Impact of vitamin D levels on mortality in older covid-19 vaccinated patients

Impact of vitamin D levels on mortality in older covid-19 vaccinated patients

Abstract Background Vitamin D plays a key role in regulating the immune system and vaccine response, and hypovitaminosis D is a known risk factor for mortality. However, its potential influence on mortality in SARS-CoV-2 vaccinated older adults remains underexplored. This study aims to examine survi...

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Main Authors: Chiara Ceolin, Margherita Vergadoro, Cristina Simonato, Sara Cazzavillan, Mario Virgilio Papa, Giulia Salerno Trapella, Benedetta Di Marzio, Riccardo Sermasi, Bruno Micael Zanforlini, Chiara Curreri, Anna Bertocco, Maria Devita, Alessandra Coin, Luca Spiezia, Giuseppe Sergi, Marina De Rui
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2025-04-01
Series:BMC Geriatrics
Subjects:
Vitamin D
Vaccination
COVID-19
SARS-CoV-2
Older adults
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-025-05873-1
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Summary:Abstract Background Vitamin D plays a key role in regulating the immune system and vaccine response, and hypovitaminosis D is a known risk factor for mortality. However, its potential influence on mortality in SARS-CoV-2 vaccinated older adults remains underexplored. This study aims to examine survival differences between unvaccinated and vaccinated older adults with varying vitamin D levels, and to assess the impact of vitamin D on mortality. Methods We recruited patients aged 65 and over from the Geriatrics Unit of Azienda Ospedale - Università Padova. Clinical, pharmacological data, including vaccination status and vitamin D levels, were collected at admission, alongside mortality data 12 months post-hospitalization. Participants were divided into three groups: unvaccinated, vaccinated with vitamin D levels of 25–50 nmol/L, and vaccinated with levels > 50 nmol/L. Results A total of 126 participants were included (56% women, mean age 83 years). No significant differences were found in COVID-19 severity among the three groups. After 12 months, 24 deaths were recorded: 17% in unvaccinated, 19% in vaccinated with low vitamin D, and 20% in vaccinated with high vitamin D (p = 0.94). Kaplan-Meier curves showed that mortality risk for vaccinated individuals with low vitamin D was similar to unvaccinated patients but significantly higher than vaccinated individuals with high vitamin D (p = 0.04). Vitamin D levels of 25–50 nmol/L were associated with a threefold increased risk of 12-month mortality (HR: 3.79, p < 0.001). Conclusions Vitamin D levels can impact mortality in older vaccinated individuals. Early correction of vitamin D deficiency could potentially enhance outcomes.
ISSN:1471-2318

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