Effect of a single high dose of vitamin D3 on hospital LOS in patients with moderate to severe COVID-19

Despite properties that support immunity, researchers in Brazil say vitamin D3 supplementation appears to have little effect on how long adults with moderate to severe COVID-19 remain hospitalized. Their randomized study involved 240 inpatients, one-half of whom received a single high-dose of vitamin D3 and one-half of whom received placebo. Investigators theorized that 200,000 IU of vitamin D3 taken orally would increase 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels—which correlate to better clinical outcomes in respiratory disease—boost immune response, and shorten hospital length of stay (LOS). To the contrary, the time from randomization until hospital release was similar between the intervention and control groups. The median LOS was 7 days for both cohorts, which also produced comparable outcomes related to in-hospital mortality, admission to the intensive care unit, and need for mechanical ventilation. Based on the evidence, the researchers conclude that vitamin D3 supplementation is not appropriate for treatment of moderate to severe COVID-19 in the hospital setting.