The effect of intramuscular vitamin D (cholecalciferol) on serum 25OH vitamin D levels in older female acute hospital admissions.
Ir J Med Sci. 2010 Mar;179(1):57-61. Epub 2009 Aug 28.
Nugent C, Roche K, Wilson S, Fitzgibbon M, Griffin D, Nichaidhin N, Mulkerrin E.
Department of Medicine for the Elderly, University College Hospital Galway, Galway, Ireland. cathalnugent at gmail.com
INTRODUCTION: Many studies have demonstrated the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency in the older population.
OBJECTIVE: This study sought to determine whether supplementation with intramuscular vitamin D improved 25OH vitamin D levels significantly.
SUBJECTS: Ninety female inpatients aged over 65 years were assigned to receive 300,000 IU of intramuscular vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) or no intervention.
METHODS: Baseline 25OH vitamin D and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) levels were taken and repeated 3 months after supplementation.
RESULTS: Patients who received treatment showed a significant improvement in 25OH vitamin D levels, from 25.5 to 81 nmol/L with 11% remaining deficient. No patient became hypercalcaemic after treatment.
CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D deficiency is common throughout all age groups in the Irish population and particularly the older female population who have increased risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Intramuscular vitamin D significantly improves 25OH vitamin D levels compared to no treatment and may combat non-compliance with oral medication. PMID: 19714394
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