Abstract
Background: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a single monthly dose of cholecalciferol in healthy school children.
Methods: A total of 118 children of class VI of a residential school were selected to receive vitamin D supplementation in the form of oral cholecalciferol 60,000 IU monthly. Serum calcium and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) levels were estimated at 0 and 12 months. The proportion of subjects achieving vitamin D sufficiency was assessed.
Results: The mean 25OHD levels increased significantly from 12.04±5.27 ng/mL at baseline to 32.6±7.05 ng/mL after 12 months of supplementation (p<0.001). None developed hypercalcemia.
Conclusions: Vitamin D supplementation in the doses of 60,000 IU monthly is a reasonable, safe and cost-effective regimen for children to attain and maintain vitamin D sufficiency.
Acknowledgments
I acknowledge the help of Ms. Neelam Sharma and the management, staff and students of Vidygyan School, Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, India who helped in conducting the study. I also thank Mr. Manish K Singh who helped in carrying out the statistical analysis.
Contributions: MSK, GSJ and AM: design of the study, collection and analysis of data, and writing of the manuscript; SKM: collection and analysis of data; DN: laboratory work
Funding: None
Competing interests: None
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