Mini-Review on the Roles of Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and Selenium in the Immune System against COVID-19.
Molecules
; 25(22)2020 Nov 16.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-979112
ABSTRACT
Low levels of micronutrients have been associated with adverse clinical outcomes during viral infections. Therefore, to maximize the nutritional defense against infections, a daily allowance of vitamins and trace elements for malnourished patients at risk of or diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may be beneficial. Recent studies on COVID-19 patients have shown that vitamin D and selenium deficiencies are evident in patients with acute respiratory tract infections. Vitamin D improves the physical barrier against viruses and stimulates the production of antimicrobial peptides. It may prevent cytokine storms by decreasing the production of inflammatory cytokines. Selenium enhances the function of cytotoxic effector cells. Furthermore, selenium is important for maintaining T cell maturation and functions, as well as for T cell-dependent antibody production. Vitamin C is considered an antiviral agent as it increases immunity. Administration of vitamin C increased the survival rate of COVID-19 patients by attenuating excessive activation of the immune response. Vitamin C increases antiviral cytokines and free radical formation, decreasing viral yield. It also attenuates excessive inflammatory responses and hyperactivation of immune cells. In this mini-review, the roles of vitamin C, vitamin D, and selenium in the immune system are discussed in relation to COVID-19.
Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Pneumonia, Viral
/
Ascorbic Acid
/
Selenium
/
Vitamin D
/
Coronavirus Infections
/
Dietary Supplements
/
Pandemics
/
Cytokine Release Syndrome
Type of study:
Prognostic study
Topics:
Traditional medicine
Limits:
Humans
Language:
English
Journal subject:
Biology
Year:
2020
Document Type:
Article
Similar
MEDLINE
...
LILACS
LIS