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Journal of Translational Medicine
Published in: Journal of Translational Medicine 1/2021

01-12-2021 | SARS-CoV-2 | Research

Vitamin D status of Arab Gulf residents screened for SARS-CoV-2 and its association with COVID-19 infection: a multi-centre case–control study

Authors: Nasser M. Al-Daghri, Osama E. Amer, Naif H. Alotaibi, Dara A. Aldisi, Mushira A. Enani, Eman Sheshah, Naji J. Aljohani, Naemah Alshingetti, Suliman Y. Alomar, Hanan Alfawaz, Syed D. Hussain, Abdullah M. Alnaami, Shaun Sabico

Published in: Journal of Translational Medicine | Issue 1/2021

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Abstract

Objectives

Vitamin D status in patients with COVID-19 is an on-going controversial issue. This study aims to determine differences in the serum 25(OH)D concentrations of Arab Gulf adult residents screened for SARS-CoV-2 and its association with risk of COVID-19 infection together with other comorbidities.

Methods

In this multi-center, case–control study, a total of 220 male and female adults presenting with none to mild symptoms were screened for COVID-19 (n = 138 RT-PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 positive and 82 negative controls). Medical history was noted. Anthropometrics were measured and non-fasting blood samples were collected for the assessment of glucose, lipids, inflammatory markers and serum 25(OH)D concentrations.

Results

Serum 25(OH)D levels were significantly lower in the SARS-CoV-2 positive group compared to the negative group after adjustment for age and BMI (52.8 nmol/l ± 11.0 versus 64.5 nmol/l ± 11.1; p = 0.009). Being elderly (> 60 years) [Odds ratio 6 (95% Confidence Interval, CI 2–18; p = 0.001) as well as having type 2 diabetes (T2D) [OR 6 (95% CI 3–14); p < 0.001)] and low HDL cholesterol (HDL-c) [OR 6 (95% CI 3–14); p < 0.001)] were significant risk factors for COVID-19 infection independent of age, sex and obesity.

Conclusions

Among Arab Gulf residents screened for SARS-CoV-2, serum 25(OH) D levels were observed to be lower in those who tested positive than negative individuals, but it was the presence of old age, diabetes mellitus and low-HDL-c that were significantly associated with risk of COVID-19 infection. Large population-based randomized controlled trials should be conducted to assess the protective effects of vitamin D supplementation against COVID-19.
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Metadata
Title
Vitamin D status of Arab Gulf residents screened for SARS-CoV-2 and its association with COVID-19 infection: a multi-centre case–control study
Authors
Nasser M. Al-Daghri
Osama E. Amer
Naif H. Alotaibi
Dara A. Aldisi
Mushira A. Enani
Eman Sheshah
Naji J. Aljohani
Naemah Alshingetti
Suliman Y. Alomar
Hanan Alfawaz
Syed D. Hussain
Abdullah M. Alnaami
Shaun Sabico
Publication date
01-12-2021
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Journal of Translational Medicine / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1479-5876
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12967-021-02838-x

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