A retrospective study conducted by researchers at the University of Chicago Medicine found a connection between vitamin D deficiency and a higher likelihood of COVID-19 infection. David Meltzer, Chief of Hospital Medicine at UChicago Medicine and the study's lead author, emphasized the role of vitamin D in immune function and noted that prior research suggests vitamin D supplements may reduce the risk of viral respiratory infections. "Our statistical analysis suggests this may be true for the COVID-19 infection," Meltzer stated.

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The research analyzed data from 489 patients at UChicago Medicine whose vitamin D levels were measured within a year before their COVID-19 tests. Those with untreated vitamin D deficiency, defined as having less than 20 nanograms per milliliter of blood, were nearly twice as likely to test positive for COVID-19 compared to patients with adequate vitamin D levels.

While the study demonstrated a correlation between vitamin D deficiency and COVID-19 infections, it did not establish a causal relationship. Meltzer and his colleagues are planning further clinical trials to investigate this further.

Approximately half of Americans are believed to be vitamin D deficient, particularly in communities such as African Americans and Hispanics, and in regions with limited sun exposure during winter months, like Chicago. Notably, some vitamin D tests may not accurately reflect levels in African Americans, leading to potential misdiagnoses of deficiency.

COVID-19 also disproportionately affects African American communities, older adults, nursing home residents, and health care workers, all of whom are at higher risk for vitamin D deficiency.

Meltzer pointed out the potential global impact of treating vitamin D deficiency on COVID-19 risk and described vitamin D as inexpensive, safe, and easily scalable. He advocates for experimental studies to determine if vitamin D supplementation could mitigate the risk or severity of COVID-19, noting that his team has initiated several clinical trials at UChicago Medicine and with local partners.

Patients are advised to consult with a physician about their vitamin D levels and adhere to prescribed dosages.

Citation: “Association of Vitamin D Status and Other Clinical Characteristics With COVID-19 Test Results,” Meltzer et al., JAMA Network Open, Sept. 3, 2020. DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.19722.

Funded by: University of Chicago/Rush University Institute for Translational Medicine (ITM) Clinical and Translational Science Award, African American Cardiovascular Pharmacogenetic Consortium.

—Adapted from an article first published by the University of Chicago Medicine.