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Effectiveness and Safety of a High‐Dose Weekly Vitamin D (20,000 IU ) Protocol in Older Adults Living in Residential Care
Author(s) -
Feldman Fabio,
Moore Crystal,
Silva Liz,
Gaspard Gina,
Gustafson Larry,
Singh Sonia,
Barr Susan I.,
Kitts David D.,
Li Wangyang,
Weiler Hope A.,
Green Timothy J.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
journal of the american geriatrics society
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.992
H-Index - 232
eISSN - 1532-5415
pISSN - 0002-8614
DOI - 10.1111/jgs.12927
Subject(s) - medicine , protocol (science) , gerontology , vitamin d and neurology , physical therapy , alternative medicine , pathology
Objectives To report 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25 OHD ) concentrations, an indicator of vitamin D status, in older adults living in residential care 1 year after a protocol of weekly 20,000 IU of vitamin D was started. Design Cross‐sectional. Setting Five residential care facilities in B ritish C olumbia, C anada. Participants Residents aged 65 and older from five facilities (N = 236). Measurements Participants provided a blood sample. Demographic and health information was obtained from the medical record. Results Mean 25 OHD was 102 nmol/L (95% confidence interval ( CI ) = 98–106 nmol/L). Three percent of residents had a 25 OHD concentration of less than 40 nmol/L, 6% <50 nmol/L, and 19% <75 nmol/L. In those who received 20,000 IU/wk or more for 6 months or longer (n = 147), mean 25 OHD was 112 nmol/L (95% CI = 108–117 nmol/L), and none had a 25 OHD level of less than 50 nmol/L. Hypercalcemia (>2.6 mmol/L), a potential consequence of too much vitamin D, was present in 14%, although 25 OHD levels did not differ in those with and without hypercalcemia (108 vs 101 nmol/L; P = .17). Conclusion Twelve months after implementation of a 20,000‐ IU /wk vitamin D protocol for older adults in residential care, mean 25 OHD concentrations were high, and there was no evidence of poor vitamin D status. Given the absence of demonstrated benefit of high 25 OHD concentrations to the residential care population, dosages less than 20,000 IU /wk of vitamin D are recommended.