RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Does vitamin D supplementation prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection in military personnel? Review of the evidence
JF BMJ Military Health
JO BMJ Mil Health
FD British Medical Journal Publishing Group
SP 280
OP 286
DO 10.1136/bmjmilitary-2020-001686
VO 167
IS 4
A1 Iain T Parsons
A1 R M Gifford
A1 M J Stacey
A1 L E Lamb
A1 M K O'Shea
A1 D R Woods
YR 2021
UL http://militaryhealth.bmj.com/content/167/4/280.abstract
AB For most individuals residing in Northwestern Europe, maintaining replete vitamin D status throughout the year is unlikely without vitamin D supplementation and deficiency remains common. Military studies have investigated the association with vitamin D status, and subsequent supplementation, with the risk of stress fractures particularly during recruit training. The expression of nuclear vitamin D receptors and vitamin D metabolic enzymes in immune cells additionally provides a rationale for the potential role of vitamin D in maintaining immune homeostasis. One particular area of interest has been in the prevention of acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs). The aims of this review were to consider the evidence of vitamin D supplementation in military populations in the prevention of ARTIs, including SARS-CoV-2 infection and consequent COVID-19 illness. The occupational/organisational importance of reducing transmission of SARS-CoV-2, especially where infected young adults may be asymptomatic, presymptomatic or paucisymptomatic, is also discussed.Not applicable.