Evaluation of the relationship between serum levels of zinc, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and clinical outcomes in patients with COVID‐19

Though the results are not significant, Serum levels of 25(OH)D, vitamin B12, and especially zinc at the time of admission can affect clinical outcomes in COVID‐19 patients. 

• Vitamin D levels in patients that died from COVID-19 were lower than ICU patients and non-ICU patients (21.48 ± 11.71 ng/dl vs. 29.02 ± 19.32 ng/dl vs 29.70 ± 20.27 ng/dl). These finding are not statistically significant, however. 
• Vitamin D levels in patients who did not need intubation were significantly higher than those who needed intubation. 
• Zinc levels were significantly lower in patients who died than ICU or non-ICU patients. 
• Patients who died also had lower vitamin B12 levels compared to ICU and non-ICU patients, however this finding was not statistically significant. 

293 patients with COVID-19 that were hospitalized at Imam Hassan hospital (median age: 53 years; Male: 49.83%, Female: 50.17%)

• While data showed differences between COVID deaths, ICU, and non-ICU patients, not all results were significant.  
• Vitamin D, B12, and Zinc support the immune system, yet depending on variables such as genetics and environment, the results may vary. 
• COVID-19 infection may influence indicators of nutritional status through metabolic alterations. 

In general, it seems that serum levels of 25(OH)D, vitamin B12, and especially zinc at the time of admission can influence clinical outcomes in COVID‐19 patients. Based on the results presented here, we suggest further studies (epidemiological studies, intervention studies, and clinical trial studies) are necessary to establish and characterize the benefits of vitamin D, vitamin B12, and especially zinc or even their combinations on COVID‐19 disease progression and clinical outcome. 

A single center study to assess the association between serum levels of micronutrients (including zinc, 25(OH)D, and vitamin B12) at the time of admission and clinical outcomes in COVID-19 patients. 

Shakeri H, Azimian A, Ghasemzadeh-Moghaddam H, Safdari M, Haresabadi M, Daneshmand T, Namdar Ahmadabad H. Evaluation of the relationship between serum levels of zinc, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and clinical outcomes in patients with COVID-19. J Med Virol. 2022 Jan;94(1):141-146. doi: 10.1002/jmv.27277. Epub 2021 Aug 21. PMID: 34406674; PMCID: PMC8426973.