Prevalence of vitamin D is not associated with the COVID-19 epidemic in Europe. A critical update of the existing evidence

Abstract

Background: COVID-19 has emerged as a global pandemic, affecting nearly 104 million people worldwide as of February 4th 2021. In previous published studies, the association between the mean Vit D status of each country and COVID-19 infection rate, and mortality among the adult population in European countries was examined. The aim of this study was to re-examine the relationship between the Vit D status of each country and COVID-19 infection, recovery, and mortality using updated data and a different methodological approach. Methods: Information only form the last decade on Vit D concentration/deficiency for each country was retrieved through literature search on PubMed database. As of February, 4th 2021, COVID-19 infections and mortalities per one million population as well as total recoveries were extracted from the Worldometer website. The association between vitamin D deficiency and COVID-19 infection, recovery, and mortality were explored using correlation coefficients and scatterplots. Results: The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among European countries ranged from 6.0 (Finland) to 75.5% (Turkey), with several countries facing more than 50% of vitamin D deficiency among their population. Non-significant correlations were observed between the number of COVID-19 infections (r=0.190; p=0.374), recoveries (rs=0.317, p=0.131), and mortalities (r=0.129; p=0.549) per one million population, with the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency. Conclusions: Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was not significantly associated with either number of infections, recoveries or mortality rate of COVID-19 among European countries. Thus, it is an important parameter to be considered when implementing preventive measures to face COVID-19.

Effects of vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms on the prognosis of COVID‐19

“…In a meta‐analysis, individuals with poor prognosis had lower serum levels of 25 (OH)D than those with a good prognosis 36 . Contrary to previous reports, 32,36 there was no relationship between 25 (OH)D levels or vitamin deficiency and disease severity or mortality 13–15,23,26,27,37 . Our study did not find a relationship between 25 (OH)D levels and disease severity, admission to ICU, or mortality.…”

“…36 Contrary to previous reports, 32,36 there was no relationship between 25 (OH)D levels or vitamin deficiency and disease severity or mortality. [13][14][15]23,26,27,37 Our study did not find a relationship be- proliferation and anti-inflammatory cytokine production. 39 Moreover, it plays a role in innate and adaptive immune systems.…”

“…It was thought that 25 (OH)D might protect against COVID‐19. On the contrary, in recent reports, 25 (OH)D levels were not associated with disease severity or lethality 13–15 …”

“…On the contrary, in recent reports, 25 (OH)D levels were not associated with disease severity or lethality. [13][14][15] Calcitriol, the active form of vitamin D, binds to the vitamin D receptor (VDR) and modulates its responses. Vitamin D-VDR signaling regulates the expression of a wide range of physiological functions.…”