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Vitamin D supplementation in a nursing home population
Gerry K Schwalfenberg1, Stephen J Genuis
1Department of Family Practice, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. gschwalf@telus.net
Molecular Nutrition & Food Research
|May 5, 2010
Summary
Daily vitamin D(3) supplementation of 2000 IU effectively normalized 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D(3)] levels in most nursing home residents. This intervention improved vitamin D status without reaching toxic levels, highlighting its safety and efficacy.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Nutritional Science
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Nursing home residents are highly susceptible to vitamin D insufficiency.
- Vitamin D deficiency is linked to increased morbidity and mortality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess if 2000 IU of daily vitamin D(3) supplementation can normalize 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D(3)] levels in nursing home residents.
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of this supplementation regimen.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 68 nursing home patients.
- Analysis of 25(OH)D(3) levels after a minimum of 5 months of daily 2000 IU vitamin D(3) supplementation.
Main Results:
- 94.1% of residents achieved 25(OH)D(3) levels above 80 nmol/L.
- No toxic levels of 25(OH)D(3) were observed in any participant.
- Sustained supplementation effectively improved vitamin D status.
Conclusions:
- Routine daily supplementation with 2000 IU of vitamin D(3) is recommended for nursing home patients.
- This regimen is effective in normalizing vitamin D status and preventing insufficiency-related health issues.
- Supplementation should be implemented unless contraindications exist.
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