Could Vitamin D and Selenium Deficiency Be the Link between the Gender/Ethnicity Disparity in COVID-19 Susceptibility: A Scoping Review

Background: Clinical outcomes for COVID-19 exhibit gender and ethnic specific effects, with mortality 2.4 times higher in men while Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic individuals have increased susceptibility. Numerous studies have postulated corelations between levels of vitamin D, selenium and increased COVID-19 case-fatality rates. Not only do these nutrients interact with each other, but they also exhibit gender and ethnicity effects. The purpose of this scoping review was to describe the potential underlying mechanistic factors in particular relation to vitamin D and selenium.Methods: A scoping review strategy was conducted using the Arksey and O’Malley framework. Three databases and the gray literature was used to identify all the available and relevant literature. A key term search strategy was employed and a thematic analysis was then undertaken, this has enabled a schematic representation of the relevant literature to be assembled.Findings: Database searching revealed 35 primary studies leading to seven common overlapping themes. These were identified as COVID-19, dexamethasone, ethnicity, gender, glutathione (GSH), selenium and vitamin D. Our initial analysis reinforced existing evidence of independent relationships between COVID-19 infection risk with dexamethasone, ethnicity, gender and vitamin D levels. However we also revealed a potential interactivity between each of these themes and association with selenium and GSH.Conclusion: Although there are some promising potential therapeutic candidates, this review highlights that ensuring adequate levels of GSH, selenium and vitamin D, particularly in those belonging to the vulnerable ethnic groups and those of male gender, could reduce recovery time and mortality rates.Funding Statement: None.Declaration of Interests: The authors have nothing to declare.