ABSTRACT
Vitamin C and D can decrease the risks associated with viral infections by regulating the body’s immune system and response against viral activities and decrease the risks and virulence of severe viral respiratory tract infections. Research and experience have shown that Vitamin C is a possible therapy for SARS-CoV-2 because vitamin C has a promising role in maintaining proper body functions and also helps in removing damaged reactive oxygen species (ROS) and protect cells from oxidative damage. Vitamin C is needed in an adequate amount for proper immune function and stability which is a panacea for combating the scourge of infectious agents such as SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19). Vitamin D has also been shown to ameliorate and cushion the risk of respiratory tract infections (RTIs) via several metabolic mechanisms and pathways: adequate concentrations of vitamin D in cells can decrease the amount and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines which are predominantly released from innate immune cells. In the base membrane, vitamin D helps to preserve tight junctions. Adequate plasma levels of vitamin D can eliminate protein-enveloped viruses with cathelicidin (a polypeptide which is mainly expresses in neutrophils macrophages, epithelial cells) activation. These processes can reduce the risk of a cytokine storm which often results to severe pneumonia. Clinical trials prove that elevated amount of 1, 25(OH) vitamin D derivative will potentially decrease the risk of viral pneumonia, dengue fever, hepatitis B, C and herpes infections. Thus, multivitamins C, D could play a pivotal role as curative agents against influenza and SARS-CoV-2 infections. © 2020 Nweze et al.