Mini-Review on the Roles of Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and Selenium in the Immune System against COVID-19

Molecules

Hyeyoung Kim¹  Minkyung Bae² 

[1] Department of Food and Nutrition, BK21 FOUR, College of Human Ecology, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea;Department of Food and Nutrition, Interdisciplinary Program in Senior Human Ecology, BK21 FOUR, College of Natural Sciences, Changwon National University, Changwon 51140, Korea;

关键词: COVID-19;    infectious disease;    selenium;    virus;    vitamin C;    vitamin D;   

DOI  :  10.3390/molecules25225346

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Low levels of micronutrients have been associated with adverse clinical outcomes during viral infections. Therefore, to maximize the nutritional defense against infections, a daily allowance of vitamins and trace elements for malnourished patients at risk of or diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may be beneficial. Recent studies on COVID-19 patients have shown that vitamin D and selenium deficiencies are evident in patients with acute respiratory tract infections. Vitamin D improves the physical barrier against viruses and stimulates the production of antimicrobial peptides. It may prevent cytokine storms by decreasing the production of inflammatory cytokines. Selenium enhances the function of cytotoxic effector cells. Furthermore, selenium is important for maintaining T cell maturation and functions, as well as for T cell-dependent antibody production. Vitamin C is considered an antiviral agent as it increases immunity. Administration of vitamin C increased the survival rate of COVID-19 patients by attenuating excessive activation of the immune response. Vitamin C increases antiviral cytokines and free radical formation, decreasing viral yield. It also attenuates excessive inflammatory responses and hyperactivation of immune cells. In this mini-review, the roles of vitamin C, vitamin D, and selenium in the immune system are discussed in relation to COVID-19.

【 授权许可】

Unknown