# Low vitamin K status is a potential risk factor for COVID-19 infected patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

## TL;DR

Low vitamin K levels may increase the risk and severity of COVID-19, according to a review and analysis of patient data.

## Contribution

This study identifies dephosphorylated-uncarboxylated Matrix Gla Protein (dp-ucMGP) as a potential biomarker linking vitamin K status to COVID-19 severity.

## Key findings

- dp-ucMGP levels are significantly higher in COVID-19 infected patients compared to controls.
- Higher dp-ucMGP levels correlate with more severe COVID-19 infections.
- Older age and cardiovascular disease are associated with more severe outcomes.

## Abstract

To provide further data support for the treatment of COVID-19 by conducting a comprehensive analysis of reports on dephosphorylated-uncarboxylated Matrix Gla Protein (dp-ucMGP), which detects the functional vitamin K status post COVID-19 infection, using meta-analysis.

This study conducted a comprehensive review and analysis of relevant research on dp-ucMGP detection in patients infected with COVID-19 through meta-analysis. The article collection period ranged from January 2024 to April 2024.

A total of 6 articles were included in this study. Baseline data analysis showed that the age of patients in the COVID-19 infected group was greater than that of the non-infected control group (p = 0.030); similarly, the age of patients in the severe infection group was also greater than that of the mild infection group (p = 0.003). In the analysis of underlying diseases, statistical differences were found between the Severe group and Mild group in the presence of CVD (p = 0.010). A total of 5 studies conducted dp-ucMGP detection in both the COVID-19 infected group and the control group. The results showed that the expression of dp-ucMGP was higher in the infected group than in the control group (p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis revealed that the expression of dp-ucMGP in the severe infection group was also higher than that in the mild infection group (p < 0.001).

COVID-19 infected patients exhibit Low Vitamin K Status, which correlates positively with the severity of infection. Supplementation of vitamin K during COVID-19 infection may potentially mitigate the progression toward severe infection, necessitating further support from clinical data.