Randomized trial of influence of vitamin D on the prevention and improvement of symptomatic COVID-19.

2024-09-03
Scientific reports 14(1)
- Huan Wang
- Liyuan Tao
- Liyan Cui
- Yahong Chen
- Dongyang Liu
- Lixiang Xue
- Yuping Yang
- Yang Lv
- Fuchun Zhang
- Tiancheng Wang
- Xiaoxiao Wang
- Wanqiong Yuan
- Hao Liu
- Jie Huang
- Yanfang Jiang
- Na Liu
- Lijuan Yang
- Yunjing Hu
- Yanfang Li
- Yuling Gao
- Haiyan Li
- Baohua Li
- Chunli Song

PubMed: 39227626
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-66267-8

Study Design

Type: Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
Sample size: n = 228
Population: 228 health care workers
Methods: Subjects were randomly allocated to vitamin D2 or non-intervention at a ratio 1:1. Subjects recorded PCR or antigen tests and the symptoms of COVID-19 twice a week during the follow-up visit. The concentration of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, C-reaction protein, complement component C1q and inflammatory cytokines were measured.
Duration: 30 days
Funding: Unclear

Large Human Trial
Rigorous Journal

We aimed to investigate the preventive effect of vitamin D2 on COVID-19 and the improvement of symptoms after COVID-19 infection. The study recruited 228 health care workers who tested negative PCR or antigen for COVID-19. Subjects were randomly allocated to vitamin D2 or non-intervention at a ratio 1:1. Subjects recorded PCR or antigen tests and the symptoms of COVID-19 twice a week during the follow-up visit. The concentration of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), C-reaction protein (CRP), complement component C1q and inflammatory cytokines were measured. The rates of COVID-19 infection were 50.5% in the vitamin D2 group and 52.4% in the non-intervention group (P = 0.785). There was no difference in the COVID-19 symptoms between the two groups. The mean 25(OH)D level significantly increased from 14.1 to 31.1 ng/mL after administration (P < 0.001). The difference between the two groups was not significant for the concentrations of CRP, C1q and inflammatory cytokines on the thirtieth day of the trial. According to the second level of vitamin D, there was a 14.3% difference in positive infection rates between the vitamin D adequate (> 30 ng/mL) and deficient groups (< 20 ng/mL). Adequate vitamin D had a tendency to prevent COVID-19.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05673980, dated: 12/2022.

Research Insights

Vitamin D2→Increased 25-hydroxyvitamin D Level
The mean 25(OH)D level significantly increased from 14.1 to 31.1 ng/mL after administration (P < 0.001).
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Large
Vitamin D2→Reduced C-Reactive Protein Levels
The difference between the two groups was not significant for the concentrations of CRP, C1q and inflammatory cytokines on the thirtieth day of the trial.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Vitamin D2→Reduced COVID-19 Infection
According to the second level of vitamin D, there was a 14.3% difference in positive infection rates between the vitamin D adequate (> 30 ng/mL) and deficient groups (< 20 ng/mL). Adequate vitamin D had a tendency to prevent COVID-19.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Moderate
Vitamin D2→Reduced COVID-19 Symptom
There was no difference in the COVID-19 symptoms between the two groups.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Vitamin D2→Reduced Complement Component C1q Level
The difference between the two groups was not significant for the concentrations of CRP, C1q and inflammatory cytokines on the thirtieth day of the trial.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Vitamin D2→Reduced Pro-inflammatory Cytokine Levels
The difference between the two groups was not significant for the concentrations of CRP, C1q and inflammatory cytokines on the thirtieth day of the trial.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small