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 < 0.001) in 3 months. Interestingly, the increase, although of lower magnitude, was also observed in control group A, from 4.5 ± 3.4 ng/ml (in spring) to 10.8 ± 7.2 ng/ml (in summer; P < 0.001). In group A (60,000 IU/month), mean 25(OH)D level had increased to 22.3 ± 12.4 ng/ml (P < 0.001) at 9 months (winter). In group B (120,000 IU/month), 25(OH)D levels were maintained at 30.7 ± 12.8 ng/ml at 9 months (winter). 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.