Summary
Recent research from Japan highlights the potential benefits of activated vitamin D supplementation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conducted by local clinicians and academics, the study reveals that a significant percentage of participants had low vitamin D levels, with 65 to 77 percent of those admitted to the trial exhibiting deficiencies. The findings suggest that those with the lowest vitamin D concentrations may benefit the most from supplementation, particularly in reducing the need for respiratory support and improving survival rates among hospitalized patients.
The study compared an intervention group receiving activated vitamin D to a control group. Results indicated that only 6 percent of the vitamin D group required respiratory support, compared to 14 percent in the control group. Additionally, the need for high-flow oxygen was significantly lower in the vitamin D group (4 percent) versus the control group (11 percent). While the mortality rates showed a trend favoring the vitamin D group (3 percent versus 5 percent), the difference was not statistically significant due to the small sample size.
The researchers emphasized the importance of vitamin D for immune function, noting its role in producing antiviral peptides and regulating inflammatory responses. Despite the promising results, the study's authors called for larger-scale trials to confirm the efficacy of vitamin D supplementation in improving outcomes for COVID-19 patients. The findings raise questions about the lack of widespread research and promotion of low-cost, effective treatments like vitamin D, especially given its potential to enhance public health during respiratory illness outbreaks.
Show Notes
Free download John’s textbooks in high res pdf.https://drjohncampbell.co.ukUploaded 18-09-23Order my Physiology Notes in hard copy if you live in the UK,https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/154973392319?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=K6raxMZrQnm&sssrc=2047675&ssuid=&widget_ver=artemis&media=EMAILThe effect of 1-hydroxy-vitamin D treatment in hospitalized patients with COVID-19: A retrospective studyhttps://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0261561423002790Vitamin D deficiency is associated with elevated risk, severity, and mortalityAsthma, tuberculosis, chronic pulmonary obstructive disease (COPD), and viral respiratory infectionsConsistent paper 1.Vitamin D and its therapeutic relevance in pulmonary diseaseshttps://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0955286320306033?via%3DihubVitamin D essential for several cellular processes, wound healing, immunity inflammationStudies have displayed strong inter-relations with vit D deficiency and progression of lung disordersIts ease of supplementation and development of personalized medicine,could lead us to an effective adjunct and cost-effective method of therapeutic modality for highly fatal pulmonary diseases.Consistent paper 2.Evidence that Vitamin D Supplementation Could Reduce Risk of Influenza and COVID-19 Infections and Deathshttps://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/12/4/988To reduce the risk of infection, it is recommended that people at risk of influenza and/or COVID-19,consider taking 10,000 IU/d of vitamin D3 for a few weeks to rapidly raise 25(OH)D concentrations, followed by 5000 IU/d. The goal should be to raise 25(OH)D concentrations above 40–60 ng/mL (100–150 nmol/L). For treatment of people who become infected with COVID-19, higher vitamin D3 doses might be useful. Vitamin D deficiency is relatively commonEspecially among the elderly, the obese, and patients with comorbidities including hypertension, diabetes, COPD, and CKDVitamin D inducesProduction of antiviral peptides (defensins),especially in the respiratory epitheliumVitamin D upregulates anti-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-10 (IL-10),and downregulates pro-inflammatory cytokines including IL-1, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor alfaVitamin D effects angiotensin-converting enzyme axis,which has a protective effect against ARDSEfficacy of activated vitamin D supplementation in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)1-hydroxy-vitamin D was prescribed on day 1 or 2 (median duration 8 days)To evaluate the effect of 1-hydroxy-vitamin D,on the prevention of severe disease and mortality,in patients hospitalized for COVID-19.Retrospective study, April 2021 and October 2021Primarily Delta variantHospitalised 312 patients with COVID-19Between July 2022 and September 2022Primarily Omicron variantSerum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels measured at admission1-hydroxy-vitamin D was prescribedPrimary composite endpointsNeed for additional respiratory supportNeed for high-flow oxygen therapy or invasive mechanical ventilationIn-hospital mortality rate. Experimental group (n = 122)Given 1-hydroxy-vitamin DMedian age, 66Baseline vitamin D deficient, 77%Control group ( n = 190)Median age, 58Age difference (p = 0.06)Baseline vitamin D deficient, 65%Baseline D deficiency (p = 0.07)(defined as serum 25(OH)D level less than 20 ng/mL)Proportion of those requiring more respiratory support and in-hospital mortalityVit D group, 6%Control group,14%(p = 0.01)After propensity score matching(to reduce bias caused by confounding variables)(P = 0.03 log-rank test)Proportion of patients who received high flow oxygenVit D group 4%Control group, 11% (P = 0.04)In-hospital mortalityVit D group, 3%Control group, 5% (P = 0.3). Need for additional respiratory supportVit D group, 6%Co Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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