Rays of immunity: Role of sunshine vitamin in management of COVID-19 infection and associated comorbidities

The catastrophic pandemic engendered due to the Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak which causes severe clinical afflictions on the respiratory system has severely high morbidity and mortality rates. The requirement of novel compounds is at utmost importance due to lack of targeted drug molecule to treat the afflictions and restrict the viral infection and for the usage of prophylactic treatment to avoid the spread of the infection is of utmost importance. Vitamin D is one such naturally available multifunctional molecule, which plays an eminent role in the immune system and instigation of numerous cellular pathways further promoting health benefits and enhancing the human quality of life. This article reviews the current standpoint scenario and future prevalence of vitamin D supplementation in the management of covid-19 patients. Novel findings of Vitamin D suggest that along with regulation of cell growth, neuroprotective and mood-stabilizing effects, it regulates the immune response also modulate cytokine Interleukin-6 (IL-6) by inducing progesterone-induced blocking factor (PIBF), given the IL-6 levels are considerably high in COVID-19 patients which increases the further complications. Vitamin D also have its effect on angiotensin converting enzyme (ACEII) inhibitor through which the COVID-19 virus makes cell entry. Numerous research data elucidate the play of Vitamin D, in complications of COVID-19 including the most common comorbid conditions, neurological manifestations and immunological aspects makes it an ideal molecule for adjuvant therapy. Including Vitamin D as add-on therapy in the management of COVID-19 might aid the arrest of infection and helps fight this arduous epidemic.