Endocrinologist in Mainz: Study on vitamin D and COVID 19

MAINZ – Is there a link between vitamin D intake and the risk of developing a severe course of Covid-19? Endocrinologist Prof Dr med Dr h.c. Christian Wüster from the Hormone and Metabolism Centre in Mainz refers to a recent study (1) by the University of Hohenheim, which establishes a corresponding correlation. According to the study, patients with diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity and high blood pressure have an increased risk of severe courses of the disease. ‘All of these diseases have a low vitamin D level in common,’ emphasises Prof. Wüster, who treats patients from a large catchment area from Bitburg to Darmstadt in his specialist practice. According to the specialist, older people also often have low vitamin D levels. Vitamin D levels are also a focal point in the treatment of osteoporosis.

Endocrinologist from Mainz: Older people often have a vitamin D deficiency

According to the current study, a vitamin D deficiency could influence the severity and mortality of COVID-19. The vitamin plays an important role in regulating the immune system and inflammation in the body. Against this background, Prof Christian Wüster recommends checking the vitamin D level of a patient in the event of illness. This could provide indications of a possible progression of the disease. From his daily practice, Prof. Wüster knows that older, more immobile people in particular have low vitamin D levels.

Vitamin D is formed on the skin through sunlight. Vitamin D levels fall in the winter months in particular, when the sun shines less and outdoor activities decrease – according to the endocrinologist, this is a particular problem for older people.

Check vitamin D supply in case of infection, advises endocrinologist from Mainz

What processes are thought to be behind the link between vitamin D deficiency and severe COVID-19 processes? Vitamin D keeps pro- and anti-inflammatory processes in the body in balance. According to the authors of the study, an infection with the coronavirus leads to an attack on important switching points in this regulatory cycle. The situation is exacerbated if there is a vitamin D deficiency. The pro-inflammatory processes gain the upper hand, allowing the disease to gain momentum. This can lead to serious changes in the alveoli – with corresponding complications. ‘If an infection is suspected, it is therefore essential to check the vitamin D status and correct any deficiencies quickly,’ says Prof Wüster. This applies in particular to people with underlying illnesses or in retirement homes. Although vitamin D cannot cure COVID-19, it can support the body’s own defences, says the endocrinologist.

(1) Biesalski, Hans K.: Vitamin D deficiency and co-morbidities in COVID-19 patients – A fatal relationship? In: NFS Journal, Volume 20, 2020, pp. 10-21.