Vitamin D Status in a Large, Ethnically Diverse Patient Population Living in South East London at the Onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study Including a SARS-CoV-2 Positive Patient Subset.

Vitamin D is involved in immune regulation, and deficiency may increase susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection. This study assessed vitamin D status and examined associations between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations and demographic, anthropometric, and clinical factors, including SARS-CoV-2 infection, in a diverse urban UK patient population. We analysed 25(OH)D concentrations in 17,619 pre-COVID-19 vaccine patients (62% female) whose samples were routinely processed between January and June 2020 at St Thomas' Hospital, London, UK. SARS-CoV-2 RNA/IgG test results (March 2020-January 2021) were linked to these records. Associations were examined with age, BMI, sex, ethnicity, and laboratory data. Vitamin D deficiency was defined as 25(OH)D <25 nmol/L, and insufficiency as 25-50 nmol/L. Vitamin D deficiency was observed in 25% of Black, 21% of Asian, and 17% of White patients; insufficiency was found in 36%, 34%, and 33%, respectively. Serum 25(OH)D concentrations differed by sex in Black and White patients but not in Asian patients. A total of 485 patients (2.8%) were SARS-CoV-2 positive, with a median 25(OH)D concentration of 42 nmol/L (IQR 25-66); 24.1% were deficient and 36.7% insufficient (60.8% total). Among deficient individuals, 38% were White (median age 67.5 years) and 35% Black (median age 52.0 years). Age and BMI were the most significant contributors to infection in White and Black patients, respectively. Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency were common across all ethnic groups and associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Deficiency was most prevalent among Black patients. Vitamin D status should be monitored in patient populations, and deficiencies addressed to ensure adequacy of this nutrient for immune system regulation and possibly the reduction in respiratory infection risk, including COVID-19.