Scientists from the University of South Australia and King’s College London have discovered a link between vitamin D deficiency and an increased likelihood of severe COVID-19. The findings were published in the journal PLOS One.

The analysis included 151,543 individuals whose medical records were provided by the UK Biobank. The researchers found that people with low levels of vitamin D were more likely to be hospitalized with COVID-19 compared to those whose vitamin D levels were within the normal range. The association was particularly strong among participants of European descent.

Vitamin D plays a crucial role in regulating the immune response, and its deficiency, according to the authors, may weaken the body’s defenses against infections. Among individuals of Asian and Afro-Caribbean descent, low vitamin D levels were also associated with a higher risk of contracting the virus, although the researchers did not observe the same clear link to severe illness and hospitalization.

The study authors noted that COVID-19 continues to impact public health.

“Understanding risk factors helps people better protect themselves and manage their health. Monitoring vitamin D levels in a timely manner may be one strategy to preserve well-being,” the researchers emphasized.