Plasma Levels of Vitamin D and C-Reactive Protein in Adult Nigerians with COVID-19

Abstract

Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) has been associated with increased mortality in patients with COVID-19. The anti-inflammatory
properties of vitamin D are vital when considering the heightened inflammation in COVID-19 patients. Although avalanche of
reports are available on the plasma levels of vitamin D and C-reactive protein (CRP) in COVID-19 patients, information on the
dynamics of CRP level changes in different categories of vitamin D status is lacking. Therefore, the plasma levels of CRP were
determined in COVID-19 patients with different vitamin D status. Forty nine adults comprising 31 COVID-19 patients and 18
apparently healthy participants who served as controls were enrolled into this study. The plasma levels of high sensitivity-CRP
(hsCRP) and vitamin D were determined using ELISA. Vitamin D status was classified as deficient, insufficient, sufficient and
intoxication as appropriate. None of the COVID-19 patients had vitamin D insufficiency while majority of the controls were
vitamin D sufficient. The proportion of COVID-19 patients with vitamin D intoxication was significantly higher than in the
controls. The median plasma levels of vitamin D and hsCRP were not significantly different between the COVID-19 patients
and the controls. The median plasma level of hsCRP was slightly lower in the vitamin D intoxication group compared with the
vitamin D sufficient group. Vitamin D intoxication is common among Nigerian patients with COVID-19 and the vitamin D
intoxication is associated with low plasma hsCRP level. There is the need for public enlightenment on the dangers inherent in
vitamin D supplement abuse in Nigerians.