Vitamin D status can affect COVID-19 outcomes also in pediatric population

Michele Miraglia Del Giudice1, Cristiana Indolfi1, Giulio Dinardo1

  • 1Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy.

Pharmanutrition
|October 21, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Vitamin D deficiency is common in COVID-19 patients, increasing severe disease risk. Further research in children is needed to confirm vitamin D

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Nutritional Science
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Vitamin D modulates immune function and inflammation.
  • Vitamin D supplementation is linked to reduced acute respiratory tract infection risk.
  • Recent research explores vitamin D's role in COVID-19 pathophysiology.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the association between vitamin D levels and COVID-19 outcomes.
  • To assess the impact of vitamin D on severe COVID-19 disease.
  • To evaluate vitamin D's role in pediatric COVID-19.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic reviews and clinical trials were analyzed.
  • Data from adult and pediatric populations were considered.
  • Association between vitamin D levels and disease severity was examined.

Main Results:

  • Most COVID-19 patients exhibit decreased vitamin D levels.
  • Low vitamin D levels correlate with an increased risk of severe COVID-19.
  • This association appears consistent in the pediatric population.

Conclusions:

  • Further systematic reviews and meta-analyses in children are warranted.
  • Confirming vitamin D's effect on pediatric COVID-19 outcomes is necessary.
  • Optimal vitamin D supplementation strategies require further investigation.
Abstract

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