Differences in outcomes between cholecalciferol and ergocalciferol supplementation in veterans with inflammatory bowel disease

Aim: Vitamin D deficiency is a global health issue associated with increased health‐care costs, and could play a role in the pathogenesis and management of inflammatory bowel disease. Prior studies show a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in veterans with inflammatory bowel disease. We aimed to examine the outcome differences in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, comparing treatment with ergocalciferol to cholecalciferol. Methods: A retrospective review of electronic medical records of patients with inflammatory bowel disease at a Veterans Affairs Medical Facility in the Southeastern United States was carried out. Those with at least one serum 25(OH) vitamin D level were included. Initial and follow‐up vitamin D values were recorded. The type of vitamin D supplementation, whether cholecalciferol or ergocalciferol, was documented. Costs in the year after measurement of vitamin D were divided into separate inpatient and outpatient categories. Results: Veterans (n = 108) with ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease and an available 25(OH) vitamin D level were studied. There were differences in follow‐up vitamin D levels; those who received weekly ergocalciferol had higher subsequent levels than those who received cholecalciferol, especially at a second follow up, although differences did not achieve statistical significance. However, those who received vitamin D3 were less likely to use laboratory, pharmacy, radiology and fee‐based services, and had lower laboratory and pharmacy costs. Conclusions: Our data suggest that cholecalciferol replacement might improve outcomes to a greater extent than ergocalciferol, and might be better in limiting health‐care costs and expenses in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2012; 12: 475–480.