Vitamin D Levels Considerably Dropped During COVID-19 Pandemic, Bavarian Study Reveals
A new study led by Professor Eva grill, an epidemiologist at LMU Munich, has revealed a significant decline in vitamin D levels across teh population during the COVID-19 pandemic.The research, published in Nature Communications, is the first to demonstrate this trend at a population level.
Researchers analyzed anonymized routine data from 292,187 patients across Bavaria, encompassing both outpatient and inpatient care, utilizing a data protection-compliant research platform linked to laboratory information systems. Comparing data from March 2018 to February 2020 (pre-pandemic) with March 2020 to February 2022 (during the pandemic), they found the mean serum level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D decreased from 26.7 µg/l to 26.0 µg/l. Concurrently, the percentage of individuals with vitamin D deficiency (defined as less than 20 µg/l) rose from 31.2% to 35.2%.
These findings were statistically significant (p < 0.001) and remained consistent even after accounting for factors like age, gender, and season.The researchers validated their results using three independent statistical methods - descriptive analyses, propensity score matching, and machine learning - all confirming the decline in vitamin D and the increase in deficiency rates.
The study identified specific groups especially affected. Older women over 60 experienced a notable drop in vitamin D levels. Young adults aged 18-39 also saw a significant increase in deficiency,rising from 34.6% to 37.8%. Vitamin D is vital for bone health and plays a role in immune function, potentially increasing susceptibility to infections, autoimmune diseases, and fractures when deficient.
A clear urban-rural disparity was also observed,with deficiency rates consistently higher in urban areas. Researchers attribute this to factors like reduced sunlight exposure due to building density, limited access to green spaces, and increased air pollution.
interestingly, despite women generally taking vitamin D supplements more frequently than men, they experienced greater losses in vitamin D levels during the pandemic. Professor Grill suggests this could be linked to increased workload, stress, and reduced access to preventative healthcare services for women.
Professor Grill emphasizes the broader implications of the study, stating that routine medical data can serve as an “early warning system for public health.” This approach allows for rapid identification of trends, such as nutrient declines or rising risk factors, without relying on lengthy surveys. The researchers envision integrating laboratory,billing,and supply data to proactively track micronutrient levels,metabolic parameters,and vaccination rates,paving the way for a more data-driven prevention policy.