Abstract
Background: Vitamin D3 supplements are available as tablets or oil drops, but there is no consensus as to whether either of these preparations is more effective than the other. Methods: We compared the effectiveness of tablets versus oil in raising S-25-hydroxyvitamin D (S-25-OHD) in plasma by re-analyzing data from a previously performed observational study in which immunodeficient patients with S-25-OHD concentrations <75 nmol/L were randomly prescribed vitamin D3 tablets (1600 IU/day) or vitamin D3 oil-drops (1500 IU/day) for twelve months. Tablets and oil were compared for the effect on S-25-OHD concentrations after 3–5 months and antibiotic use. Results: Data on S-25-OHD after ≥ 3 months was available for 137 patients treated with tablets and 69 with oil drops. Both groups exhibited a significant increase in S-25-OHD—oil-drops from 55 to 86 nmol/L and tablets from 52 to 87 nmol/L—with no difference between groups (p = 0.77). In a subgroup of patients without immunoglobulin replacement, vitamin D3 supplementation with oil drops (n = 34) but not with tablets (n = 60) resulted in significantly lower antibiotic administration (p < 0.001 and p = 0.58). Conclusion: Vitamin D3 supplementation with tablets and oil drops were equally efficient in raising S-25-OHD concentrations. Only oil drops caused a reduction in antibiotic consumption in immuno-deficient patients who did not receive immunoglobulin replacement.
Highlights
Vitamin D3, or cholecalciferol, is a compound synthesized endogenously from cholesterol.The synthesis takes place in the skin using energy from UVB radiation in sunlight
This study showed that vitamin D3 -supplemented patients had a lower infectious score and fewer respiratory tract infections compared to the placebo group [9,10]
The cohort was reduced to n = 137 patients treated with tablets and n = 69 patients treated with oral drops, after excluding patients with missing S-25-OHD concentration values, as well as two patients in the oil drops group who unexpectedly exhibited significantly decreased concentrations of
Summary
Vitamin D3 , or cholecalciferol, is a compound synthesized endogenously from cholesterol.The synthesis takes place in the skin using energy from UVB radiation in sunlight. Vitamin D3 , or cholecalciferol, is a compound synthesized endogenously from cholesterol. Vitamin D3 is hydroxylated into its active form 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25-OHD) in a two-step hydroxylation process. The active form 1,25-OHD binds to the vitamin D receptor, which is present in many tissues. Vitamin D plays an important role in calcium homeostasis, contributes to maintaining bone health, and modulates both innate and adaptive immune responses [1,2,3]. Vitamin D status of an individual is assessed by measuring 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) concentrations in serum or plasma, which is relatively stable and has a longer half-life compared to the active metabolite. Vitamin D3 supplements are available as tablets or oil drops, but there is no consensus as to whether either of these preparations is more effective than the other
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
