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A Taste Comparison of Two Different Liquid Colecalciferol (Vitamin D3) Preparations in Healthy Newborns and Infants

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Abstract

Background: It is recommended that Swiss infants have a minimum intake of 10.0μg of colecalciferol (vitamin D3) per day during the first 12 months of life. For this reason they are prescribed an alcoholic solution containing colecalciferol. However, it has been stated that the palatability to infants of the alcoholic colecalciferol preparation is poor.

Methods: In an ambulatory care setting, the palatability of two liquid preparations that contained colecalciferol dissolved in either alcohol or in vegetable oil was investigated in 40 healthy newborns and 30 infants. Each study subject sampled both preparations once, and the blinded mother rated the child’s reaction on a visual analogue scale that incorporated a facial hedonic scale.

Results: In 38 newborns, oily colecalciferol was preferred with no difference between the two preparations in the remaining two cases. In 27 infants, oily colecalciferol was preferred with no difference between the two preparations in three infants. None of the 70 study subjects preferred the alcoholic preparation. The difference between the two preparations was significant both in newborns (p < 0.0001) and in infants (p < 0.0005).

Conclusion: From the perspective of the child, the taste of oily colecalciferol is superior to that of alcoholic colecalciferol.

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Acknowledgements

No sources of funding were used to assist in the preparation of this study. The authors have no conflicts of interest that are directly relevant to the content of this study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Pediatrics, Ospedale della Beata Vergine Mendrisio and Ospedale San Giovanni, Bellinzona, Switzerland

    Juan M. Martínez, Federica Bartoli, Elena Recaldini, Laure Lavanchy &  Mario G. Bianchetti

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  1. Juan M. Martínez
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  2. Federica Bartoli
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  3. Elena Recaldini
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  4. Laure Lavanchy
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  5. Mario G. Bianchetti
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Correspondence to Mario G. Bianchetti.

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Martínez, J.M., Bartoli, F., Recaldini, E. et al. A Taste Comparison of Two Different Liquid Colecalciferol (Vitamin D3) Preparations in Healthy Newborns and Infants. Clin. Drug Investig. 26, 663–665 (2006). https://doi.org/10.2165/00044011-200626110-00006

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.2165/00044011-200626110-00006

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