Thank you for visiting nature.com. You are using a browser version with limited support for CSS. To obtain
the best experience, we recommend you use a more up to date browser (or turn off compatibility mode in
Internet Explorer). In the meantime, to ensure continued support, we are displaying the site without styles
and JavaScript.
The schematic represents the potential antiviral role of 25-hydroxyvitmain D and Zn in COVID-19. COVID-19 gives rise to a “cytokine storm” that can prompt severe symptoms. By decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ along with inducing anti-inflammatory Th2 and T cells (Treg) to defense against viral infections, 25-hydroxyvitmain D supplement may have immunoregulatory properties on viral infection. On the other hand, zinc can prevent viral replication and promote natural killer cell functions and macrophage activities, contributing to T cell defense against the virus.