of calcium and phosphorus in the intestine 

Vitamin D and deficiency and infections : 

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased susceptibility to a variety of infectious diseases. It increases risk of following infections / illness; like tuberculosis, influenza , bacterial vaginosis. 

Vitamin D and Respiratory infections :

 Med researches have proven that vitamin D supplements helps to easily reduce the respiratory infections . 

Vitamin D supplementation has the strongest protective effect in the group with Vitamin D deficiency (<25 mol/L). Vitamin D dosing was also found to be an important factor : daily or weekly dosing found to be protective . Bolus dosing didnt show protective effects because it should be taken regularly at intervals taking the heavy meal of vitamin D wouldn't compensate the requirements by the body . 

Vitamin D and the Immune System: 

Vitamin D is involved in the immune system regulation . Receptors are present in many immunological cells . B cells and T cells , macrophages and dendritic cells are the commonly found defence cells which are present in the body . Vitamin D modulate innate and adaptive immune system . Vitamin D regulates immune system proteins as it up regulates the cathelicidins and defensives , it also has antibacterial and anti fungal properties . 

Cathelicidins activates the TLR3 cells which activates the vitamin D causing CAMP. Defensives are expressed in leukocytes and epithelial cells alpha and beta defensives . Vitamin can reduce the cytokine storm and causes the increase morality and morbidity of respiratory infections which is of great importance for Acute respiratory Distress Syndrome . Vitamin D reduces T helper cells inflammatory cytokine production  . 

Vitamin D supplementation decreases interleukins activity. 

Primary sources of vitamin is sunlight , though we are in home but we should for attest consume sunlight and avoid staying aback. Cereal, nuts , pulses, green leafy vegetables are also good sources of the vitamin to avoid coronavirus pandemic.