A research team led by Northwestern University (Chicago, USA) made a statistical analysis of the COVID-19 death rate. The analysis includes data received from hospitals in China, France, Germany, Italy, Iran, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United State.

It is believed that different mortality rates appearing due to differences in the quality of health care, age variety, number of tests and strains of coronavirus. But the statistical analysis shows a clear link between the death rate and vitamin D deficiency.

Patients from countries with high mortality rates from COVID-19 (Italy, Spain, UK) have lower vitamin D levels than patients from less affected countries.

Vitamin D average rate in countries with a high incidence of COVID-19

Data obtained from the SENECA study (Survey in Europe on Nutrition and the Elderly, a Concerted Action):

  • Spain: 26 nmol/l.
  • Italy: 28 nmol/l.
  • Scandinavian countries (in the elderly): 45 nmol / l.
  • Switzerland (in nursing homes): 23 nmol/l.

Acute vitamin D deficiency estimating by level 25(OH)D in the blood serum of below 30 nmol/L. The normal value is 75-250 nmol/L.

In Southern Countries, vitamin D levels are lower than normal due to the fact that local citizens prefer shade to the strong sun which reducing synthesis of vitamin D. In Northern Europe, the average level is better due to consumption of cod liver oil and vitamin D supplements, as well as fortification of milk and dairy products (ex. – Finland).

Elder people are at the highest risk of morbidity and mortality from SARS-CoV2, as vitamin D synthesis deteriorates with age.

Vitamin D and cytokine storm

Cytokine storm is a systemic inflammatory response caused by an overactive immune system.

It can seriously damage the lungs and lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome and the possible death of patients. Most patients with COVID-19 are killed not only by the lungs’ destruction by the virus but with an effect of the cytokine storm.

Vitamin D not only improves the innate immune system but also prevents the immune system from becoming hyperactive. Vitamin D modulates the response of macrophages, preventing them from releasing too many inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. This means that healthy levels of vitamin D can reduce mortality and the risk of severe COVID-19 consequences, although it does not reduce the risk of infection.

COVID-19 and infant mortality

Children do not yet have a fully developed acquired immune system. The acquired immune system is the second line of organism defense that is most prone to overreaction. Children primarily rely on their innate immune system, so mortality from the new coronavirus is lower among them.

Vitamin D effect on disease complications and mortality.

Vitamin D has been shown to protect against acute respiratory infections.

Vitamin D deficiency can be easily eliminated with appropriate supplements. This may be another key to protecting the most vulnerable populations from the risk of death and complications from COVID-19.

But do not take excessive doses of vitamin D, as this can lead to negative side effects.

It is recommended to conduct special studies of vitamin D levels in patients with COVID-19 with varying degrees of disease severity and find out how to use vitamin D to protect against complications of a new coronavirus.

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