Vitamin D and SARS-CoV-2 Infection: SERVE Study (SARS-CoV-2 Exposure and the Role of Vitamin D among Hospital Employees)

Abstract

Background: Recognition of the role of vitamin D in immune function has led to interest in its relationship with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Although clinical studies to date have had conflicting results, many individuals currently take high doses of vitamin D to prevent infection.

Objective: The goal of this study was to investigate the relationship between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) and vitamin D supplement use with incident SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Methods: In this prospective cohort study, 250 health care workers were enrolled at a single institution and observed for 15 mo. Participants completed questionnaires every 3 mo regarding new SARS-CoV-2 infection, vaccination, and supplement use. Serum was drawn at baseline, 6, and 12 mo for 25OHD and SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid antibodies.

Results: The mean age of the participants was 40 y, BMI 26 kg/m², 71% were Caucasian, and 78% female. Over 15 mo, 56 participants (22%) developed incident SARS-CoV-2 infections. At baseline, ∼50% reported using vitamin D supplements (mean daily dose 2250 units). Mean serum 25OHD was 38 ng/mL. Baseline 25OHD did not predict incident SARS-CoV-2 infection (OR: 0.98; 95% CI: 0.80, 1.20). Neither the use of vitamin D supplements (OR: 1.18; 95% CI: 0.65, 2.14) or supplement dose was associated with incident infection (OR: 1.01 per 100-units increase; 95% CI: 0.99, 1.02).

Conclusion: In this prospective study of health care workers, neither serum 25OHD nor the use of vitamin D supplements was associated with the incident SARS-CoV-2 infection. Our findings argue against the common practice of consuming high-dose vitamin D supplements for the presumed prevention of COVID-19.

Keywords: COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2 infection; Vitamin D.