Homa Rezaei
1,2,3 
, Sajad Khiali
1 , Hadis Rezaei
3, Haleh Rezaee
1, Hossein Bannazadeh Baghi
4, Matin Pourghasem
5, Taher Entezari-Maleki
1,6* 1 Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
2 Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
3 Pharmaceutical Analysis Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
4 Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
5 Department of Pulmonology, Mofid Pediatrics Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
6 Cardiovascular Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has caused a public health crisis worldwide. However, data regarding the protective factors of the disease is limited. Consequently, preventive health measures that can decrease the risk of infection, progression, and severity are dreadfully required. It is well-documented that people with immunodeficiency, such as the elderly, people who already have comorbidities (e.g., diabetes mellitus, hypertension, respiratory and cardiovascular disorders), and underrepresented minorities, are placed in a group with a higher risk of getting infected by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). A diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants plays an essential role in strengthening the immune system and fighting against invading pathogens. The present comprehensive review has discussed published literature regarding the potential role of vitamins in strengthening the immune system and managing viral infections, particularly SARS-CoV-2 infection. Although there are controversial data regarding the plasma level of vitamin D and the severity of the disease, according to the limited evidence, vitamin D may lower the mortality rate. Moreover, vitamin C could reduce the development of inflammatory response; however, the results of ongoing clinical trials are required to confirm these primary findings.