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Shojaeimeher S, Babashahi M, Shokri S, Mirlohi M, Zeinali T. Optimizing the Production of Probiotic Yogurt as a New Functional Food for Diabetics with Favorable Sensory Properties Using the Response Surface Methodology. Probiotics Antimicrob Proteins 2024; 16:413-425. [PMID: 36928935 DOI: 10.1007/s12602-023-10051-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to optimize the processing of probiotic yogurt supplemented with cumin essential oil (CEO), vitamin C, D3 (Vit D), and reduction of fermentation time using response surface methodology as a new functional food for diabetics with desirable sensory properties. The central composite design (CCD) was used to analyze the effect of these independent variables on the growth of the Lactobacillus plantarum A7 (LA7), starter culture, and overall acceptability. Differences between treatments were analyzed. The data were evaluated by analysis of variance at the significance level of 0.05. The effective concentration of CEO and fermentation time had the significant effect on the Lactobacillus plantarum A7 (LA7) number. Variance analysis and three-dimensional graphs show that almost the only effective factor on the overall acceptability of probiotic yogurt containing essential oil and vitamin D3 was CEO. According to the obtained data from the analysis, the optimal amount of independent variables for probiotic yogurt formulation such as CEO, D3, and fermentation time was 0.02% (v/v), 400 IU, and 9 h, respectively. This functional product can be considered an efficient food to reduce or eliminate the complications of diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samaneh Shojaeimeher
- Department of Nutrition and Food Security Research Center, School of Nutrition and Food Science, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mina Babashahi
- Nutrition Research Center, School of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Samira Shokri
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Division of Food Safety & Hygiene, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Mirlohi
- Food Security Research Center, Department of Food Technology, School of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Tayebeh Zeinali
- Infectious Diseases Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran.
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Nyakundi PN, Némethné Kontár Z, Kovács A, Járomi L, Zand A, Lohner S. Fortification of Staple Foods for Household Use with Vitamin D: An Overview of Systematic Reviews. Nutrients 2023; 15:3742. [PMID: 37686773 PMCID: PMC10489979 DOI: 10.3390/nu15173742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitamin D deficiency is a global public health concern with significant implications for bone health and chronic disease prevention. Our aim was to summarize the evidence from Cochrane and other systematic reviews evaluating the benefits or harms of vitamin D fortification of staple foods for household use. In April 2023, we systematically searched Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Epistemonikos and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews for systematic reviews investigating the effects of vitamin D fortification of food in general populations of any age. We used Cochrane methodology and assessed the methodological quality of included studies using AMSTAR (A MeaSurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews). We assessed the degree of overlap among reviews. All outcomes included in systematic reviews were assessed. The protocol is registered in PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42023420991). We included 27 systematic reviews out of 5028 records for analysis. Overall, 11 out of 12 systematic reviews calculating pooled estimates reported a significant increase in serum 25(OH)D concentrations. The mean change in serum 25(OH)D concentrations per additional 100 units of vitamin D ranged from 0.7 to 10.8 nmol/L. Fortification of food with vitamin D showed a reduction in the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency based on high-certainty evidence. Parathormone (PTH) levels were described to decrease, bone mineral density to increase, while the effects on other bone turnover markers were inconsistent. Fortification did not significantly impact most anthropometric parameters, but it seemed to positively influence lipid profiles. In summary, fortification of food with vitamin D results in a reduction of vitamin D deficiency and might increase serum 25(OH)D concentrations, to varying extents depending on the fortified vehicle and population characteristics. Additionally, fortification may have a positive impact on bone turnover and lipid metabolism but may only have a limited effect on anthropometric parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Nyamemba Nyakundi
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pécs, 7621 Pécs, Hungary
| | | | - Attila Kovács
- Cochrane Hungary, Clinical Center of the University of Pécs, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7623 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Luca Járomi
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Afshin Zand
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Szimonetta Lohner
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
- Cochrane Hungary, Clinical Center of the University of Pécs, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7623 Pécs, Hungary
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Tanna NK, Karki M, Webber I, Alaa A, El-Costa A, Blair M. Knowledge, attitudes, and practices associated with vitamin D supplementation: A cross-sectional online community survey of adults in the UK. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0281172. [PMID: 37549145 PMCID: PMC10406322 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0281172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) of a diverse population. Identify barriers and facilitators that inform routine vitamin D supplementation and self-care in the community setting. DESIGN Cross-sectional online voluntary survey. Electronic survey link published on college Qualtrics platform and advertised widely. Study information provided with Participant Information Sheet. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS 556 community dwelling adults across the UK. METHODS The overarching study included two phases, incorporating quantitative and qualitative methodologies. This paper reports findings from the first phase of the FABCOM-D (Facilitators and Barriers to Community (Healthy) Vitamin D status) study. Online survey questions were iteratively developed after background literature searches and piloted to ensure clarity and ease of understanding. Survey responses summarised using frequencies and percentages, and univariable and multivariable logistic regression models explored for any association. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The Checklist for Reporting Results of Internet E-Surveys guided reporting. Statistical analysis performed using IBM SPSS software. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Awareness of vitamin D information sources, health benefits and testing. Attitudes to supplementation, sun exposure and fortification. RESULTS Three quarters of the community had some awareness of vitamin D and around half were taking supplements. The two most trusted sources of information included health professionals and the NHS website. Participants were willing to pay for supplements, supporting a self-care agenda. With increasing age, there was significant reduced intake of vitamin D supplements. This aspect needs to be explored further as this could be a concern in deficiency status in the elderly. There was acceptance of food fortification but uncertainty on how to balance food intake with supplementation. CONCLUSION We were successful in eliciting views on KAPs around vitamin D from a community population including a large proportion of Black and Minority Ethnic individuals. The community wanted information and guidance to help manage individual vitamin D status, especially for high-risk groups, and on balancing supplementation, food fortification and sun exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuttan Kantilal Tanna
- Department of Primary Care & Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- River Island Paediatric and Child Health Academic Unit, Northwick Park Hospital, London North-West University Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Manisha Karki
- Self-Care Academic Research Unit (SCARU), School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Iman Webber
- Self-Care Academic Research Unit (SCARU), School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Aos Alaa
- Self-Care Academic Research Unit (SCARU), School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Austen El-Costa
- Self-Care Academic Research Unit (SCARU), School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mitch Blair
- Department of Primary Care & Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- River Island Paediatric and Child Health Academic Unit, Northwick Park Hospital, London North-West University Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
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Pisoschi AM, Pop A, Iordache F, Stanca L, Geicu OI, Bilteanu L, Serban AI. Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory roles of vitamins in COVID-19 therapy. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 232:114175. [PMID: 35151223 PMCID: PMC8813210 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
oxidative stress is caused by an abundant generation of reactive oxygen species, associated to a diminished capacity of the endogenous systems of the organism to counteract them. Activation of pro-oxidative pathways and boosting of inflammatory cytokines are always encountered in viral infections, including SARS-CoV-2. So, the importance of counteracting cytokine storm in COVID-19 pathology is highly important, to hamper the immunogenic damage of the endothelium and alveolar membranes. Antioxidants prevent oxidative processes, by impeding radical species generation. It has been proved that vitamin intake lowers oxidative stress markers, alleviates cytokine storm and has a potential role in reducing disease severity, by lowering pro-inflammatory cytokines, hampering hyperinflammation and organ failure. For the approached compounds, direct antiviral roles are also discussed in this review, as these activities encompass secretion of antiviral peptides, modulation of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor expression and interaction with spike protein, inactivation of furin protease, or inhibition of pathogen replication by nucleic acid impairment induction. Vitamin administration results in beneficial effects. Nevertheless, timing, dosage and mutual influences of these micronutrients should be carefullly regarded.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurelia Magdalena Pisoschi
- University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department Preclinical Sciences, 105 Splaiul Independentei, 050097, Bucharest, Romania.
| | - Aneta Pop
- University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department Preclinical Sciences, 105 Splaiul Independentei, 050097, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Florin Iordache
- University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department Preclinical Sciences, 105 Splaiul Independentei, 050097, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Loredana Stanca
- University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department Preclinical Sciences, 105 Splaiul Independentei, 050097, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ovidiu Ionut Geicu
- University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department Preclinical Sciences, 105 Splaiul Independentei, 050097, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Liviu Bilteanu
- University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department Preclinical Sciences, 105 Splaiul Independentei, 050097, Bucharest, Romania; Molecular Nanotechnology Laboratory, National Institute for Research and Development in Microtechnologies, 126A, Erou Iancu Nicolae Street, 077190, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Andreea Iren Serban
- University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department Preclinical Sciences, 105 Splaiul Independentei, 050097, Bucharest, Romania; University of Bucharest, Faculty of Biology, Department Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 91-95 Blvd, Splaiul Independentei, 050095, Bucharest, Romania
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Souza SVS, Borges N, Vieira EF. Vitamin d-fortified bread: Systematic review of fortification approaches and clinical studies. Food Chem 2022; 372:131325. [PMID: 34649031 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2021.131325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Vitamin d-fortified bread has been proposed as a strategy to increase the average daily intake and serum status of this nutrient. This review aimed to bring together the different types of scientific articles on vitamin d-fortified bread. The databases used for the research were PUBMED, WEB of SCIENCE and SCOPUS; all original indexed studies written in English, published between January 2000 and March 2021, were considered. Three important points were identified: i) theoretical models of fortification; ii) stability, bioaccessibility, and bioavailability studies of vitamin d-fortified breads; and iii) clinical effects of vitamin d-fortified breads. This review showed that vitamin d-fortified bread is a promising vehicle for fortification strategy effects, leading to increased serum concentrations of 25(OH)D and decreased parathyroid hormone. However, further studies are needed to elucidate the effects and effectiveness of this fortification strategy in the prevention/treatment of vitamin D deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suene V S Souza
- Faculdade de Ciências da Nutrição e Alimentação da Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, 4150-180 Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno Borges
- Faculdade de Ciências da Nutrição e Alimentação da Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, 4150-180 Porto, Portugal; CINTESIS, Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS). Rua Dr. Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
| | - Elsa F Vieira
- REQUIMTE-LAQV, Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto, Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4249-015 Porto, Portugal
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Bader-Larsen KS, Larson EA, Dalamaga M, Magkos F. A Narrative Review of the Safety of Anti-COVID-19 Nutraceuticals for Patients with Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13236094. [PMID: 34885202 PMCID: PMC8656592 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13236094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Revised: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Dietary supplement use has increased more than 35% globally since the COVID-19 outbreak. While some nutraceuticals are potentially efficacious against severe disease from COVID-19, their indiscriminate use by patients with cancer without medical supervision is concerning. The aim of this narrative review was to evaluate the data on safety of “anti-COVID-19” nutraceuticals for patients with cancer. We found that the use of vitamin C, vitamin D, and selenium supplements is likely safe and even potentially beneficial at typically recommended doses. However, caution is advised regarding the use of omega-3 fatty acids and zinc, as risks from their use may outweigh the benefits. Abstract Interest in dietary supplements and their efficacy in treating and preventing disease has increased greatly since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the risk of severe COVID-19 in patients with cancer, we conducted a narrative review aiming to better understand the data on the safety of the most efficacious “anti-COVID-19” nutraceuticals for patients with cancer. We conducted a PubMed database search aimed at identifying the most effective nutrients for use against COVID-19. For the identified nutraceuticals, we searched PubMed again regarding their safety for patients with cancer. Fifty-four total records (52 independent studies) were retrieved, pertaining to vitamin D, vitamin C, selenium, omega-3 fatty acids, and zinc. Vitamin D results from 23 articles indicated safe use, but two articles indicated potential harm. All 14 articles for vitamin C and five out of six articles for selenium indicated the safety of use (one study for selenium suggested harm with high-dose supplementation). Results for omega-3 fatty acids (seven articles) and zinc (one article), however, were rather mixed regarding safety. We conclude that vitamin D, vitamin C, and selenium supplements are likely safe or even beneficial at typically recommended doses; however, caution is urged with omega-3 fatty acid supplements, and zinc supplements should likely be avoided. More experimental research is needed, and nutraceutical use by patients with cancer should always be under the supervision of a healthcare team.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karlen Stade Bader-Larsen
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, 1958 Frederiksberg, Denmark; (K.S.B.-L.); (E.A.L.)
| | - Elisabeth Anne Larson
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, 1958 Frederiksberg, Denmark; (K.S.B.-L.); (E.A.L.)
| | - Maria Dalamaga
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Faidon Magkos
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, 1958 Frederiksberg, Denmark; (K.S.B.-L.); (E.A.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +45-3533-3671
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Boulkrane MS, Ilina V, Melchakov R, Fedotova J, Drago F, Gozzo L, Das UN, Abd El-Aty AM, Baranenko D. COVID-19 Disease and Vitamin D: A Mini-Review. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:604579. [PMID: 33390994 PMCID: PMC7773655 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.604579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2, for which there is no effective treatment except employing prevention strategies, has already instituted significant number of deaths. In this review, we provide a scientific view on the potential role of vitamin D in SARS-CoV-2 virus/COVID-19 disease. Vitamin D is well-known to play a significant role in maintaining the immune health of an individual. Moreover, it induces antimicrobial peptide expression that can decrease viral replication and regulate the levels of pro-inflammatory/anti-inflammatory cytokines. Therefore, supplementation of vitamin D has the potential to reduce the incidence, severity and the risk of death from pneumonia resulting from the cytokine storm of many viral infections including COVID-19. We suggest that supplementation of subjects at high risk of COVID-19 with vitamin D (1.000 to 3.000 IU) to maintain its optimum serum concentrations may be of significant benefit for both in the prevention and treatment of the COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Said Boulkrane
- International Research Centre “Biotechnologies of the Third Millennium”, ITMO University, Saint-Petersburg, Russia
| | - Victoria Ilina
- International Research Centre “Biotechnologies of the Third Millennium”, ITMO University, Saint-Petersburg, Russia
| | - Roman Melchakov
- International Research Centre “Biotechnologies of the Third Millennium”, ITMO University, Saint-Petersburg, Russia
| | - Julia Fedotova
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, I.P. Pavlov Institute of Physiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russia
- Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Biological Tower, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Lucia Gozzo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Biological Tower, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | - A. M. Abd El-Aty
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Medical Faculty, Ataturk University, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Denis Baranenko
- International Research Centre “Biotechnologies of the Third Millennium”, ITMO University, Saint-Petersburg, Russia
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Grant WB, Lahore H, McDonnell SL, Baggerly CA, French CB, Aliano JL, Bhattoa HP. Evidence that Vitamin D Supplementation Could Reduce Risk of Influenza and COVID-19 Infections and Deaths. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12040988. [PMID: 32252338 PMCID: PMC7231123 DOI: 10.3390/nu12040988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1047] [Impact Index Per Article: 261.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The world is in the grip of the COVID-19 pandemic. Public health measures that can reduce the risk of infection and death in addition to quarantines are desperately needed. This article reviews the roles of vitamin D in reducing the risk of respiratory tract infections, knowledge about the epidemiology of influenza and COVID-19, and how vitamin D supplementation might be a useful measure to reduce risk. Through several mechanisms, vitamin D can reduce risk of infections. Those mechanisms include inducing cathelicidins and defensins that can lower viral replication rates and 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. Several observational studies and clinical trials reported that vitamin D supplementation reduced the risk of influenza, whereas others did not. Evidence supporting the role of vitamin D in reducing risk of COVID-19 includes that the outbreak occurred in winter, a time when 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations are lowest; that the number of cases in the Southern Hemisphere near the end of summer are low; that vitamin D deficiency has been found to contribute to acute respiratory distress syndrome; and that case-fatality rates increase with age and with chronic disease comorbidity, both of which are associated with lower 25(OH)D concentration. To reduce the risk of infection, it is recommended that people at risk of influenza and/or COVID-19 consider taking 10,000 IU/d of vitamin D3 for a few weeks to rapidly raise 25(OH)D concentrations, followed by 5000 IU/d. The goal should be to raise 25(OH)D concentrations above 40-60 ng/mL (100-150 nmol/L). For treatment of people who become infected with COVID-19, higher vitamin D3 doses might be useful. Randomized controlled trials and large population studies should be conducted to evaluate these recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- William B. Grant
- Sunlight, Nutrition, and Health Research Center, P.O. Box 641603, San Francisco, CA 94164-1603, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-415-409-1980
| | - Henry Lahore
- 2289 Highland Loop, Port Townsend, WA 98368, USA;
| | - Sharon L. McDonnell
- GrassrootsHealth, Encinitas, CA 92024, USA; (S.L.M.); (C.A.B.); (C.B.F.); (J.L.A.)
| | - Carole A. Baggerly
- GrassrootsHealth, Encinitas, CA 92024, USA; (S.L.M.); (C.A.B.); (C.B.F.); (J.L.A.)
| | - Christine B. French
- GrassrootsHealth, Encinitas, CA 92024, USA; (S.L.M.); (C.A.B.); (C.B.F.); (J.L.A.)
| | - Jennifer L. Aliano
- GrassrootsHealth, Encinitas, CA 92024, USA; (S.L.M.); (C.A.B.); (C.B.F.); (J.L.A.)
| | - Harjit P. Bhattoa
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei Blvd 98, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary;
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Grant WB, Lahore H, McDonnell SL, Baggerly CA, French CB, Aliano JL, Bhattoa HP. Evidence that Vitamin D Supplementation Could Reduce Risk of Influenza and COVID-19 Infections and Deaths. Nutrients 2020. [PMID: 32252338 DOI: 10.20944/preprints202003.0235.v2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The world is in the grip of the COVID-19 pandemic. Public health measures that can reduce the risk of infection and death in addition to quarantines are desperately needed. This article reviews the roles of vitamin D in reducing the risk of respiratory tract infections, knowledge about the epidemiology of influenza and COVID-19, and how vitamin D supplementation might be a useful measure to reduce risk. Through several mechanisms, vitamin D can reduce risk of infections. Those mechanisms include inducing cathelicidins and defensins that can lower viral replication rates and 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. Several observational studies and clinical trials reported that vitamin D supplementation reduced the risk of influenza, whereas others did not. Evidence supporting the role of vitamin D in reducing risk of COVID-19 includes that the outbreak occurred in winter, a time when 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations are lowest; that the number of cases in the Southern Hemisphere near the end of summer are low; that vitamin D deficiency has been found to contribute to acute respiratory distress syndrome; and that case-fatality rates increase with age and with chronic disease comorbidity, both of which are associated with lower 25(OH)D concentration. To reduce the risk of infection, it is recommended that people at risk of influenza and/or COVID-19 consider taking 10,000 IU/d of vitamin D3 for a few weeks to rapidly raise 25(OH)D concentrations, followed by 5000 IU/d. The goal should be to raise 25(OH)D concentrations above 40-60 ng/mL (100-150 nmol/L). For treatment of people who become infected with COVID-19, higher vitamin D3 doses might be useful. Randomized controlled trials and large population studies should be conducted to evaluate these recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- William B Grant
- Sunlight, Nutrition, and Health Research Center, P.O. Box 641603, San Francisco, CA 94164-1603, USA
| | - Henry Lahore
- 2289 Highland Loop, Port Townsend, WA 98368, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Harjit P Bhattoa
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei Blvd 98, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
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