Coronavirus - is low vitamin D a factor - vitamin D and respiratory conditions

[R.B.]

A number of papers suggests that low vitamin D impacts a number of respiratory condition risks including mortality. As ever things are complex and more research is needed, but there is quite a large body of general evidence and results suggesting a protective factor for vitamin D in respiratory disease, and the results are thought provoking.

Consistent with a role in respiratory conditions Vitamin D appears to have a role in tight cell junction function including in the lung and digestive system.

Regulation of tight cell junction function is also a factor in spread in cancer as discussed elsewhere

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3865708/ ‘Vitamin D, vitamin D receptor and tissue barriers’

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30409076 ‘Vitamin D Receptor Deletion Leads to the Destruction of Tight and Adherens Junctions in Lungs.’ (suggesting a role for Vit D in tight cell junction function).

[R.B.]

Selenium has important roles including in the glutathione antioxidant pathways, and has roles in immune function.

Selenium, Selenoproteins, and Immunity
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6163284/

It is low in some Chinese populations and high enough to be toxic in others

Wuhan is not listed in the high risk areas


The Changing Selenium Nutritional Status of Chinese Residents
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3967180/