Drs. Dmitry Tworowski and Alessandro Gorohovski from Bar-Ilan University’s Azrieli Faculty of Medicine suggest that the study could have a very significant impact in minimizing the risk of Coronavirus.
By TPS
Low plasma 25(OH) vitamin D level is associated with an increased risk of Coronavirus (COVID-19) infections, an Israeli population-based study has found.
Vitamin D is recognized as an important co-factor in several physiological processes linked with bone and calcium metabolism, and also in diverse non-skeletal outcomes, including autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, obesity and cognitive decline, and infections.
In particular, the pronounced impact of vitamin D metabolites on the immune system response and on the development of COVID-19 infection by the novel SARS CoV-2 virus has been described in a few studies worldwide.
The collaborative group of scientists from the Leumit Health Services (LHS) and the Azrieli Faculty of Medicine of Bar-Ilan University aimed to determine associations of low plasma 25(OH)D with the risk of COVID-19 infection and hospitalization.
Using the real-world data and Israeli cohort of 782 COVID-19 positive patients and 7,807 COVID-19 negative patients, the groups identified that low plasma vitamin D level appears to be an independent risk factor for COVID-19 infection and hospitalization.
“The main finding of our study was the significant association of low plasma vitamin D level with the likelihood of COVID-19 infection among patients who were tested for COVID-19, even after adjustment for age, gender, socio-economic status and chronic, mental and physical disorders,” said Dr. Eugene Merzon, Head of the Department of Managed Care and a leading researcher of the LHS group.
“Our finding is in agreement with the results of previous studies in the field. Reduced risk of acute respiratory tract infection following vitamin D supplementation has been reported,” said Dr. Ilan Green, Head of the LHS Research Institute.
Dr.s Dmitry Tworowski and Alessandro Gorohovski from Bar-Ilan University’s Azrieli Faculty of Medicine suggest that the study could have a very significant impact.
“The main strength of our study is it’s being large, real-world, and population-based,” they explained.
HELP ISRAELIS BATTLE CORONA!
Donate to the Corona Emergency Relief Fund. Coronavirus has taken a huge toll on the people of Israel. The poor, elderly and ill are most vulnerable.
Israeli soldiers, security officers and medical care providers operate under great danger and risk to life.
Over 1 million Israelis are out of work. Many cannot make ends meet. We provide financial aid, food, medical supplies and more. Funds are distributed where needed most. The time to act is now!
United with Israel extends a special note of appreciation to the Genesis Prize for their generous support.