Vitamin D – an effective treatment against Covid-19
“We learned fairly quickly during the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic that SARS-CoV2 causes dysregulation of the renin-angiotensin system via the ACE2 receptor, the virus’ entry point into the body, causing a risk of inflammatory chain reactions and a risk of acute respiratory distress syndrome, which is often fatal”, reminds Professor Cédric Annweiler, head of the geriatrics department of the CHU d’Angers. “However, vitamin D has recognized anti-inflammatory effects and participates in the regulation of the renin-angiotensin system”.
This is why, as of March 2020, he is advocating with a group of specialists for vitamin D supplementation for elderly and at-risk patients. To support this idea, the CHU teams conducted a study to examine the effect on 14-day mortality of high-dose vitamin D supplementation.
Another objective of this work: to specify the tolerance and safety of this supplementation compared to the standard dose.
Within 72 hours of diagnosis
Thus the researchers followed 260 patients. Their profile: patients over the age of 65 affected by Covid-19 with an unfavorable profile and others, aged 75 and over, without any other risk factor.
Result: “The administration of the high dose of vitamin D was at the origin of a significant and statistically significant reduction in the risk of death”, explain the scientists. “And this from the sixth day after the start of treatment, that is to say when the cytokine storm is likely to aggravate the disease. »
Moreover, this administration did not lead to more adverse effects than the standard dose.
“As an adjuvant to standard Covid-19 treatments, early administration (within 72 hours of diagnosis) of high-dose vitamin D is a simple and safe treatment,” concludes Professor Annweiler. “And this to avoid serious forms in the elderly confronted with the emergence of new variants ».
