Comparison of the effect of high-dose versus the recommended dose of vitamin D supplementation on serum 25(OH)D levels in osteopenic women over 50 years old

Alireza  Bagheri; Hamid Reza Aghaei  Meybodi; Akbar  Soltani; Mohammadreza  Mohajeri-Tehrani; Ramin  Heshmat; Bagher  Larijani

doi:10.18502/ijdl.v25i2.20222

Alireza Bagheri Internal Medicine Department, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Hamid Reza Aghaei Meybodi Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Akbar Soltani Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Mohammadreza Mohajeri-Tehrani Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Ramin Heshmat Chronic Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Bagher Larijani Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijdl.v25i2.20222

Keywords: High dose vitD supplement, Serum 25(OH)D, Osteopenia, Hypercalciuria

Abstract

Background: Vitamin D (vitD) deficiency is common in Iran. Although there are several studies on therapeutic dosesof vitD, the optimal dose is to be evolved. we compared the effects of high dose supplemental vitamin D versus itsrecommended dose on the serum level of 25(OH)D.

Methods: This clinical trial was performed at Endocrine & Metabolism Research Institute in Shariati Hospital, Tehran,Iran within 2008-2009. The subjects were osteopenic women older than 50 years who had been referred to BoneDensitometry laboratory. They were received either (group P) 50000u vitD3 weekly for 3 months then monthly foranother 9 months, or (group M) 800u vitD3 daily for one year. 1000 mg calcium carbonate was given to both groups.Serum 25(OH)D, calcium, phosphorus, and PTH was checked at base, 3rd, 6th and 12th month. 24h Urine for calciumwas collected before and at the end of trial.

Result: Serum 25(OH)D level was significantly higher in group P at 3rd month (P< 0.05), but it gradually declined andthere was not statistically difference to group M. PTH decreased in both groups. Urine calcium to creatinine ratio did notrise in both groups.

Conclusion: vitD supplement at doses of 50000u weekly for 3 months then monthly for another 9 months as compareto 800u vitD3 daily for one year increases serum 25(OH)D at higher level without causing hypercalcemia andhypercalciuria, but it seems that more frequent doses in monthly period would be required to maintain the optimal25(OH)D level