COVID-19 pandemic and vitamin D: rising trends in status and in daily amounts of vitamin D provided by supplements

McKenna, Malachi J.; Lyons, O.C.; Flynn, M. A. T.; Crowley, Rachel; Twomey, Patrick J; Kilbane, Mark

doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2021-059477

Cited by 14 publications

(32 citation statements)

References 40 publications

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“…Better vitamin D knowledge has been associated with increased likelihood of taking supplements (52) , though supplement use has been found to be relatively low (10–17 %) in Ireland (5,7) suggesting a low level of concern for deficiency. However, during the COVID pandemic there is some evidence to suggest increased supplement use in Irish adults and possible improvement in vitamin D status (53) . Indeed, a publicised report by Irish researchers in April 2020 recommended a higher daily vitamin D intake of 20–25 μg (800–1000 μg) during COVID for adults aged > 70 (54) so some knowledge of higher RDA’s than advised by the FSAI might be expected.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Vitamin D: determinants of status, indications for testing and knowledge in a convenience sample of Irish adults

Scully

Laird²,

Healy³

et al. 2023

Br J Nutr

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Vitamin D deficiency is common in Irish adults, though there is limited research on its determinants, knowledge of vitamin D or indications for testing. We aimed to explore the determinants of vitamin D status in adults and examine knowledge and reasons for testing. The study population comprised adults who had serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D tested by general practitioners request at a Dublin Hospital in 2020. Questionnaires detailing dietary intake, sun exposure, ethnicity, biophysical factors and vitamin D knowledge were sent to a sample stratified by age, sex and vitamin D status. In total, there were 383 participants, mean age 56·0 (sd 16·6) years. Wintertime deficiency disproportionally affected non-white v. white (60 % v. 24 %, P < 0·001). The greatest predictors of deficiency were low vitamin D intake (< 10 μg/d) (P < 0·001) and non-white ethnicity (P = 0·006), followed by sun avoidance (P = 0·022). It was also more prevalent in those with lower body exposure when outdoors. The majority (86 %) identified vitamin D as important for bone health. However, 40 % were tested for non-clinical indications and half were not aware of the recommended daily allowance (RDA). Low vitamin D intake was the most important determinant of deficiency, but ethnicity and sun exposure habits were also significant predictors. The majority had no clear indication for testing and were not aware of the RDA. Public health policies to improve knowledge and vitamin D intake, especially for those of non-white ethnicity and with reduced sun exposure, should be considered.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Vitamin D: determinants of status, indications for testing and knowledge in a convenience sample of Irish adults

Scully

Laird²,

Healy³

et al. 2023

Br J Nutr

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“…A trend analysis based on laboratory data revealed a threefold rise in the yearly average of 25(OH)D during the initial year of the pandemic, compared to previous analyses. This trend suggests potential benefits for individuals with low vitamin D status but also highlights the risk for those with already high levels, especially considering the increasing availability of high-dose supplements[6].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…During the COVID-19 pandemic, several studies have documented significant lifestyle changes among individuals, including modifications in dietary patterns, reduced participation in outdoor activities, and a decline in physical exercise [6].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Vitamin D deficiency and toxicity across 2018 to 2022 in several cities of Ecuador: interrupted time series and a cross-sectional study

Zurita-Salinas,

Tello,

Dueñas-Espín

et al. 2023

Preprint

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Objectivesto identify differences in mean vitamin D concentrations in samples obtained from a private laboratory in the city of Quito, and to explore their relationship with the pre-pandemic and pandemic periods spanning from 2018 to 2022.DesignA combination of an interrupted time series design and a retrospective cross-sectional approachSetting and participantsThe study involved 9,285 participants who had their 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels tested at a well-known private laboratory in Quito, Ecuador, from 2018 to 2022.Primary and secondary outcome measures: The 25(OH)D levels were analyzed and assessed for correlations with both age and the year in which the measurements were taken.ResultsThe mean 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) level was 27.53 ng/mL (± 14.11). Approximately 64.58% of participants had insufficient levels, below 20 ng/mL, and 0.62% showed potential harm from excess 25(OH)D, with levels over 100 ng/mL. The analysis indicated a significant monthly increase of 0.133 units in 25(OH)D levels (p=0.006). However, the period after March 2020, compared to before, saw a non-significant decrease of 1.605 units in mean 25(OH)D levels (p=0.477).ConclusionsThe study’s findings indicate a significant prevalence of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) deficiency, underscoring the necessity for preventative measures. Nevertheless, the rise in cases of vitamin D toxicity is concerning, emphasizing the importance of prudent vitamin D supplement prescriptions and public education against self-medication. For efficient resource allocation and targeting those with higher risks, it may be advantageous to concentrate vitamin D testing on specific population groups.

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“…48 These studies conclusively illustrated that the currently recommended vitamin D dosage of 400 to 800 IU/day for adults by most governments and some appointed bodies is grossly inadequate to raise serum 25(OH)D concentration to therapeutic levels and worthless for counteracting infections. 29,[173][174][175] However, minimizing too-low and too-high circulatory 25(OH)D concentrations is necessary. Regarding this, Veugelers et al 173 have examined doses of 1885, 2802, and 6235 IU per day administered to those with average body mass index (BMI) and overweight and obese individuals (maintained between 23 and 68 ng/mL)-(defined as 58 to 171 nmol/L).…”

Section: Supporting Scientific Datamentioning

confidence: 99%

Overcoming Infections Including COVID-19, by Maintaining Circulating 25(OH)D Concentrations Above 50 ng/mL

Wimalawansa¹

2022

PLMI

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The elderly and those with underlying chronic diseases (i.e., comorbidities) such as pulmonary, cardiovascular, metabolic, and renal diseases, increase their susceptibility to sepsis, including COVID-19. The SARS-CoV-2 virus damages pulmonary cells, causing acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and hypoxia. It further damages endothelial cells, altering clotting mechanisums causing intravascular hemolysis, microvascular thrombosis, and micro-embolization, contributing to the risk of death. Approximately 75% of the immune system functions of humans depend on vitamin D and the availability of sufficient amounts of vitamin D metabolites [vitamin D and 25(OH)D] concentrations to enter immune cells from the bloodstream. Such concentrations are achievable through sun exposure, targeted food fortification programs, and adequate daily or weekly vitamin D supplements. That would allow for generating 1,25(OH) 2 D (non-hormonal form of calcitriol) intracellularly in peripheral target cells like immune cells. This enables immune cells' physiological functions, including intracrine/autocrine and paracrine signaling processes. This initiates and maintains robust immune functions, such as forming antibodies and antimicrobial peptides, suppressing inflammation, and increasing the expression of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant genes, thus, strengthening immune functions. The opposite occurs in hypovitaminosis D, increasing vulnerability to infections and dying from it. Therefore, governments should make the population sufficient with immunoceuticals-micronutrients, especially vitamin D, and other micronutrients: the most cost-effective intervention to keep the population healthy. The cost of such interventions are minuscule compared to the expenses related to increased hospitalizations and premature deaths. Supposed such a program was implemented in mid-2020 as the author proposed, we estimated that 50% of hospitalizations (and the associated healthcare costs) and a third of deaths from COVID could have been prevented. Described herein are cost-effective strategies using vitamin D to achieve and sustain serum D 3 and 25(OH)D concentrations crucial for maintaining a robust immune system, improving general health, minimizing disease severities and deaths, and reducing healthcare costs.

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COVID-19 pandemic and vitamin D: rising trends in status and in daily amounts of vitamin D provided by supplements

Cited by 14 publications

References 40 publications

Vitamin D: determinants of status, indications for testing and knowledge in a convenience sample of Irish adults

Vitamin D: determinants of status, indications for testing and knowledge in a convenience sample of Irish adults

Vitamin D deficiency and toxicity across 2018 to 2022 in several cities of Ecuador: interrupted time series and a cross-sectional study

Overcoming Infections Including COVID-19, by Maintaining Circulating 25(OH)D Concentrations Above 50 ng/mL

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