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Low vitamin D levels and prognosis in a COVID-19 pediatric population: a systematic review

K Shah1, V P Varna1, A Pandya1

  • 1Indian Institute of Public Health, Opp. Air Force Head Quarters, Nr. Lekawada Bus Stop, Chiloda Road, Gandhinagar 382042, India.

QJM : Monthly Journal of the Association of Physicians
|July 22, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Low vitamin D levels are common in children with Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), increasing infection risk and disease severity. Supplementation may improve outcomes in pediatric COVID-19 patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Nutritional Immunology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Vitamin D plays a crucial role in immune function.
  • Emerging evidence suggests a link between vitamin D status and susceptibility to viral infections, including Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
  • The impact of vitamin D deficiency on pediatric COVID-19 outcomes requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review and meta-analyze the relationship between vitamin D levels and the risk and severity of COVID-19 in the pediatric population.
  • To determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in children and adolescents with COVID-19.
  • To assess the association between vitamin D status and COVID-19 infection risk and disease severity in young individuals.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic literature search was conducted across major databases (PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar) from December 2019 to June 2021.
  • Eligible studies investigating the association between vitamin D deficiency and COVID-19 in pediatric populations were included.
  • Qualitative data were synthesized, and quantitative data were pooled using meta-analysis to derive estimates.

Main Results:

  • The meta-analysis of six studies revealed a pooled prevalence of vitamin D deficiency at 45.91% (95% CI: 25.148-67.450) among pediatric COVID-19 patients.
  • Low vitamin D levels were significantly associated with an increased risk of severe COVID-19 disease in children (odds ratio = 5.5; P = 0.008).
  • Children and adolescents with vitamin D deficiency exhibited a greater risk of COVID-19 infection and poorer outcomes, with noted improvement in disease severity following vitamin D supplementation.

Conclusions:

  • Nearly half of pediatric COVID-19 patients present with vitamin D deficiency.
  • Low vitamin D levels are a significant risk factor for COVID-19 infection and adverse outcomes in the pediatric population.
  • Vitamin D supplementation may be a beneficial strategy to mitigate disease severity in children and adolescents affected by COVID-19.

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