THERAPEUTIC EFFECT of VITAMIN A on COVID-19 PATIENTS and ITS PROPHYLACTIC EFFECT on CONTACTS

Background: No other similar study was done on the role of vitamin A in the treatment of COVID-19. Objective: To find the effect of vitamin A on patients with COVID-19 and its protective effect on contacts. Patient and Methods: A cross-sectional study was done on two groups. The first group of 100 diagnosed mild to moderate patients with COVID-19, 50 patients received two doses of vitamin A (200,000 I.U.) for two days, another 50 patients received a placebo. Data about clinical features, SPO2, and the mean duration of symptoms collected after 24 and 48 hours from the administration, in addition to the number of patients who deteriorate their SPO2. A second group was contacted to patients diagnosed with COVID-19, part of them received two doses (200,000 I.U.) of vitamin A and others received a placebo. The comparison was between the percentage of getting the infection and the duration of symptoms among those who got the infection. Results: A significant improvement in symptoms, shorter duration of illness, with a lower number of patients who deteriorate their SPO2 among patients given vitamin A compared to control. A lower incidence of infection among contacts who received vitamin A in comparison to contacts received placebo with shorter duration of symptoms among those who got the infection. Conclusions; A great benefit of the use of vitamin A in patients with COVID-19 and to contacts. Adding vitamin, A to the protocol management of COVID-19 is recommended.