scholarly journals Population Based Mean Vitamin-D Levels In 19 European Countries & COVID-19 Mortality

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amar Ahmad ◽  
Christian Heumann ◽  
Raghib Ali ◽  
Tim Oliver
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Rank Correlation ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
European Countries ◽  
P Value ◽  
Vaccine Strategy ◽  
Mixed Effect ◽  
Initial Report ◽  
Vitamin D Levels ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background: Reports early in the epidemic linking low mean national Vitamin D level with increased COVID-19 death, and until recently little research on the impact of Vitamin-D deficiency on severity of COVID-19, led to this update of the initial report studying mortality up to the end of January 2021. Methods: Coronavirus pandemic data for 19 European countries were downloaded from Our World in Data, which was last updated on January 24, 2021. Data from March 21, 2020 to January 22, 2021 were included in the statistical analysis. Vitamin-D (25)-HD mean data were collected by literature review. Poisson mixed-effect model was used to model the data. Results: European countries with Vitamin-D (25)-HD mean less than or equal to 50 have higher COVID-19 death rates as compared with European countries with Vitamin-D (25)-HD mean greater than 50, relative risk of 2.155 (95% CI: 1.068 - 4.347, p-value = 0.032). A statistically significant negative moderate Spearman rank correlation was observed between Vitamin-D (25)-HD mean and the number of COVID-19 deaths for each 14-day period during the COVID-19 pandemic time period. Conclusions: The observation of the significantly lower COVID-19 mortality rates in countries with lowest annual sun exposure but highest mean Vitamin-D (25)-HD levels provides support for the use of food fortification. The need to consider re-configuring vaccine strategy due to emergence of large number of COVID-19 variants provides an opportunity to undertake such therapeutic randomized control trials.

scholarly journals Mean Vitamin D levels in 19 European Countries & COVID-19 Mortality over 10 months

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amar Ahmad ◽  
Christian Heumann ◽  
Raghib Ali ◽  
Tim Oliver
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
National Level ◽  
European Countries ◽  
P Value ◽  
Poor Responders ◽  
Food Fortification ◽  
Mixed Effect ◽  
Initial Report ◽  
Vitamin D Levels ◽  
The Impact

ABSTRACTObjectivesReports early in the epidemic linking low mean national Vitamin D level with increased COVID-19 death, and until recently little research on the impact of Vitamin D deficiency on severity of COVID-19, led to this update of the initial report studying mortality up to the end of January 2021.Methods, Design and SettingCoronavirus pandemic data for 19 European countries were downloaded from Our World in Data, which was last updated on January 24, 2021. Data from March 21, 2020 to January 22, 2021 were included in the statistical analysis. Vitamin-D (25)-HD mean data were collected by literature review. Poisson mixed-effect model was used to model the data.ResultsEuropean countries with Vitamin-D (25)-HD mean less than or equal to 50 have higher COVID-19 death rates as compared with European countries with Vitamin-D (25)-HD mean greater than 50, relative risk of 2.155 (95% CI: 1.068 – 4.347, p-value = 0.032). A statistically significant negative moderate Spearman rank correlation was observed between Vitamin-D (25)-HD mean and the number of COVID-19 deaths for each 14-day period during the COVID-19 pandemic time period.ConclusionsThe observation of the significantly lower COVID-19 mortality rates in countries with lowest annual sun exposure but highest mean Vitamin-D (25)-HD levels provides support for more awareness and possible use of food fortification. The need to consider re-configuring vaccine strategy due to emergence of large number of COVID-19 variants and studies identifying poor responders to Vaccine provides an opportunity to undertake therapeutic randomized control trials to confirm these observations.Strengths of this studyLarge number of different European populations studied with different policies of food fortification and different population Vitamin D levelsTen months of longitudinal study during rise and fall and rise again of the epidemicLimitations of this studyBased on population Vitamin D levels published before the beginning of the pandemic. Though there hasn’t been a pan-European national/international health education initiative about Vitamin D and COVID-19 infection, it has been well covered in the media and could have resulted in changes, though probably minor, at the national level. Because there have been many differences in response to the pandemic in these countries, there could be other factors involved as well

Variations in serum vitamin D status during cancer chemotherapy.

2012 ◽  
Vol 30 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e19550-e19550
Author(s):  
Bogda Koczwara ◽  
Richard John Woodman ◽  
Laisa Vicki Teleni ◽  
Michael Kimlin ◽  
Euan Thomas Walpole ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Serum Vitamin ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
Unknown Primary ◽  
Curative Intent ◽  
Serum Vitamin D ◽  
Vitamin D Levels ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Low Serum

e19550 Background: Low serum vitamin D in cancer patients has been associated with inferior cancer outcomes and bone loss. The impact of chemotherapy on vitamin D levels is not known. We examined serum vitamin D levels during chemotherapy to identify magnitude and predictors of change. Methods: A prospective study of chemotherapy naïve patients commencing chemotherapy in two different sun exposure areas. Vitamin D (25(OH)D) deficiency was defined as ≤25 nmol/L and insufficiency 26-50 nmol/L. Demographic data, nutrition, sun exposure, season and biochemical parameters were collected at baseline 6 weeks (6W) and 12 weeks (12W) since commencement of treatment. The effects were assessed using a multivariate multilevel linear regression model that also included age, gender and BMI. Results: 82 Caucasian and 3 indigenous patients were enrolled. Median age was 57 (21-85) years. Forty-nine (58%) were female; 54 (65%) were treated with curative intent. Tumours included 29 (34%) breast,12 (14%) colorectal, 9 (11%) lymphomas, 7 (8%) leukemias, 7 (8%) lung, 5 (6%) ovarian, 3 (4%) testis, 3 (4%) unknown primary and 10 (11%) others. Median weight was 75 kg (50-151) and median BMI was 26.9 kg/m2 (17.7- 44.5). Seventy-six (89%) and 55 (65%) patients were receiving chemotherapy treatment at 6W and 12W respectively. Mean (±SD) serum 25(OH)D at baseline was 49.2±22.3 nmol/L. Ten (12%) patients were vitamin D deficient at baseline and a further 33 (41%) had insufficient levels. Mean serum 25(OH)D status was higher in higher sun exposure locations (61.9±22.1 nmol/L vs 42.2±19.2 nmol/L, p<0.001), varied according to season (spring=46.9±20.3 nmol/L, summer=50.8±18.2 nmol/L, fall=76.4±25.2 nmol/L, winter=36.5±15.7 nmol/L, p<0.001) and changed with treatment period (baseline=49.2±22.3 nmol/L, 6W=40.9±19.0 nmol/L, 12W=45.9±19.7 nmol/L, p=0.002). There was no association between 25(OH)D status and age, gender, BMI or nutritional status. Conclusions: Chemotherapy is associated with a fall in serum 25(OH)D. Further research is needed to determine the underlying mechanism, the impact of low serum 25(OH)D on patient outcomes and the potential role for screening and vitamin D supplementation in this group.

scholarly journals Vitamin D Deficiency and Associated Factors in Adult Females of Chattogram

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 74-78
Author(s):  
Shaheda Ahmed ◽  
Mohammed Jalal Uddin ◽  
Nayeema Tasnim
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Associated Factors ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
P Value ◽  
Large Sample Size ◽  
Uvb Radiation ◽  
Female Population ◽  
Adult Females ◽  
Vitamin D Levels

Background : Vitamin D is an essential nutrient and deficiency of it leads to devastating disorders. This study aimed to find out the associated factors with selected variables of low vitamin D among adult females of Chattogram. Materials and methods : Cross-sectional observational study was conducted from September 2019 to February 2020 at a diagnostic complex of Chattogram. Participants were adult females of Chattogram. All participants gave oral informed consent and answered a questionnaire that included 16 questions covering demographic information, monthly income, educational status, occupation, body weight, duration of sun exposure, dress pattern (Using hijab or burkha, regular dress-up) drug and disease history. Blood samples were collected by cautious aseptic procedure. Serum vitamin D levels were measured by using immunoassay method. Adult females of Chattogram with no religious restrictions, n= 150,aged 31 to 70 years. Results: Overall, 88% had low vitamin D levels with deficient 60.66% and insufficient 27.34%. Sufficient level of vitamin D was found only among 12%. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was much higher in females with house-wife status 73.33% (p value of 0.0001) wearing hijab 46.66% (p value of 0.001). It could be due to interference with UVB radiation into skin, short duration of sun exposure, use of sunblock cream or less supplementary intake. Conclusion : Vitamin D deficiency is an emerging but neglected health issue in modern time, particularly more vulnerable are female population. Ironically, abundant sunlight of Bangladesh seems failed to protect the self-imposed concrete prisoner, classically known as home-makers, and practitioner of indoor life style that leads to avoidance of sun light. However, large sample size is mandatory to boost-up the findings of current study. Chatt Maa Shi Hosp Med Coll J; Vol.20 (2); July 2021; Page 74-78

scholarly journals Can Optimum Solar Radiation Exposure or Supplemented Vitamin D Intake Reduce the Severity of COVID-19 Symptoms?

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 740
Author(s):  
Joji Abraham ◽  
Kim Dowling ◽  
Singarayer Florentine
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Absorption Capacity ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Solar Exposure ◽  
Vitamin D Levels ◽  
Obesity Hypertension ◽  
Solar Radiation Exposure ◽  
The Impact

The foremost mortality-causing symptom associated with COVID-19 is acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). A significant correlation has been identified between the deficiency in vitamin D and the risk of developing ARDS. It has been suggested that if we can reduce or modify ARDS in COVID-19 patients, we may significantly reduce the severity of COVID-19 symptoms and associated mortality rates. The increased mortality of dark-skinned people, who have a reduced UV absorption capacity, may be consistent with diminished vitamin D status. The factors associated with COVID-19 mortality, such as old age, ethnicity, obesity, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes, are all found to be linked with vitamin D deficiency. Based on this review and as a precautionary measure, it is suggested that the adoption of appropriate and safe solar exposure and vitamin D enriched foods and supplements should be considered to reduce the possible severity of COVID-19 symptoms. Safe sun exposure is deemed beneficial globally, specifically in low and middle-income countries, as there is no cost involved. It is also noted that improved solar exposure and vitamin D levels can reduce the impact of other diseases as well, thus assisting in maintaining general human well-being.

scholarly journals Changes in 25-(OH) Vitamin D Levels during the SARS-CoV-2 Outbreak: Lockdown-Related Effects and First-to-Second Wave Difference—An Observational Study from Northern Italy

Biology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 237
Author(s):  
Davide Ferrari ◽  
Massimo Locatelli ◽  
Martina Faraldi ◽  
Giovanni Lombardi
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
Protective Role ◽  
Vitamin D Supplementation ◽  
Area Of Interest ◽  
Vitamin D Levels ◽  
Uv Dose ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Second Wave

Background. We investigated the changes in 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25-(OH)D] concentrations values, during the first and the second pandemic waves and the impact of the lockdown periods, with their different approaches to home confinement, among different age groups. Methods. Daily cloud-modified vitamin D UV dose (UVDVC), for the area of interest (Milano, Italy), was obtained. Single-center 25-(OH)D determinations from 40,996 individuals in a 2019 (pre-pandemic), 32,355 individuals from 1 January to 31 August 2020 (containing the first pandemic wave) and 27,684 individuals from 1 June to 30 November 2020 (containing the second wave) were compared to investigate both the effect of the lockdown on vitamin D status and the association between 25-(OH)D and SARS-CoV-2 positivity. Results. No direct association was found between UVDVC, 25-(OH)D status and SARS-CoV-2 infection. The stringent confinement implemented during the first wave lockdown has not had any effect on 25-(OH)D status, although some peculiar time-restricted profile behaviors can be deduced, possibly due to vitamin D supplementation habits and features of those patients who presented to the hospital during the lockdown period. Conclusions. Although our data do not suggest any direct relationship between 25-(OH)D status, sun exposure, and SARS-CoV-2 infection, an indirect protective role cannot be excluded.

Association of Vitamin D Levels and Other Risk Factors with Asthma Exacerbations in Children

2020 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Vitamin D ◽  
Serum Vitamin ◽  
Persistent Asthma ◽  
Food Allergies ◽  
P Value ◽  
Serum Vitamin D ◽  
Asthma Exacerbations ◽  
Vitamin D Levels ◽  
Animal Dander

Background: The risk factors for asthma exacerbations are well understood. However, the effect of vitamin D levels on number of asthma exacerbations per year is not clearly studied. The objective of the study was to find out the association of serum vitamin D levels and asthma risk factors on asthma exacerbations. Methods: In this study, ninety-nine subjects from 5 to 15 years of age were recruited at an episode of acute exacerbation. It was a cross sectional study and carried out from 2012 to 2015. Pulmonary function test was done by spirometry. Asthma exacerbation was labeled when forced expiratory volume/ forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) ratio was less than 80% (American Thoracic Society). Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) guidelines were used to classify asthma into mild, moderate and severe persistent asthma. Serum vitamin D levels were measured by chemiluminescence method. Pearson Chi-square test was applied and p value (p<0.05) was considered as statistically significant. Results: Children who had exposure to animal dander had significantly lower asthma exacerbations per year (p-value <0.046). There was no significant association between vitamin D levels and number of exacerbations per years (p-value <0.099). Asthma was prevalent in girls of low socioeconomic status (SES) compared to males. However, there was no significant association between smoke, exercise, home environment, food allergies, weather, pollen and dust with asthma exacerbations. Conclusion: Low levels of vitamin D were not associated with increased number of asthma exacerbations per year. However, children exposed to animal dander had lesser number of exacerbations per year (p-value <0.046). Keywords: Asthma; Vitamin D; Children; Exacerbations, Risk factors.

scholarly journals High prevalence of peripheral neuropathy in multiple myeloma patients and the impact of vitamin D levels, a cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. E. Oortgiesen ◽  
J. A. Kroes ◽  
P. Scholtens ◽  
J. Hoogland ◽  
P. Dannenberg - de Keijzer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Myeloma ◽  
Vitamin D ◽  
Peripheral Neuropathy ◽  
Hypovitaminosis D ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Clinical Trial Registration ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Validated Questionnaire ◽  
Vitamin D Levels ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Purpose Peripheral neuropathy (PN) is common in patients with multiple myeloma (MM). We hypothesized that the relationship between hypovitaminosis D and PN described in diabetes mellitus patients may also be present in MM patients. Methods To study this potential association, we assessed the incidence of hypovitaminosis D (vitamin D < 75 nmol/L [= 30 ng/mL]) in smouldering and active MM patients in two Dutch hospitals. Furthermore, a validated questionnaire was used to distinguish different PN grades. Results Of the 120 patients included between January 2017 and August 2018, 84% had an inadequate vitamin D level (median vitamin D level 49.5 nmol/L [IQR 34–65 nmol/L]; mean age: 68 years [SD ± 7.7]; males: 58%). PN was reported by 69% of patients (n = 83); however, of these 83 patients, PN was not documented in the medical records of 52%. An association was found between lower vitamin D levels and higher incidence of PN in the total population (P = 0.035), and in the active MM patients (P = 0.016). Conclusion This multi-centre cohort study showed that PN and hypovitaminosis D are common in MM patients, and addressing low vitamin D levels in the treatment of MM patients might be beneficial in reducing the risk of PN. More attention for PN is warranted, as PN is underreported by clinicians. Further research is needed to fully understand the implications of vitamin D in the development of PN in patients with MM. Clinical trial registration Netherland Trial Register NL5835, date of registration July 28, 2016

Association between vitamin D deficiency and prostate cancer: Prospective case-control study

2021 ◽  
pp. 205141582199360
Author(s):  
Ghanshyam Kumawat ◽  
Vijay Chaudhary ◽  
Anurag Garg ◽  
Nishkarsh Mehta ◽  
Gagan Talwar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prostate Cancer ◽  
Vitamin D ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Case Control Study ◽  
Serum Vitamin ◽  
P Value ◽  
Serum Vitamin D ◽  
Severe Vitamin ◽  
Vitamin D Levels ◽  
Control Study

Objective: We aimed to find out the association of low serum vitamin D levels with the incidence of prostate cancer through a prospective case-control study. Material and methods: This study was carried out in the tertiary care hospital (India). All newly diagnosed patients of prostate cancer and age-matched controls were included. Serum vitamin D levels were measured in all of them. Vitamin D status (ng/mL) was classified as severe deficiency <10, moderate deficiency 10–<30, normal 30–100, and toxicity >100. Normality of the data was tested by the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, statistical analysis was done with Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 26.0, p-value of <0.05 was considered significant. Results: In our study, 320 cases and 320 controls were included. The mean vitamin D levels in cases and controls were 15.71 ± 6.5 (ng/mL) and 17.63 ± 4.54 (ng/mL), respectively, ( p-Value <0.01). Patients with severe vitamin D deficiency (73.58%) had a Gleason score ⩾8 on biopsy and 79.24% of them had a serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) level >20 ng/mL. Conclusion: We had concluded that there was no significant association between vitamin D deficiency and increased risk of prostate cancer, although patients with higher-grade prostate cancer and with higher PSA level had severe vitamin D deficiency. Level of evidence: Not applicable for this multicentre audit.

scholarly journals Vitamin D (25 ( OH) D ) in patients with chronic kidney disease stages 2-5

2016 ◽  
pp. 160-166 ◽  
Author(s):  
César Augusto Restrepo Valencia ◽  
Jose Vicente Aguirre Arango
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Kidney Disease ◽  
Vitamin D ◽  
Kidney Disease ◽  
Statistical Methods ◽  
Laboratory Tests ◽  
Chronic Kidney Disease Stage ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
Disease Stage ◽  
Disease Etiology ◽  
Vitamin D Levels

Objective: To determine whether patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) without dialysis their stage impacts the native vitamin D levels. Methods: Patients over 18 years with chronic kidney disease stage 2-5 without dialysis treatment. They demographic, anthropometric variables, degree of sun exposure, disease etiology and laboratory variables related to bone and mineral disorders were evaluated. Study analytical cross-sectional prospective. Descriptive statistical methods for quantitative and qualitative are characterized, and analytical correlation between levels of vitamin D statistical laboratory tests related to bone and mineral disorders, sun exposure and ethnicity variables for each stage were characterized. By descriptive statistical methods, quantitative and qualitative variables were characterized, and analytical statistical correlation between levels of vitamin D with laboratory tests related to bone and mineral disorders, sun exposure and ethnicity for each stage were practiced. Results: 331 patients were evaluated, with a mean age of 71 years, the mestizo majority (71%), 173 women, main etiology of CKD hypertensive nephropathy (33.2%). 21.1% of patients had normal levels of vitamin D, 70.1% insufficient, and 8.8% in deficit. Negative correlation was detected between the levels of vitamin 25(OH)D and serum creatinine, phosphorus, calcium x phosphorus product, PTH, proteins in urine 24 hours and BMI. Positive correlation for calcium and albumin. Positive statistical significance between the levels of vitamin 25(OH)D and sun exposure for 3b and 4 stages was found. Conclusions: In patients with CKD is common to detect low levels of vitamin 25(OH)D, which can contribute to the generation of secondary hyperparathyroidism.

scholarly journals Comparison of Antioxidant Status and Vitamin D Levels between Multiple Sclerosis Patients and Healthy Matched Subjects

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ehsan Hejazi ◽  
Reza Amani ◽  
Naser SharafodinZadeh ◽  
Bahman Cheraghian
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Vitamin D ◽  
Dietary Intake ◽  
Antioxidant Status ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
Total Antioxidant Status ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Study Groups ◽  
Vitamin D Levels ◽  
Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Objective. The aim of the present study was to compare the serum levels of total antioxidant status (TAS) and 25(OH) D3 and dietary intake of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with those of normal subjects.Method. Thirty-seven MS patients (31 women) and the same number of healthy matched controls were compared for their serum levels and dietary intake of 25(OH) D3 and TAS. Sun exposure and the intake of antioxidants and vitamin D rich foods were estimated through face-to-face interview and food frequency questionnaire.Results. Dietary intake of antioxidants and vitamin D rich foods, vitamin C, vitamin A, and folate was not significantly different between the two groups. There were also no significant differences in the mean levels of 25(OH) D3 and TAS between the study groups. Both groups had low serum levels of 25(OH) D3 and total antioxidants.Conclusion. No significant differences were detected in serum levels and dietary intake of vitamin D and antioxidants between MS patients and healthy controls. All subjects had low antioxidant status and vitamin D levels.

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