Low Vitamin D Levels Tied to Higher Risk for COVID-19 Infection

WEDNESDAY, Aug. 11, 2021 (HealthDay News) — U.S. Black women with lower serum levels of vitamin D (25[OH]D) may be at increased risk for COVID-19 infection, according to a study published online July 27 in PLOS ONE.

Yvette C. Cozier, D.Sc., M.P.H., from the Slone Epidemiology Center at Boston University, and colleagues analyzed serum 25(OH)D levels in relation to COVID-19 infection among participants in the Black Women’s Health Study. The analysis included 1,974 women with 25(OH)D blood test results and a COVID-19 test in 2020.

After adjusting for age, number of people living in the household, neighborhood socioeconomic status, and other potential confounders, the researchers found that compared with women with 25(OH)D levels ≥30 ng/mL, the odds ratios for COVID-19 infection in women with levels of 20 to 29 ng/mL and <20 ng/mL were 1.48 (95 percent confidence interval, 0.95 to 2.30) and 1.69 (95 percent confidence interval, 1.04 to 2.72), respectively (P trend = 0.02).

“Nearly one out of four people have vitamin D blood levels that are too low or inadequate for bone and overall health,” Cozier said in a statement. “Our study provides another reason why adequate levels of vitamin D are important — the possibility of lowering risk of COVID-19 infection.”

Abstract/Full Text