Moderate Sun Exposure Is the Complementor in Insufficient Vitamin D Consumers

Context Vitamin D plays an important role in immune function, and the deficiency thereof has been associated with several infections, most notably respiratory tract infections. However, data from intervention studies investigating the effect of high-dose vitamin D supplementation on infections have been inconclusive. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of evidence regarding the efficacy of vitamin D supplementation above the standard dose (400 IU) in preventing infections in apparently healthy children < 5 years of age. Data Sources PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, Web of Science, Google Scholar, CINAHL, and MEDLINE electronic databases were searched between August 2022 and November 2022. Seven studies met the inclusion criteria. Data Extraction Meta-analyses of outcomes in more than one study were performed using Review Manager software. Heterogeneity was evaluated using the I2 statistic. Randomized controlled trials in which vitamin D was supplemented at > 400 IU compared with placebo, no treatment, or standard dose were included. Data Analysis Seven trials that enrolled a total of 5748 children were included. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95%CIs were calculated using random- and fixed-effects models. There was no significant effect of high-dose vitamin D supplementation on the incidence of upper respiratory tract infection (OR, 0.83; 95%CI, 0.62–1.10). There was a 57% (95%CI, 0.30–0.61), 56% (95%CI, 0.27–0.07), and 59% (95%CI, 0.26–0.65) reduction in the odds of influenza/cold, cough, and fever incidence, respectively, with daily supplementation of vitamin D > 1000 IU. No effect was found on bronchitis, otitis media, diarrhea/gastroenteritis, primary care visits for infections, hospitalizations, or mortality. Conclusion High-dose vitamin D supplementation provided no benefit in preventing upper respiratory tract infections (moderate certainty of evidence) but reduced the incidence influenza/cold (moderate certainty of evidence), cough, and fever (low certainty of evidence). These findings are based on a limited number of trials and should be interpreted with caution. Further research is needed. Systematic Review Registration PROSPERO registration number CRD42022355206.

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Factors associated with vitamin D deficiency in health care workers exposed to SARS-CoV-2: a cross-sectional study

Villasis-Keever,

Zurita-Cruz,

Garduño-Espinosa

et al. 2024

Front. Nutr.

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IntroductionGlobally, up to 76.6% of the population may be affected by vitamin D (VD) deficiency, which has been linked to increased morbidity and mortality from COVID-19. This underscores the importance of further research into VD supplementation, particularly for health care workers, who are at higher risk due to indoor work environments and dietary challenges associated with shift schedules.ObjectiveThis study aimed to identify factors associated with VD deficiency in Mexican health care workers exposed to SARS-CoV-2.Materials and methodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study from June 2020 to January 2021 among frontline health care workers treating hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Blood samples were collected to measure 25-hydroxy VD levels via radioimmunoassay. We also assessed previous COVID-19 infection and comorbidities that could influence VD levels.ResultsThe study included 468 health care workers. The median serum VD concentration was 16.6 ng/mL. VD deficiency was found in 69.4% (n = 325) of participants, while only 5.1% (n = 24) had normal levels. Those with type 2 diabetes (13.3 ng/mL vs. 17.1 ng/mL) or obesity (15.7 ng/mL vs. 17.1 ng/mL) had significantly lower VD levels than their counterparts (p < 0.001 and p = 0.049, respectively). No significant differences were found among participants with high blood pressure. Multivariate analysis revealed that type 2 diabetes was independently associated with VD deficiency.ConclusionThere is a high prevalence of VD deficiency among health care workers, which is potentially linked to both personal health factors and occupational conditions.

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Moderate Sun Exposure Is the Complementor in Insufficient Vitamin D Consumers

Cited by 4 publications

References 62 publications

The mediating role of Vitamin D in the association between personality and memory: Evidence from two samples

The mediating role of Vitamin D in the association between personality and memory: Evidence from two samples

High-dose oral vitamin D supplementation for prevention of infections in children aged 0 to 59 months: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Factors associated with vitamin D deficiency in health care workers exposed to SARS-CoV-2: a cross-sectional study

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