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Researchers Find Correlation Between Vitamin D Deficiency and COVID-19 Mortality Rates
A strong association between vitamin D deficiency and mortality rates from the novel coronavirus has recently been discovered by researchers. A research team led by Northwestern University analyzed data from hospitals and clinics across several countries. These countries include China, France, Germany, Italy, Iran, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the U.S.
Vitamin D Deficiency and COVID-19
According to MUSC, emerging evidence suggests “a potential link between vitamin D deficiency and the pathogenesis of COVID-19 in certain patients." https://t.co/YuYUYsKWra
— WBTW News13 (@WBTWNews13) April 30, 2020
A study entitled “The Possible Role of Vitamin D in Suppressing Cytokine Storm and Associated Mortality in COVID-19 Patients” has investigated whether a connection between COVID-19 and Vitamin D (Vit D) deficiency exists.
According to the study, patients from countries with high mortality rates from COVID-19 had lower levels of vitamin D. The study then compared them to patients in less affected countries
“Our findings suggest that Vit D deficiency may be a contributing factor to severe COVID19,” the report read. “One possible explanation for this association is that the weak response of the innate immune system in the elderly may increase viral load [8,46] while a shortage in memory B cells leads to misfire and over-activation of the adaptive immune system by producing a high level of cytokines, or a cytokine storm.”
An article from Science Daily also explains that “Vitamin D strengths innate immunity and prevents overactive immune responses.”
However, the article clarifies that this does not mean that everyone needs to start hoarding supplements.
“While I think it is important for people to know that vitamin D deficiency might play a role in mortality, we don't need to push vitamin D on everybody,” said Northwestern's Vadim Backman. “This needs further study, and I hope our work will stimulate interest in this area. The data also may illuminate the mechanism of mortality, which, if proven, could lead to new therapeutic targets.”
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