Baseline Vitamin D Deficiency and COVID-19 Disease Severity

It is known that vitamin D has been found to decrease incidence of viral respiratory infections, as well as have effects on multiple cytokines involved in immunomodulation and the bradykinin/renin-angiotensin system. Recently, data was released showing a correlation between baseline vitamin D deficiency status and increased risk of contracting COVID-19. Separate analysis shows that many of the deleterious effects of COVID-19 may be due to the bradykinin/RAS system, and that vitamin D is one plausible treatment option to modulate these effects. Studies are currently ongoing to determine if vitamin D supplementation of those hospitalized with COVID-19 has a beneficial effect on patient outcomes. Healthcare resources have been strained during the pandemic in areas of heavy caseload. It is possible that those with concurrent vitamin D deficiency and COVID positivity have an increased need for escalation of care. A small study has been conducted in this area, but was limited by small number of subjects.