Serum Vitamin D Concentrations and Covid-19 In Pregnant Women, Does Vitamin D Supplementation Impact Results? A Comprehensive Study

Abstract

Aim: Low vitamin D levels were related to an increased risk of upper respiratory tract infection and pneumonia. Vitamin D might therefore protect against symptoms of the Covid 19. The present study aims to evaluate the relationship between the acquisition and course of Covid 19 and serum vitamin D levels and investigate the prophylactic efficacy of vitamin D supplementation in pregnant women. Materials and Methods: This case-control study was conducted on 318 pregnant women admitted to our tertiary clinic to give birth between March 2020 and December 2021. All cases were tested for Covid 19 via nasopharyngeal swab. Fifty-four patients with positive PCR for SARS-CoV-2 (Group 1) were matched with 264 consecutive healthy controls (Group 2). 25 OH D Vitamin levels were measured and compared between the two groups, along with the frequency of vitamin D supplementation. Results: Group 1 showed significantly low mean 25 OH D levels, compared to Group 2 (10,22 ± 7,10 (3-37)ng/ml vs. 16,63 ± 10,80 (3,40-48,90)ng/ml, p = 0,000). Sixteen point seven % of controls and 3,7% of cases had normal Vitamin D levels (>30 ng/mL); the difference was also statistically significant (p=0,005). The frequency of vitamin D supplementation was also detected higher in controls than those with positive SARS-CoV-2 (35,6% vs. 14,8%, p=0,003). Conclusions: Sustaining adequate levels of Vitamin D may positively impact protection against Covid 19 during pregnancy. In this context, Vitamin D supplementation should be considered for the pregnant population, particularly in settings where profound vitamin D deficiency is common.