Vitamin-D Supplementation in COVID-19: Existing Evidence and Gap in Literature

ABSTRACT

Review of literature on effectiveness of vitamin D in COVID-19 infection demonstrated a positive effect in COVID-19 patients. However, the studies are limited either due to small sample size or are conducted in a select subset of patients. Gaps on proofof-concept or a cause-effect relationship related to the use of vitamin D in COVID-19 infection still exist. COVID-19 related benefits of vitamin D have not been validated and are still hypothetical. Administration of high amounts of vitamin D, without clinical indication, could result in toxicity and harmful consequences. Large, multi-centre, placebo-controlled clinical trials in patients with varying severity of COVID-19 infection are needed to establish the role of vitamin D supplementation as an inexpensive therapeutic tool to fight the ongoing pandemic. Administration of vitamin D in already sufficient population should be held until concrete evidence is being established.