Association Between Vitamin D Levels and Long COVID Signs and Symptoms

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Nutritional Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Long COVID, characterized by persistent symptoms post-COVID-19 infection, affects multiple organs.
• Vitamin D plays a critical role in immune function and may influence long COVID development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between vitamin D levels and the prevalence of long COVID signs and symptoms in COVID-19 patients.

Main Methods:

• 170 adult COVID-19 patients with mild symptoms were enrolled.
• Serum 25(OH)D levels were measured within 60 days of diagnosis, with follow-up for at least 3 months.
• Data included demographics, vitamin D levels, and self-reported long COVID symptoms.

Main Results:

• 64.7% of patients developed long COVID, with respiratory, skin, and general symptoms being most common.
• Patients with long COVID had significantly lower vitamin D levels (21.52 ng/mL vs. 25.46 ng/mL).
• Vitamin D deficiency was significantly associated with overall long COVID (Adj. OR, 5.80) and increased systemic symptoms (Adj. IRR, 3.30).

Conclusions:

• Assessing and maintaining vitamin D levels is crucial for COVID-19 patients.
• Vitamin D supplementation and sunlight exposure may reduce the risk and severity of long COVID.
• Targeting vitamin D status could be a strategy to mitigate long COVID complications.