Open Forum Vitamin D supplementation in a post-pandemic era: A narrative review

Pheagane G. Bopape, Chrisna Wagenaar, Madan Poka, Elmien Bronkhorst

South African Family Practice | Vol 65, No 1 : Part 4| a5752 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/safp.v65i1.5752 | © 2023 Pheagane G. Bopape, Chrisna Wagenaar, Madan Poka, Elmien Bronkhorst | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 23 March 2023 | Published: 17 October 2023

About the author(s) Pheagane G. Bopape, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa
Chrisna Wagenaar, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa
Madan Poka, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa
Elmien Bronkhorst, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa

Abstract

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble molecule referring to the different isoforms, ergocalciferol (D2) and cholecalciferol (D3). Its physiological functions include increasing calcium serum concentrations. 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D) (Calcifediol), a non-active, circulating instant precursor is seen as a pre-hormone. Studies have shown that a deficiency in calcifediol is related to chronic conditions such as cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, immune system, neurological, and anti-neoplastic functions. Vitamin D supplementation has shown its benefit as prophylaxis and treatment during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and an increase in the prescribing of vitamin D supplementation has been observed. The intention of this review article is to provide guidance on the recommended dosage regimen as a prophylactic measure during COVID-19 and its use as a supplement in general. From this review article, it is clear that vitamin D has an important role to play not only in COVID-19 but also in various other health aspects of the human body.

Contribution: This review article highlighted the role of vitamin D in managing vitamin D deficiency and its role as a supplement in the management of respiratory tract infections, especially COVID-19. This overview can assist physicians in optimising healthcare by optimised dosing recommendations and indications.

Keywords

vitamin D; COVID-19; chronic diseases; deficiency; calcifediol; cholecalciferol

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