Effects of vitamin D supplementation on symptoms and clinical outcomes in adults with different baseline vitamin D levels: an interventional study

Abstract Background Hypovitaminosis D or vitamin D deficiency is a significant public health issue. Several vitamin D preparations are currently available. However, there is no consensus on the optimal dose and duration of vitamin D supplementation. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of vitami...

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Main Authors: Osama Albasheer, Siddig Ibrahim Abdelwahab, Ahmad Alqassim, Hatim Alessa, Afnan Madkhali, Afaf Hakami, Jamal Mohieddin, Anas E. Ahmed, Suhaila Ali, Amani Abdelmola, Omar Oraibi, Amal. H. Mohamed, Gassem Gohal, Ahmed Abdallah Altraifi, Isameldin E. Medani
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2025-05-01
Series:Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s41043-025-00881-8
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Summary:Abstract Background Hypovitaminosis D or vitamin D deficiency is a significant public health issue. Several vitamin D preparations are currently available. However, there is no consensus on the optimal dose and duration of vitamin D supplementation. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of vitamin D supplementation on symptoms and clinical outcomes in adults with insufficient or deficient baseline vitamin D levels. Method A pre-post two-month intervention with 50,000 IU vitamin D3 supplementation for adults with documented insufficient or deficient baseline vitamin D levels, presented at Jazan University Hospital from August to December 2022. Results Of the 204 participants, 65.1% had baseline vitamin D levels < 30 nmol/L. Vitamin D insufficiency is more prevalent among females, older adults, married individuals, and those with low income. However, these differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.5). The symptoms and clinical outcomes were significantly improved after 2 months of vitamin D3 supplementation for the participants who achieved vitamin D levels > 50 nmol/L (p = 0.000). After adjusting for multiple confounders, the significant determinants of symptom improvement and clinical outcomes post-supplementation included education level, income, smoking status, and baseline vitamin D level. Conclusions Hypovitaminosis D or vitamin D deficiency was observed in study participants. The use of a 50,000 IU cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) orally once per week for two months is sufficient to improve the symptoms and clinical outcomes of vitamin D deficiency. However, long-term follow-up could better assess the sustainability of benefits and explore long-term outcomes, such as the risk of deficiency recurrence. Clinical trial number Not applicable
ISSN:2072-1315