WE ARE NOT ALONE: MELATONIN AND VITAMIN D MAY BE GOOD COMPANY DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC

GARCÍA SEBASTIÁN; VIRNA MARTÍN GIMENÉZ; RUSSEL J. REITER; WALTER MANUCHA

Journal of Current Science and Technology

Bangkok Editors

Lugar: Bangkok; Año: 2021 vol. 11 p. 158 - 170

1354-6805

Loneliness and social isolation are associated with depression, anxiety, and a progressive loss of higher cognitive faculties, mainly in older adults. In the current pandemic situation, with severe restrictions that limit interactions with members of our social circles, these cognitive alterations are becoming progressively more evident in young adults, adolescents, and even children. With eating disorders, sleep disturbances, and lack of exposure to solar radiation due to confinement, the condition can be considerably worse. Fortunately, from a psychological point of view, two allies have many common features and could help reverse some of the effects of social isolation; these molecules are melatonin and vitamin D. Their complementary functions on circadian rhythmicity may be useful in reestablishing mood balance. Thus, we suggest a re-education in new hygienic-dietary habits, especially related to the maintenance of adequate melatonin and vitamin D levels, which may help prevent and possibly reverse the cognitive and psychological disorders until social contact is reestablished.