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Retinol Depletion in COVID-19
Aziz Rodan Sarohan1, Hakan Akelma2, Eşref Araç3
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medicina Plus Medical Center Istanbul, Turkey.
Clinical Nutrition Open Science
|June 6, 2022
Summary
Severe COVID-19 patients show significantly lower vitamin A (retinol) levels compared to controls. This depletion is independent of age or comorbidities, suggesting vitamin A
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Nutritional Science
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- COVID-19 pandemic poses significant global health challenges.
- Vitamin A plays a crucial role in immune function and homeostasis.
- Vitamin A deficiency is observed during various infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate serum retinol levels in severe COVID-19 patients.
- To assess the potential role of vitamin A in COVID-19 pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Measured serum retinol levels in 27 severe COVID-19 patients (ICU, respiratory failure).
- Compared levels with 23 non-COVID-19 control patients.
- Analyzed differences based on age, gender, and comorbidities.
Main Results:
- Mean serum retinol levels were significantly lower in COVID-19 patients (0.37 mg/L) versus controls (0.52 mg/L).
- No significant differences in retinol levels were found based on age or gender within the COVID-19 group.
- Comorbidities did not significantly affect serum retinol levels in COVID-19 patients.
Conclusions:
- Severe COVID-19 is associated with significantly reduced serum retinol levels.
- Vitamin A (retinol) and its signaling pathways may play a role in COVID-19 immunopathogenesis.
- Findings highlight the importance of vitamin A status in severe respiratory infections.
