Impact of the Vitamin D Deficiency on COVID-19 Infection and Mortality in Asian Countries

The association between the severity and mortality of COVID-19 with Vitamin D Deficiency is distinct. We have data suggesting the same that has emerged from various countries and thus estimating the overall effect of Vitamin D deficiency and COVID 19 (Liu, 2021). But vitamin D concentration varies from region to region (Roth, 2018) and to determine its effect to Indian and neighboring countries a study which reviewed data from Asian population (Jayawardena R., 2021)

The review evaluated data from 24 Asian countries, including population male or female, over 18 years of age.

Key highlights from the study were as follows:

• Among three quarter of the countries, more than 50% of the adult population were Vitamin D deficient.
• Positive correlations were observed for prevalence of vitamin D deficiency with COVID-19 infections (r = 0.55; p =0.01; R2 = 0.31)
• Positive correlations were observed for prevalence of vitamin D deficiency with mortalities due to COVID -19 infections (r = 0.50; p =0.01; R2= 0.25)
• Mean vitamin D level had a significant negative correlation with COVID-19 infections and mortalities (r =0.77; p= 0.04; R2 = 0.59) and mortalities (r =0.80; p =0.03; R2 =0.63).

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To conclude Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is significantly positively associated whereas the mean vitamin D level is significantly negatively associated with both infection and mortality rate of COVID-19 among Asian countries upon predicting with all confounders. People who are deficient in VD may receive daily or weekly supplementation as it is studied to protect against acute respiratory tract infections (Martineau AR, 2017). Thus, the population at higher risk of VDD during this global pandemic should consider taking VD supplements to maintain the circulating 25(OH)D in optimal levels (75- 125 nmol/l)

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References

1. Jayawardena R., J. T. (2021). Impact of the vitamin D deficiency on COVID-19 infection and mortality in Asian countries. Diabetes & Metabolic Syndrome: Clinical Research & Reviews, 15, 757e764.
2. Liu, N. S. (2021). (2021). Low vitamin D status is associated with coronavirus disease 2019 outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. International journal of infectious diseases , 104, 58-64.
3. Martineau AR, J. D. (2017). Vitamin D supplementation to prevent acute respiratory tract infections:systematic review and meta-analysis of individual participant data. British Medical Journal , 356:i6583.
4. Roth, D. E.-R. (2018). Global prevalance and disease burden of vitamin D deficiency: a roadmap for action in low and middle income countries . Annals of New York Academy Sciences , 1430(1), 44-79 .