Exploring the Effects of Vitamin D and Vitamin A Levels on the Response to COVID-19 Vaccine

Abstract

COVID-19 vaccines were developed at an unprecedented speed in history. The factors affecting the response to COVID-19 vaccines are not clear. Herein, the effects of vitamin D and vitamin A (retinol) levels on the response to the BNT162b2 vaccine were explored. A total of 124 vaccine recipients were recruited from the general population attending vaccination centers in Irbid, Jordan. Blood samples were collected immediately before receiving the first vaccine dose (D0) and three weeks later (D21). Baseline (D0) levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], retinol, and SARS-CoV-2 S1 IgG antibodies were measured with ELISA. The response to the BNT162b2 vaccine was tested by measuring the levels and avidity of SARS-CoV-2 S1 IgG antibodies on D21. The participants were divided into two groups, unexposed and exposed, based on the D0 SARS-CoV-2 antibody results. No significant correlation was found between the levels of 25(OH)D or retinol and the levels, avidity, or fold increase of antibodies in both groups. Similarly, no significant difference in antibody response was found between 25(OH)D status groups, retinol status groups, or combined status groups. These findings show that the baseline vitamin D or vitamin A levels have no effect on the short-term response to a single dose of BNT162b2 vaccine.

Unveiling the micronutrient‐immunity puzzle in inactivated COVID‐19 vaccination: A comprehensive analysis of circulating micronutrient levels and humoral responses in healthy adults

“…We observed both quantitative and qualitative differences in antibody responses based on micronutrient status. Notably, no significant association was observed between circulating micronutrient concentrations and binding affinity of anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG antibodies, which was aligned with previous studies 16,22,24,25 . These findings suggested that micronutrients might not be pivotal factors in enhancing the long‐term protection provided by inactivated COVID‐19 vaccine in adults with optimal nutritional status.…”

“…Unlike iron and zinc, serum concentrations of fat‐soluble vitamins (A, D, and E) in our study displayed no significant association with either vaccine‐specific antibody binding affinity or neutralizing ability against SARS‐CoV‐2 virus. This aligns with some existing research on COVID‐19 vaccination, 21‐25 but contrasts with others reporting positive associations between vitamin D and antibody responses 18‐20 . These discrepancies might stem from variations in study populations, including pre‐existing vitamin D status, vaccination schedules (primer vs. booster dose), vaccine type (inactivated vs. mRNA), and even participant age 23,24 .…”

“…Despite enormous scientific interest in exploring various aspects related to COVID‐19 vaccination, the potential association between micronutrients and humoral responses following COVID‐19 vaccination remains understudied. Only a limited number of studies with sample sizes ranging from 97 to 73 254 participants have investigated the associations between circulating concentrations of micronutrients, particularly those involved in immune regulation, and humoral immune responses as well as protection following inoculation with COVID‐19 vaccines 14‐25 . Three studies have reported no association between serum iron or selenium status, as well as concentrations of total zinc, and antibody concentrations or titers in response to COVID‐19 vaccinations 14‐16 .…”

“…Three studies have reported no association between serum iron or selenium status, as well as concentrations of total zinc, and antibody concentrations or titers in response to COVID‐19 vaccinations 14‐16 . Nine studies have reported the associations between serum vitamin D concentrations or status (sufficient, deficient, or insufficient) and humoral responses following COVID‐19 vaccinations, yet inconsistent conclusions have been reached 17‐25 . Investigations into the influence of micronutrients on antibody binding affinity and neutralizing capacity against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), crucial parameters for immune protection, are virtually non‐existent.…”

“…Investigations into the influence of micronutrients on antibody binding affinity and neutralizing capacity against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), crucial parameters for immune protection, are virtually non‐existent. Evidence on the associations between serum concentrations of copper, vitamin A or E with humoral responses following COVID‐19 vaccinations is scarce 21,25 . This knowledge gap hampers efforts to optimize vaccine efficacy through dietary adjustments.…”