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.

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 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 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.

scholarly journals Psychological distress during COVID-19 pandemic in low-income and middle-income countries: a cross-sectional study of older persons in Thailand

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. e047650
Author(s):  
Wiraporn Pothisiri ◽  
Paolo Miguel Manalang Vicerra
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Older Persons ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Ageing Society ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
The Impact

ObjectiveThe COVID-19 situation in Thailand was controlled with various social measures. Much of the information covered in the media and in studies focused on the public health and economic aspects of the pandemic. This study aimed to explore the psychological well-being of older people, which is important especially in an ageing society categorised as low income or middle income due to the limits of economic and healthcare resources.SettingThe impact of COVID-19 on older persons in Thailand, an online survey, taken across nine provinces within the five regions of the country.ParticipantsInformation was collected from 1230 adults aged at least 60 years old.If an older person was illiterate, unable to access the internet or had a disability preventing them from responding to the survey, an intermediary residing in the community conducted the survey interview.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe analysis focused on the worries of older adults and the factors associated with psychological distress experienced during the pandemic using logistic regression analysis.ResultsThe majority of people aged at least 60 years old experienced psychological distress during COVID-19. Employment loss (OR 1.08, 95% CI 0.78 to 1.38), inadequate income (OR 1.77, 95% CI 1.28 to 2.44) and debt incursion (OR 2.74, 95% CI 1.57 to 4.80) were detrimental to psychological well-being. The negative changes in the perception of their health status (OR 1.92, 95% CI 1.23 to 2.99) and decreased life satisfaction (OR 1.49, 95% CI 0.45 to 1.87) also weighed on older Thais. The protective factors for psychological well-being were residing in rural areas (OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.35 to 0.61) and being married (OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.55 to 1.01).ConclusionObserving the concerns of the older population is important for introducing policies that can alleviate their precarious financial and health statuses.

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

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.

scholarly journals Transcriptional responses in jejunum of two layer chicken strains following variations in dietary calcium and phosphorus levels

BMC Genomics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Henry Reyer ◽  
Michael Oster ◽  
Siriluck Ponsuksili ◽  
Nares Trakooljul ◽  
Adewunmi O. Omotoso ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Absorption Capacity ◽  
Egg Laying ◽  
Endocrine Regulation ◽  
Transcriptional Responses ◽  
Endogenous Factors ◽  
Mineral Homeostasis ◽  
Laying Performance ◽  
Vitamin D Levels

Abstract Background Calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) are essential nutrients that are linked to a large array of biological processes. Disturbances in Ca and P homeostasis in chickens are associated with a decline in growth and egg laying performance and environmental burden due to excessive P excretion rates. Improved utilization of minerals in particular of P sources contributes to healthy growth while preserving the finite resource of mineral P and mitigating environmental pollution. In the current study, high performance Lohmann Selected Leghorn (LSL) and Lohmann Brown (LB) hens at peak laying performance were examined to approximate the consequences of variable dietary Ca and P supply. The experimental design comprised four dietary groups with standard or reduced levels of either Ca or P or both (n = 10 birds per treatment group and strain) in order to stimulate intrinsic mechanisms to maintain homeostasis. Jejunal transcriptome profiles and the systemic endocrine regulation of mineral homeostasis were assessed (n = 80). Results Endogenous mechanisms to maintain mineral homeostasis in response to variations in the supply of Ca and P were effective in both laying hen strains. However, the LSL and LB appeared to adopt different molecular pathways, as shown by circulating vitamin D levels and strain-specific transcriptome patterns. Responses in LSL indicated altered proliferation rates of intestinal cells as well as adaptive responses at the level of paracellular transport and immunocompetence. Endogenous mechanisms in LB appeared to involve a restructuring of the epithelium, which may allow adaptation of absorption capacity via improved micro-anatomical characteristics. Conclusions The results suggest that LSL and LB hens may exhibit different Ca, P, and vitamin D requirements, which have so far been neglected in the supply recommendations. There is a demand for trial data showing the mechanisms of endogenous factors of Ca and P homeostasis, such as vitamin D, at local and systemic levels in laying hens.

scholarly journals Role of Vitamin D in the Prevention of Pancreatic Cancer

2010 ◽  
Vol 2010 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pubudu Bulathsinghala ◽  
Kostas N. Syrigos ◽  
Muhammad W. Saif
Keyword(s):  
Pancreatic Cancer ◽  
Vitamin D ◽  
Dietary Intake ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
Current Treatment ◽  
Treatment Modalities ◽  
Hydroxyvitamin D ◽  
Vitamin D Levels ◽  
Advanced Stages

Pancreatic cancer is a malignancy of poor prognosis which is mostly diagnosed at advanced stages. Current treatment modalities are very limited creating great interest for novel preventive and therapeutic options. Vitamin D seems to have a protective effect against pancreatic cancer by participating in numerous proapoptotic, antiangiogenic, anti-inflammatory, prodifferentiating, and immunomodulating mechanisms. 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] serum concentrations are currently the best indicator of vitamin D status. There are three main sources of vitamin D: sun exposure, diet,and dietary supplements. Sun exposure has been associated with lower incidence of pancreatic cancer in ecological studies. Increased vitamin D levels seem to protect against pancreatic cancer, but caution is needed as excessive dietary intake may have opposite results. Future studies will verify the role of vitamin D in the prevention and therapy of pancreatic cancer and will lead to guidelines on adequate sun exposure and vitamin D dietary intake.

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