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Vitamin D supplementation may reduce hypovitaminosis D in trauma patients
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Use of a calcium and vitamin D supplementation regimen among patients who experienced orthopedic trauma may effectively reduce hypovitaminosis D within several weeks, according to results published in The Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma.
Heather A. Vallier , MD, and colleagues provided 144 patients treated for acute fractures with 600-mg calcium and 800 IU vitamin D3 capsules twice daily. Researchers collected serum 25(OH) D levels on presentation and after supplementation. Patients completed surveys to help determine adherence, vitamin D intake and sun exposure.
Including nine patients on a vitamin D supplement regimen prior to injury, results showed patients had a mean baseline 25(OH) D level of 20.2 ng/mL. Overall, 77 patients who were prescribed calcium and vitamin D supplements when discharged completed a survey at 7 weeks. Researchers found a mean 25(OH) D level of 36.7 ng/mL at a mean of 7 weeks of supplementation use. Supplement recommendations were adhered to by 79% of patients, according to results, and all patients who adhered to recommendations achieved normal levels. Researchers noted nonadherence in 16 patients, of whom 10 forgot to take the supplement; four chose not to use it; one chose to sell the sample; and one lost the sample.
“Hypovitaminosis D is highly prevalent among orthopedic trauma patients,” Vallier told Healio.com/Orthopedics. “Within several weeks of taking 1,200 units per day, levels have normalized. This inexpensive intervention appears effective in treating hypovitaminosis D; we recommend it along with calcium to all trauma patients who are not taking supplements already.” – by Casey Tingle
Disclosure s : The authors report no relevant financial disclosures.
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