Spanish scientists have found that more than 80% of patients with coronavirus are deficient in vitamin D. Moreover, this is most often found in men. The study is published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.
Medical statistics show that many modern people, especially the elderly, are deficient in vitamin D. Also, recently there have been many publications about the important role of vitamin D in the COVID-19 pandemic, which ensures the body’s resistance to coronavirus. RIA Novosti.
The study involved 216 patients with confirmed coronavirus hospitalized at the Marques de Valdecilla Hospital at the University of Cantabria in Santander. The authors assessed the levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) in their blood, the hydroxylated form of vitamin D3 that is involved in metabolic reactions in the body. In parallel, the 25OHD level was measured in 197 normal healthy people from the control group.
Scientists found that 82.2% of cases were vitamin D deficient compared to 47.2% in the control group – their 25OHD level averaged 13.8 ng / ml compared to 20.9 ng / ml in the control group. At the same time, the level in men was lower than in women.
In addition, it is noted that patients with the lower 25OHD concentration had increased levels of inflammatory markers such as ferritin and D-dimer, they were more likely to have hypertension and cardiovascular disease, and the length of hospital stay was longer than those in the in whom the serum 25OHD level exceeded 20 ng / ml.
“One preventive approach is to identify and treat vitamin D deficiency, especially in the elderly, patients with underlying medical conditions and residents of nursing homes, which are the main risk groups for COVID-19,” the leader said in a press release from the International Endocrinological Society. research by Dr. Jose Hernandez.
The scientist added that taking vitamin D should be recommended for patients with low blood levels. “This can have a positive effect on both the musculoskeletal system and the immune system,” the scientist noted.
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