The influence of vitamin D intake on serum calcium in tuberculosis

We report the first prospective controlled study designed to determine the effect of vitamin D ingestion on serum calcium concentration in patients with tuberculosis. Every patient admitted to the tuberculosis ward over a 6 month period, who was free of any condition which might influence serum calcium concentration, was randomly assigned to one of two groups. The diet of the first group was substituted with ergocalciferol 5000 units daily. The diet of the second group was not supplemented. In addition, the second group was randomly subdivided into two subgroups. The first subgroup received a diet unrestricted in vitamin D. The second subgroup received a diet containing less than 50 units of vitamin D. Serum calcium was determined at weekly intervals. In contradistinction to the results of a previously reported retrospective study, there was no significant difference between the group receiving supplemental vitamin D and the control group at any time during the entire period of study. Furthermore, there was no significant difference between the subgroup of patients receiving normal dietary vitamin D and the subgroup maintained on the diet restricted in vitamin D.