Effect of vitamin D supplementation on bone health parameters of healthy young Indian women

Summary

There is a huge prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in the Indian population. We studied the efficacy and safety of oral vitamin D supplementation in apparently healthy adult women. Monthly cholecalciferol given orally, 60,000 IU/month during summers and 120,000 IU/month during winters, safely increases 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels to near normal levels.

Introduction

There is a huge burden of hypovitaminosis D in the Indian population. The current recommendation for vitamin D supplementation is not supported by sufficient evidence.

Methods

Study subjects included 100 healthy adult women of reproductive age group from hospital staff. They were randomized into group A (control) and group B (supplement) by simple randomization. Group B received 60,000 IU of cholecalciferol/month administered orally for 3 months, and then group A received 60,000 IU and group B 120,000 IU/month for 6 months.

Results

Mean baseline 25(OH)D level was 4.5?±?3.1 ng/ml and parathyroid hormone level was 50?±?25 pg/ml. In group B, 25(OH)D levels increased from 4.8?±?3.5 to 31.6?±?15.5 ng/ml (P?P?P?Conclusion Our data show that monthly administration of 60,000 IU cholecalciferol in healthy subjects with hypovitaminosis D may suffice in summer months, but higher doses may be more appropriate during winter months.