Studies Find Vitamin D May Protect From Worst Clinical Outcomes Of COVID-19

Research by researchers at the Teheran Medical College and Boston University Medical Center suggests that improving the vitamin D status of the general population, especially those hospitalized with COVID-19, may reduce the severity of COVID. It suggests that there are 19 diseases and associated deaths. This study PLOS ONEIn-hospital COVID-19 patients with sufficient vitamin D, that is, patients with blood levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D of at least 30 ng / mL, are harmful, such as unconsciousness and hypoxia. Died more than patients with vitamin D deficiency found to have a significantly lower risk of clinical outcome.

In addition, patients with sufficient vitamin D had lower blood levels of inflammatory marker C-reactive protein and higher blood lymphocyte levels. “This study is direct that vitamin D sufficiency can reduce complications such as cytokine storms (the release of too many proteins into the blood too quickly) and ultimately death from COVID-19. We provide evidence, “said Dr. Michael F. Holick. Professor of Medicine, Physiology, Biophysics and Molecular Medicine at Boston University School of Medicine.

Holick says,Vitamin D deficiency, 25-hydroxyvitamin D serum of at least 30 ng / mL reduces the risk of clinical outcome in patients infected with COVID-19.. “

SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus causes severe respiratory and systemic illnesses ranging from mild respiratory symptoms to severe lung injury, multiple organ failure, and death. By May 20, 2020, the total number of cases confirmed in Iran was 126,949, with 7,183 deaths and 86 deaths per million, the authors note.

Vitamin D [1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D; 1,25(OH)2D] The authors have shown that they have immunomodulatory activity, and previously suggested that vitamins may have protective effects against COVID-19. Vitamin D’s interaction with its receptors in immune cells regulates the innate and adaptive immune system in response to the invasion of bacterial and viral pathogens. Vitamin D also regulates the renin-angiotensin pathway and downregulates ACE2. “Therefore, Vitamin D may help treat COVID-19 by preventing cytokine storms and subsequent ARDS. [acute respiratory distress syndrome] This is generally the cause of death, “the authors commented.

The team noted that although Iran is a sunny country, the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is high, especially in the elderly who show more severe clinical symptoms after exposure to SARS-CoV-2. Researchers have assumed that vitamin D sufficiency may reduce the risk of severe COVID-19 and adverse clinical outcomes, including death associated with COVID-19 infection.

In their study, we analyzed data from 235 inpatients with COVID-19. Vitamin D status was assessed by performing blood tests to measure serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D. Patients were followed for clinical outcomes such as clinical severity of infection, unconsciousness, dyspnea, hypoxia, and death. Patient blood was also analyzed for C-reactive protein and lymphocyte count.

The researchers compared all these parameters in patients with vitamin D deficiency and those with vitamin D deficiency. The results show that among patients over the age of 40, those who are deficient or inadequate in vitamin D and whose blood levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D are higher than those in patients die from infection. It turns out that the chances of doing so are 51.5% less. Less than 30 ng / mL. “Of the patients over the age of 40 who were fully infected with vitamin D, only 9.7% were infected, compared to 20% of patients with circulation levels of 25 (OH) D <30 ng / mL," the scientist said. Said. Vitamin D sufficiency is also associated with a significant decrease in serum CRP levels and an increase in lymphocyte count.

“This study reveals an independent association with vitamin D deficiency. [25(OH)D ≥30 ng/mL] In addition, COVID-19 reduces the risk of adverse clinical outcomes. ” “After adjusting for confounding factors, there was a significant association between vitamin D sufficiency and decreased clinical severity, C-reactive protein (CRP) hospitalization mortality serum levels, and increased lymphocyte percentages. . “

The team suggests that a significant decrease in serum CRP and an increase in the percentage of lymphocytes may help regulate the immune response, presumably by reducing the risk of cytokine storms against SARS-CoV-2 virus infection. Did. “This beneficial effect on the immune system may also reduce the risk of acquiring this insidious and potentially life-threatening viral infection,” they wrote.

Holick previously published a study suggesting that a sufficient amount of vitamin D can reduce the risk of catching coronavirus by 54%, and he found that vitamin D was sufficient not only for coronavirus but also for others. We believe that the virus will also help fight the consequences of being infected, causing upper airway disease, including the flu. “There is great concern that the combination of influenza and coronary viral infections may significantly increase hospitalization and mortality due to the complications of these viral infections,” he said.

Researchers recommend conducting additional controlled trials to assess the role of vitamin D status in the risk and complications of COVID-19 infection and mortality in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. I will. They admit that it is not known how high the blood levels of vitamin D are needed for optimal immune system effects. “It is controversial what the optimal serum level of 25 (OH) D is for maximizing the effects on immunity. System.” Still, they said, “… the literature obtained from this study. And based on the results, it is reasonable to recommend vitamin D supplementation according to the guidelines recommended by the Endocrine Society to achieve at least 30 25 (OH) D blood levels. ML for children and adults to reduce the risk of gaining, and for all COVID-19 patients, especially those admitted to the hospital.

According to Holick, the newly reported study provides a simple and cost-effective strategy to improve the body’s ability to fight the coronavirus and mitigate the harmful clinical consequences of COVID-19. death. “Vitamin D deficiency and deficiency are so widespread in children and adults in the United States and around the world, especially in winter, that everyone takes vitamin D supplements to reduce the risk of infection and complications from COVID. It is wise to do it. -19 “