Long COVID-19 and Vitamin D
In this 146th update video, Roger Seheult, MD of MedCram analyzes the case of an 11 year old female with long COVID confirmed by PCR, SARS-CoV-2 in the GI tract, and evidence of vitamin D deficiency. This case report, from JPGN, provides details on the symptoms experienced, treatments provided, and tests performed on the patient. All studies were within normal limits, with the exception of vitamin D deficiency (14 ng/mL; normal >30) and an elevated fecal calprotectin (358 µg/g; normal <100).
The doctor then provides a brief overview of the SARS-CoV-2 virus anatomy, including spike protein, membrane, envelope, SS RNA, and nucleocapsid proteins, the latter being unique to the Covid virus. The patient’s colonoscopy biopsy results found a large number of lymphocytes indicating chronic inflammation and presence of nucleocapsid proteins. The study makes note of the fact that the patient lives in New York so may have been at risk for vitamin D deficiency due to high latitude. The report also suggests possible therapeutic interventions including vaccination, monoclonal antibodies and corticosteroid therapy, and identifies that more studies are needed.
In conclusion, the doctor identifies some key questions regarding vitamin D and its relation to long Covid: Will supplementation with vitamin D help to improve Covid symptoms? How common is vitamin D deficiency in long Covid patients and how might vitamin D be a marker of appropriate sunlight exposure?
For more information on the topics covered in this video, see these other MedCram videos on Vitamin D and COVID-19 and Sunlight: Optimize Health and Immunity and also this MedCram course on CBC Results Explained Clearly.
Stay Tuned for More COVID-19 Updates
Our COVID-19 videos are always available for free (and ad-free) at MedCram.com. In addition, check out our full library of courses and lectures on subjects ranging from Antibiotics Explained Clearly to Pulmonary Hypertension Explained Clearly course and many more!
Meanwhile, you can find all of our COVID-19 videos compiled here.