A weekly 35,000 IU vitamin D supplementation improves bone turnover markers in vitamin D deficient Saudi adolescent females

Abstract

Summary: This study examined the effects of weekly 35,000 IU vitamin D supplementation for 4 weeks on bone turnover markers (BTMs). There was improvement in the levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH), osteocalcin, and carboxy-terminal telopeptides of crosslinks of type 1 collagen (βCTX) which paralleled the increase in vitamin D levels. Purpose: The effects of vitamin D supplementation on bone turnover markers (BTMs) have been inconsistent. This study examined the effects of weekly 35,000 IU vitamin D supplementation for 1 month on BTMs. Methods: Sixty-eight vitamin D deficient adolescent females were given 35,000 IU of vitamin D3 for 4 weeks. Pre and post intervention blood samples were taken for 25(OH) D, PTH, osteocalcin and βCTX. Results: There was a significant increase in serum 25 (OH) D in the post intervention period which was accompanied by a significant decrease in PTH, osteocalcin and βCTX (P < 0.001). Conclusions: We concluded that weekly 35,000 IU vitamin D supplementation for 4 weeks results in significant improvement of BTMs.