- Vitamin D lowers Th1 production, preventing inflammation by reducing the presence of cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, etc.)
- Inhibiting production of cytokines can aid in avoidance of the cytokine storm, thus make organ damage less likely to occur
- When vitamin D is active, there is an increased expression of cathelicidin
- Cathelicidins can help prevent lung damage when too much oxygen is present in the lungs
- Cathelicidins could be used as a protective agent against COVID-19, as it prevents the virus from replication, thus reducing their chances of survival
- Vitamin D prevents the production of renin, which is necessary for producing Angiotensin II. As a result, Vitamin D can be used in those with high levels of Ang II to decrease inflammation.


Vitamin D Physiological Impact

A cohort observational study was conducted to compare the clinical outcomes between older COVID-19 patients (>50 years old) who received a combination of vitamin D, magnesium, and vitamin B12 (DMB) and older patients who did not receive DMB.  The primary clinical outcome was classified as needing any oxygen support or intensive care unit (ICU) support.  It was found that when compared to the patients who did not receive DMB, it was significantly less likely for patients who did receive DMB to need oxygen support.  Further, when adjusting for both hypertension and age, receiving DMB was a significant protective factor against exacerbation of clinical outcomes.  No adverse reactions or side effects resulted from receiving DMB combination.

 The Effect of Vitamin D, Magnesium and Vitamin B12 (DMB) on COVID-19 Progression in Older Patients

- COVID-19 → malnutrition
- COVID-19 patients are hyporexic → imbalance in nutrition
- Lack of vitamin D is associated with a malfunctioning immune system
- Vitamin D supplements can protect against a respiratory infection in COVID-19 patients

Michigan State University

- Pituitary gland: improper functioning of the hypothalamus in association with pituitary gland; changes the metabolism of ADH (regulates the amount of water in the kidneys); abnormal sodium levels
- Thyroid: sick euthyroid syndrome → decrease in size of thyroid gland; changes in TSH levels
- Adrenal gland: increased chance of COVID-19 infection if presented with Cushing’s syndrome (too much cortisol) or Addison’s disease (inadequate aldosterone and cortisol)
- Pancreas: those with diabetes are at higher risk of getting COVID-19
- Bone: low vitamin D and hypocalcemia

Dysfunctions/ diseases in endocrine glands/organs that could lead to greater susceptibility to COVID-19

Marazuela, M., Giustina, A., & Puig-Domingo, M. (2020). Endocrine and metabolic aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Reviews in Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders, 1-13.

Endocrine and metabolic aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic


Vitamin D and COVID-19

- High amounts of fat in the blood is a side effect of COVID-19
- When tocilizumab was used over a long period of time in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, it showed an increase in lipid count
- Drugs that aid in lowering cholesterol levels (statins) serve as a form of treatment for COVID-19
- Statins are known to ease inflammation and oxidative stress, as well as regulate cytokine production

Lipids (Fats) and COVID-19

- A study done in 2003 on SARS patients showed that follicular thyroid cells were destroyed
- The study also indicated that low triiodothyronine and thyroxine levels in SARS patients
- It is possible that COVID-19 could cause the relapse of Graves’ disease (associated with hyperthyroidism)

Thyroid gland and COVID-19

- Adrenal insufficiency → defective T-cells →  impaired immune response → possible increased risk of COVID-19
- Cushing’s disease → excess cortisol (a steroid) → suppressed immune system → increased likelihood of COVID-19
- Androgens and COVID-19: Study found that more men were susceptible to COVID-19 than women; Androgens suppress the immune system


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