In a recent publication in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Research, researchers conducted a survey-based pilot study to explore whether adverse effects (ADRs) after obtaining a COVID-19 vaccination varied according to patient factors such as gender, BMI, use of hormone-based medications, dietary habits, physical activity, sleep, and levels of stress.

The authors noted, “Given that previous studies reported sex-dependent differences in COVID-19 pandemic burden and serological responses and side effects to vaccination, we further evaluated whether lifestyle patterns and perceived vaccine side effects differed by sex or use of hormone-based medications.”

The survey utilized online data entry software Qualtrics and was conducted between May 2021 and September 2021. Researchers gathered data on self-reported demographics, nutritional status, dietary patterns, physical activity, stress and other lifestyle factors, medication profile, medical history and severity of COVID-19 illness, and ADRs experienced after obtaining a COVID-19 vaccination in patients aged 18 years and older.

A total of 82 participants (61.2% female and 38.8% male) were included in the survey. The results revealed that females reported greater levels of stress (71%) and less physical activity (43.2%) compared with males; however, the severity of COVID-19 illness and ADRs related to the vaccine were comparable for both genders. Additionally, dietary patterns were similar among participants who reported mild and severe ADRs, but more severe vaccine ADRs were observed in those with a higher BMI.

The participants who exercised for more than 30 minutes daily reported milder ADRs after the first vaccine dose compared with those who exercised for 30 minutes or less, with rates reported as 86.7% versus 50.5%, respectively; however, this inclination reversed after obtaining the second dose of vaccine.

Additionally, higher stress levels were associated with more severe ADRs after the first dose (42.9% vs. 2.0%). Additionally, 75% of participants who reported the use of combined oral contraceptives (COCs) experienced ADRs, compared with 61.3% of those not using hormone-based contraceptives.

Based on their findings, the authors concluded that the results suggest that self-reported ADRs of COVID-19 vaccines fluctuate based on lifestyle characteristics and the usage of COCs; however, additional research is warranted to ascertain if addressing these lifestyle factors can effectively diminish vaccine ADRs and if raising public awareness on factors that may affect ADRs and anticipated ADRs can mitigate the various barriers to vaccination.

In a press release regarding the study findings, researchers noted that vaccine ADRs were all influenced by stress, BMI, exercise, and the use of hormonal birth control. The researchers discovered a significant correlation between stress and one’s perception of the intensity of the ADRs from the vaccine.

One of the authors, Catherine J. Andersen, stated, “Whether stress influences psychological perception of side effects, or whether stress responses lead to biological changes that result in side effects and impact efficacy of SARS-CoV2 vaccines, as it has been shown to do with other vaccines, is worth studying.

“My lab will be able to immediately take these factors and use the knowledge we gained to better understand individualized responses to lifestyle and dietary interventions that are aimed at achieving specific immune outcomes.” Dr. Andersen added, “The long-term goal is to make vaccines more effective and at the same time minimize side effects or adverse responses that may influence acceptance of potentially lifesaving, preventative health measures.”

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