Vitamin D & Long COVID: New Study Findings

BOSTON / LONDON (IT BOLTWISE) – A comprehensive study by Mass General Brigham has revealed new insights into the role of vitamin D in long-COVID. Although high doses of vitamin D3 did not reduce the severity of COVID-19 infections, it could have an impact on the long-term consequences of the disease. These results could pave the way for further research.

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A large-scale study led by Mass General Brigham examined whether vitamin D supplements might have an impact on long-COVID. The research, published in the Journal of Nutrition, shows that high doses of vitamin D3 did not reduce the severity of COVID-19 infections but may be linked to the long-term effects of the disease.

The VIVID study, conducted in the United States and Mongolia, included 1,747 adults who recently tested positive for COVID-19 and 277 household contacts. Participants were randomly assigned to take either vitamin D3 or a placebo for four weeks. Supplementation was at a dose of 9,600 IU/day for two days, followed by 3,200 IU/day.

During the four-week study period, researchers found no significant differences between the vitamin D and placebo groups in health care utilization or deaths. The severity of symptoms was also similar in both groups. Interestingly, however, there was a possible connection between taking vitamin D and a reduction in long-COVID symptoms.

Among participants who consistently followed the vitamin D regimen, 21% reported persistent symptoms eight weeks after infection, compared to 25% in the placebo group. This difference was considered borderline statistically significant. The researchers hope that further research in larger populations can clarify whether long-term vitamin D supplementation can reduce the risks and severity of long-COVID.