Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in Brazilian patients

Abstract

: Governmental actions and public health recommendations during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic resulted in several restrictions on daily living, including social distancing. The impact of these long-term restrictions on health behaviors and lifestyles are unclear, but it could be related to vitamin D (VitD) deficiency. This study aimed to compare VitD levels in patients in pre-pandemic (PP) period and during the most important isolation period in pandemic (DP). We investigated 363,158 results of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OH-D) levels from individuals who underwent health checks. The data was obtained from medical records during 2018–2019 (PP); and those results obtained from 2020 to 2021 (DP). 25OH-D levels were measured using a chemiluminescent assay (Siemens®). R software was used to statistical analysis and P value <0.05 was considered significant. 25OH-D levels were compared also regarding age ranges (<18, 18–64 and ≥65 years old) and sex of the individuals. The men group presented higher 25OH-D levels than women only in PP period. During the PP period, individuals <18 years old also showed higher 25OH-D levels. All age groups presented lower 25OH-D levels in DP period, however, the greatest reduction was observed in the group <18 years old. VitD evaluation and supplementation should be considered for overall population submitted to home confinement and social distancing due to COVID-19.