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The effect of intramuscular vitamin D (cholecalciferol) on serum 25OH vitamin D levels in older female acute hospital admissions

Irish Journal of Medical Science volume 179, pages 57–61 (2010)Cite this article

Abstract

Introduction

Many studies have demonstrated the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency in the older population.

Objective

This study sought to determine whether supplementation with intramuscular vitamin D improved 25OH vitamin D levels significantly.

Subjects

Ninety female inpatients aged over 65 years were assigned to receive 300,000 IU of intramuscular vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) or no intervention.

Methods

Baseline 25OH vitamin D and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) levels were taken and repeated 3 months after supplementation.

Results

Patients who received treatment showed a significant improvement in 25OH vitamin D levels, from 25.5 to 81 nmol/L with 11% remaining deficient. No patient became hypercalcaemic after treatment.

Conclusions

Vitamin D deficiency is common throughout all age groups in the Irish population and particularly the older female population who have increased risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Intramuscular vitamin D significantly improves 25OH vitamin D levels compared to no treatment and may combat non-compliance with oral medication.

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Author information

Affiliations

  1. Department of Medicine for the Elderly, University College Hospital Galway, Galway, Ireland

    C. Nugent, K. Roche, S. Wilson & E. Mulkerrin

  2. Department of Clinical Biochemistry, University College Hospital Galway, Galway, Ireland

    M. Fitzgibbon, D. Griffin & N. NiChaidhin

Authors
  1. C. Nugent
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  2. K. Roche
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  3. S. Wilson
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  4. M. Fitzgibbon
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  5. D. Griffin
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  6. N. NiChaidhin
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  7. E. Mulkerrin
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to C. Nugent.

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Nugent, C., Roche, K., Wilson, S. et al. The effect of intramuscular vitamin D (cholecalciferol) on serum 25OH vitamin D levels in older female acute hospital admissions. Ir J Med Sci 179, 57–61 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-009-0410-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-009-0410-9

Keywords

  • Vitamin D
  • Intramuscular
  • Old age