Vitamin D Status: Can It Affect the Risk of Infection and the Severity of COVID-19 Symptoms?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, several academic studies have emerged that explore the importance of vitamin D in the development of the SARS-CoV2 infection. The basis of this interest comes from the established effect vitamin D status has on other acute respiratory infections, such as influenza. This article aims to determine the role and effect of vitamin D serum concentration in the prevalence and severity of COVID-19. RECENT FINDINGS: Several observational studies have demonstrated that suboptimal levels of vitamin D serum concentrations can significantly increase the risk of developing COVID-19 and lead to a more severe symptomatology. One study suggests, however, that supplementation of vitamin D could potentially increase the incidence of mortality in COVID-19 patients. SUMMARY: Vitamin D status could have an influential role in the development and progression of SARS-CoV2 infection. Further studies are warranted to understand fully the veracity and the extent of this association.