Comparison of two vitamin D supplementation strategies in children with sickle cell disease: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Previously, we showed that nearly 70% of children followed in our sickle cell disease (SCD) clinic were vitamin D- deficient and had low vitamin intake with poor use of supplements. We compared the change in serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], safety and clinical impact of two vitamin D supplementation regimens in children with SCD. Children (5–17 years, all genotypes) were randomized to a single bolus of vitamin D3 (300 000 IU; n = 18) or placebo (n = 20). All children received a prescription for daily 1 000 IU vitamin D3. Serum 25(OH)D and calcium, urinary calcium/creatinine ratio, musculoskeletal pain, quality of life, haematology and bone markers were assessed at baseline and three months post intervention. Bolus administration led to a greater rise in 25(OH)D levels from baseline compared to placebo (20 ± 16 nmol/l vs. 2 ± 19 nmol/l; P = 0·003) and correction of vitamin D deficiency. No hypercalcaemia nor hypercalciuria occurred during the study, but more children in the bolus group experienced gastrointestinal symptoms within the first month (P = 0·04). There were no differences between groups for other outcomes. The use of a high-dose vitamin D bolus combined with daily 1 000 IU vitamin D3 was more efficient in raising 25(OH)D levels than daily supplementation alone in children with SCD.