Serum Levels of Minerals and Vitamins in Women of Reproductive Age with/without COVID-19: A Case-Control Study

 Background and purpose: Vitamins and minerals play an important role in boosting the immune system, and their poor condition in the body leads to reduced resistance to infections such as COVID-19. In the present study, we aimed at examining and comparing the levels of minerals (iron, zinc, copper, and magnesium) and vitamins (B12, D) in women of reproductive age with COVID-19 and healthy women. Materials and methods: This case-control study was performed in 140 women of reproductive age attending Sari Imam Khomeini Hospital and Qaemshahr Razi Hospital selected via convenience sampling in 2020-2021. The participants included 70 women with COVID-19 and 70 healthy women who were matched according to age groups. Blood sampling was done in all groups and the levels of minerals and vitamins were measured using standard kits. Data were analyzed using t-test and Chi-square. Results: Most women in both groups were over 35 years of age and multiparous. Vitamin D levels in both groups were insufficient but was higher in women with COVID-19 than healthy women (P=0.03). Vitamin B12 and copper levels in women with COVID-19 were higher than those in healthy women (P<0.001). Magnesium levels were found to be lower in women with COVID-19 than that in healthy women (P<0.001). Iron and zinc levels were lower in women with COVID-19 than healthy women (P=0.09 and P=0.44), respectively. Conclusion: Due to the insufficient levels of vitamin D in both groups, interventions are necessary to improve this condition. Also, further studies with larger sample size and considering interfering factors are needed to accurately assess the role of vitamins and minerals in COVID-19 and other infections.