Resource: Analysis of vitamin D level among asymptomatic and critically ill COVID-19 patients and its correlation with inflammatory markers
Source: Nature Scientific Reports
Synopsis: COVID-19 is characterized by marked variability in clinical severity. Vitamin D had recently been reviewed as one of the factors that may affect the severity in COVID-19. This study analyzed the vitamin D level in COVID-19 patients and its impact on the disease severity. Vitamin D level is markedly low in severe COVID-19 patients. Inflammatory response is high in vitamin D deficient COVID-19 patients. This all translates into increased mortality in vitamin D deficient COVID-19 patients. As per the flexible approach in the current COVID-19 pandemic authors recommend mass administration of vitamin D supplements to populations at risk for COVID-19.
Comment: This rigorous study published in Nature makes a compelling case for treating Vitamin D deficiency, which is quite common, to avoid severe COVID-19 infections. Plastic surgeons might be interested in this article and following future studies to determine whether recommending Vitamin D supplements for themselves and their patients may become prudent.
