122 treatment studies show statistically significant lower risk for mortality, ICU admission, hospitalization, and cases.
62 studies from 58 independent teams in 22 countries show significantly lower risk.
Random effects meta-analysis with pooled effects using the most serious outcome reported shows 60% [40‑74%] and 37% [31‑42%] lower risk for early treatment and for all studies. Results are similar for higher quality studies, peer-reviewed studies, and mortality: early treatment - 68% [45‑82%], 57% [36‑71%], 68% [39‑84%]; all - 37% [31‑42%], 41% [35‑46%], 36% [28‑43%].
Late stage treatment with calcitriol/calcifediol and analogs is more effective than cholecalciferol: 69% [47‑82%] vs. 39% [27‑49%].
Ongoing treatment with multiple doses is more effective than single bolus doses: 60% [49‑69%] vs. 21% [-13‑45%]
199 sufficiency studies show a strong association between vitamin D sufficiency and outcomes, with 52% [49‑56%] lower risk for higher levels.
No treatment or intervention is 100% effective. All practical, effective, and safe means should be used based on risk/benefit analysis. Multiple treatments are typically used in combination, and other treatments may be more effective. The quality of non-prescription supplements can vary widely1,2.
All data and sources to reproduce this paper are in the appendix. 17 other meta analyses show significant improvements with vitamin D treatment for mortality3-14, mechanical ventilation3,8,9,14-16, ICU admission3,5,8,9,12,14-18, hospitalization7,14, severity4,6,8,13,19, and cases10,18,19.
17 meta analyses show significant improvements with vitamin D treatment for mortality
1-12,
mechanical ventilation
1,6,7,12-14,
ICU admission
1,3,6,7,10,12-16,
hospitalization
5,12,
severity
2,4,6,11,17, and
cases
8,16,17.
