WORLD JOURNAL OF ADVANCE
HEALTHCARE RESEARCH

Sunil J. Wimalawansa* MD, PhD, MBA, FACP, FRCP, FRCPath, DSc

ABSTRACT

The elderly and those with underlying chronic pulmonary, cardiovascular, metabolic, and renal diseases are at a higher risk for experiencing COVID-19 infection and more prone to serious clinical complications, such as cytokine storm and acute respiratory distress syndrome, that lead to death. In addition to pulmonary cells, COVID-19 also impairs endothelial cells and could initiate intravascular haemolysis and microvascular thrombosis, and consequent pulmonary microembolization, which leads to multiorgan failure and mortality. Vitamin D adequacy could minimize the mentioned harmful outcomes. Sufficient exposure to ultraviolet B rays from sunlight and/or adequate doses of vitamin D supplements enhances the immune system. In vitro and in vivo data suggest that increase expression of anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial related genes together with the suppression of excessive inflammatory and oxidative process not only minimize contracting symptomatic COVID-19 COVID infection and associated complications but also enable rapid recovery. The weaker immune system is responsible for complications and deaths from COVID-19. Administration of higher doses of vitamin D can rapidly boost the immune system. It is the most cost-effective way to keep the immune system at high alert and prevent complications and deaths from COVID-19. Therefore, a combination of safe sun exposure and oral vitamin D supplements should be used considered as a preventative measure and an adjunct therapy for managing COVID-19.