Vitamin D and COVID-19

The ongoing COVID -19 pandemic is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus -2 (SARS-CoV-2). Since its emergence in Wuhan in Hubei province of China in December 2019, the virus has spread to every continent except Antartica. Currently, there is no registered treatment or vaccine for the disease. In the current scenario of the deadly virus spreading across continents and the absence of a specific treatment of novel corona virus, there is an urgent need to search for alternative strategies to prevent and control the rapid replication of virus. Vitamin D supplementation may reduce the incidence, severity and risk of death from pneumonia (consequent to the cytokine storm) in the current COVID pandemic. Through its effect on innate and adaptive immunity, vitamin D can reduce the risk of viral respiratory tract infections. 1, 25(OH) vitamin D directly stimulates the production of anti-microbial peptides like defensin and Cathelicidin that can reduce the rate of viral replication. In addition, it can also reduce the concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokines that are responsible for causing cytokine storm and resultant fatal pneumonia. In order to reduce the risk of infection especially in developing country like India, it is recommended that people at risk of COVDI19 may be considered for vitamin D supplementation.

Vitamin B12 deficiency in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background: Vitamin B12 deficiency may occur consequent to long-term treatment with metformin but very few studies in India have assessed this risk. Metformin is considered the drug of first choice not only for the management of type 2 diabetes but also for prediabetes and polycystic ovary disease. The study was carried out to assess the serum levels of vitamin B12 in Indian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who were treated with metformin for a minimum duration of five years.Methods: Serum vitamin B12 level was estimated in 39 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, who were on metformin for more than five years. vitamin B12 deficiency was defined as serum concentration less than 200 pg/dl. Apart from vitamin B12, fasting blood sugar, post prandial sugar and glycosylated hemoglobin were also estimated.Results: 39 subjects in age group of 40-65 years, suffering from type 2 diabetes mellitus, for more than five years were recruited for the study. The mean serum level of vitamin B12 was 153.27±46.01. Vitamin B12 deficiency was found in 35.89% subjects.Conclusions: Patients suffering from long standing type 2 diabetes mellitus and taking large doses of metformin should be screened for Vitamin B 12 deficiency.