Daily Vitamin D Supplementation Compared to a Loading Dose and Monthly Supplementation in Elderly Nursing Home Residents
Daily Vitamin D Supplementation Compared to a Loading Dose and Monthly Supplementation in Elderly Nursing Home Residents
Vitamin D deficiency is common in older persons, in particular in residents of nursing homes.
 This is mainly explained by the fact that older persons do not often go outside in the
 sunshine. On top of that the capacity of the skin to synthesize provitamin D is decreased and
 dietary vitamin D intake is low. Vitamin D deficiency leads to osteoporosis, falls and
 fractures. To prevent morbidity and mortality due to falls and fractures it seems logical to
 supplement vit D in order to correct the deficiency. The advised daily dose of vit D
 supplementation is 800 IU. Several studies showed that with this dose the required serum
 25(OH)D levels will not be reached.

 primary objective of this study is:

 -  to investigate whether with a loading dose based on body weight and baseline serum
 25(OH)D level more patients reach adequate serum 25(OH)D levels compared to 800 IU a
 day.

 -  to determine the best consolidation treatment.

 Secondary objective

 -  is a loading dose based on body weight and baseline serum 25(OH)D level safe to use in
 residents of nursing homes.

 -  is there a relation between the increase in serum 25(OH)D level and muscle strength
 (handgrip strength).

 -  is there a relation between the increase in serum 25(OH)D level and mobility (2 minute
 walk test).

 Study design:

 Randomised trial with 3 study groups:

 -  Group 1a. loading dose based on body weight and baseline serum 25(OH)D level + 50.000 IU
 vit D3/month consolidation therapy.

 -  Group 1b. loading dose based on body weight and baseline serum 25(OH)D level + 25.000 IU
 vit D3/month consolidation therapy.

 -  Group 2. 800 IU vit D3/ dag.

 Study population:

 Vitamine D deficient residents of nursing homes, 65 years or older.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Long term indication for living in a residential home for the elderly

 -  Age > 65 years

 -  Vitamin D deficiency (serum 25- hydroxycholecholecalciferol (25(OH)D3 < 50 nmol/l)

 -  Informed Consent

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Hypercalcemia (serum CA > 2.60 mmol/l)

 -  Life expectancy < 1/2 year

 -  Multivitamin use including > 400 IE vit D

 -  Non-functional dominant arm