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Does Vitamin D play a role in the management of Covid-19 in Brazil?
Rev Saude Publica. 2020;54:53
Authors: Ribeiro H, Santana KVS, Oliver SL, Rondó PHC, Mendes MM, Charlton K, Lanham-New S
Abstract
The study discusses the possible role of adequate vitamin D status in plasma or serum for preventing acute respiratory infections during the Covid-19 pandemic. Our arguments respond to an article, published in Italy, that describes the high prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in older Italian women and raises the possible preventive and therapeutic role of optimal vitamin D levels. Based on literature review, we highlight the findings regarding the protective role of vitamin D for infectious diseases of the respiratory system. However, randomized controlled trials are currently lacking. Adequate vitamin D status is obtained from sun exposure and foods rich in vitamin D. Studies in Brazil have shown that hypovitaminosis D is quite common in spite of high insolation. Authors recommend ecological, epidemiological and randomized controlled trials studies to verify this hypothesis.
PMID: 32491112 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]