The association of serum levels of vitamin D, Zn, and Mg and disease severity in children and adolescents with COVID-19: A case-control study

Abstract

Background: /Objectives: The micronutrients are essential for the immune system. There are some controversies regarding their relationship with the severity of COVID-19. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the association between the disease severity and serum levels of 25-OHD, Zn, and Mg in COVID-19 children. Methods: This case-control study was conducted on 46 COVID-19-positive children who were admitted to Namazi hospital from 21 January to March 1, 2022 and compared with 52 healthy children. Within 48 h of positive RT-PCR results for SARS-CoV-2, a 7-mL blood sample was taken. Finally, 25-OHD serum levels were compared between cases and controls. Moreover, the association between the COVID-19 severity and serum levels of 25-OHD, Zn, and Mg were investigated. Results: Eleven COVID-19 patients had low serum 25-OHD levels (<20 ng/ml) and 14 had low serum Zinc levels. In control group, 12 children had low serum 25-OHD levels. There was no significant difference between the mean 25-OHD serum levels in the case (32.07 ± 19.35) and control groups (31.25 ± 14.44). Furthermore, there was no association between 25-OHD, Zn, and Mg serum levels with the disease severity or patients' age group. However, there was a significant relationship between gender and disease severity. Conclusions: The 25-OHD serum level in COVID-19 children is not significantly different from healthy individuals. Moreover, no significant association between the disease severity and serum levels of 25-OHD, Mg, and Zn was detected. Although some studies may conclude significant associations, the actual effectiveness of supplementation with vitamin D, Zn, and Mg in COVID-19 pediatric patients requires further extensive controlled studies.

Keywords

• COVID-19
• Vitamin D
• Zinc
• Magnesium
• Micronutrients
• Pediatrics