Several available evidences indicate that supplementation with multiple micronutrients with immune-supporting roles may modulate immune function and reduce the risk of Infections. Micronutrients with the strongest evidence for immune support are Vitamin D, Vitamin C, and Zinc.
Over the last decade, several studies suggest that Vitamin D deficiency is a potential risk factor for various diseases, including systemic infections and autoimmune diseases. Vitamin D plays a vital role in mediating innate immune responses. Below are some of the research articles that shows the importance of Vitamin D in modulating the immune response in various infections.
Case Study 1 : Vitamin D supplementation might improve immune response in COVID-19 patients
At early stages of COVID-19, protective immune response is responsible for eliminating the virus. Thus, potential immunomodulators, like Vitamin D, could be of great importance. Vitamin D levels ≥ 95 nmol/L are associated with a 2-fold lower risk of acute viral respiratory infections Vs. levels < 95 nmol/L. Vitamin D has direct effects on immune cell proliferation and activity. This article hypothesized that, Vitamin D supplementation as an adjuvant therapy for COVID-19 could open possibilities for slowing disease progression & improving survival.
Source: Ebadi M et al. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2020;1-4
Case Study 2 : Vitamin D supplementation improves innate immune response against viral infection
The impact of Vitamin D supplementation on dengue virus infection, toll-like receptor (TLR) expression and cytokine production in dendritic cells (DCs) were assessed. DCs from donors receiving 4000 IU/day Vitamin D were less susceptible to infection as compared to donors receiving low Vitamin D dose. Supplementation decreased mRNA expression of the immune receptors, TLR 3, 7 and 9, which are upregulated in dengue infection. Vitamin D supplementation helps to regulate IL-12 & significantly increased IL-10, which is beneficial for the suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
Source: Martínez-Moreno J et al. Mol Cell Biochem. 2020;464(1-2):169-180
Growing number of studies support the role of Vitamin D in the area of Respiratory health. Higher Vitamin D levels were observed in reducing risk of infection and death from Acute Respiratory Tract Infections (ARTIs), including those from influenza, CoV and pneumonia.
Vitamin D is well known for reducing the risk of infections through the mechanism of inducing cathelicidens and defensins that can lower viral replication rates. Vitamin D also helps in reducing concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines that produce the inflammation that injures the lining of the lungs, leading to pneumonia as well as increasing concentrations of anti-inflammatory cytokines.
Below is one of the cohort studies which shows the role of Vitamin D in Respiratory Health:
Case Study 1 : Vitamin D deficiency is associated with worsening lung function & acute COPD exacerbations
In observational, cohort study involving 1,609 participants were evaluated for the association between Vitamin D, lung function & acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). Low levels of Vitamin D were associated with reduced lung function along with a 32% higher odds of AECOPD. Vitamin D sufficiency might be associated with a protective effect against lung dysfunction. Vitamin D supplementation suggests an anti-inflammatory role of Vitamin D in the airways.
Source:Burkes RM et al. Chest. 2020;157(4):856-865
Vitamin D may play a vital role in mental health. Several studies have shown the association between Vitamin D deficiency and various psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, cognitive impairment, autism, etc. Vitamin D supplementation may aid in relieving anxiety and depression. Below are some of the snippets of the research conducted to show the relationship of Vitamin D with Mental Health.
Case Study 1 : Vitamin D deficiency is associated with an increased risk of anxiety
In a retrospective analysis of 51,003 participants, the relationship between serum Vitamin D levels and anxiety symptoms were assessed. The individuals with anxiety had lower mean levels of Vitamin D when compared to that of non-anxious individuals. Compared with sufficient Vitamin D levels (≥ 20 ng/mL), insufficient (10-19.99 ng/mL) and deficient (< 10 ng/mL) Vitamin D levels were significantly associated with the risk of anxiety symptoms.
Source: Kim SY et al. Psychiatry Investig. 2020 Apr;17(4):312-319
Case Study 2 : Vitamin D supplementation may aid in emotional improvement in patients with depression
In a meta-analysis of 25 trials, 7,534 participants were evaluated to analyse the association between Vitamin D supplementation and negative emotions. Supplementation of Vitamin D exhibited a significant effect on the reduction of negative emotions among patients with anxiety and major depressive disorder.
Cheng YC et al. Depress Anxiety. 2020 Jun;37(6):549-564
Case Study 3 : Vitamin D supplementation is associated with lowering severity of depression
56 subjects with mild to moderate depression were randomized to receive either Vitamin D supplementation (50,000 IU/ 2 weeks) or placebo for 8 weeks. Post supplementation, compared to the placebo group, patients in the Vitamin D group demonstrated significant improvement in Vitamin D levels (+40.8 Vs. +5.1 nmol/L) along with a 3-fold greater reduction in their depression severity, as measured by the Beck Depression Inventory scores (-11.75 Vs. -3.61). Vitamin D supplementation remarkably improved the mood status of patients with depression.
Kaviani M et al. J Affect Disord. 2020 May 15;269:28-35